Brunswick City Baths

After envying my wife’s membership I went to the Sunday afternoon BodyPump class that is recommended for beginners. The instructor was excellent and helped me feel confident while I squatted to the Killers and pressed to Katy Perry.
The next day everything hurt. It continued for a few days after that. I persisted though and have already tripled the weight I can lift.
I’ve also improved my running after learning from their Run Club instructors and enjoyed their pools and sauna. It’s a very welcoming place.

I see the reviews here are old– before the renovation so I’m not sure they apply at all anymore.
It’s a complete renovation. Brand new gym, indoor/​outdoor/​toddler pools and splash pad.
Their group classes are in another old building and I recently did my first class in there. Like most gyms, the yoga class is run in the same room that other high energy classes are run which involve sweat and sneakers so a little icky when you are barefoot and face to the floor in yoga (Virgin gym being the exception with a dedicated yoga/​Pilates studio). But the yoga class was decent and desperately needed so I’ll be back for more.
The outdoor pool is Olympic size but there is not enough grass on the surrounds to accommodate everyone so I’m sitting on cement writing this. They should put out some umbrellas out for shade at least.
Overall a new, clean place with all the facilities you need.

The Brunswick pool is probably my overall least favourite of the clutch we have in the inner north, but that’s not to say I don’t like it.
Pluses: It’s in a prime location and is close to trains, trams, bike paths and there’s plenty of parking; it is awesomely deep at the deep end, like five metres, so you get this crazy kind of claustrophobia when crossing the threshold from shallow to deep; it’s pretty rustic and there are decidedly fewer poseurs and weirdos than the rest, though there can be a pretty annoying teen element that gets a bit wearisome.
Minuses: Too may shit-​brained teenagers; more expensive than Fitzroy and shitter resources; staff culture does not seem good, lots of blank expressions and general unhelpfulness.
Overall it’s a great asset for the area, but it could be a lot better.

Run by the YMCA, this community fitness facility is an affordable way for the whole family to keep fit and healthy.
The centre boasts a fully-​equipped gymnasium with free weights, toning machines, stretching area with mats, exercise bikes, treadmills, steppers, rowers… the whole shebang. Friendly, professional trainers are always around to give you fitness advice and guidance. There is also workout room for group fitness classes like Zumba, yoga and pilates, and the well-​known ‘Body’ range of classes (Pump, Balance, Attack).
If jumping around isn’t your thing, then perhaps you’ll prefer a bit of splashing around in the indoor and outdoor pools. Afterwards, relax those tired (and perfectly toned) muscles in the sauna and spa area. Bliss.
Take note though, the centre is undergoing major renovations at the moment and therefore pool and spa facilities are currently unavailable. It will be several more months before the new centre is revealed, but if the plans I’ve seen are anything to go by, it will be worth the wait.
The centre’s temporary address is 9 Phoenix Street, Brunswick, just behind the original building. Get updates on the progress of renovations on their Facebook page.