Where are the best gyms in Wollongong? Photo: Flamingo Images.
If you’re looking to improve your physical and mental health, you might want to join a reliable, well-equipped gym that suits your personality and exercise needs.
Heading to the gym regularly can increase your energy levels, help you sleep better, enhance your general strength, relieve stress, and make you feel better all round.
Gyms can also be great places to meet new friends, and since many enjoy better results when they work out together rather than exercising alone, it’s a win-win for all involved.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a gym, and share where to find the best in Wollongong.
What makes a great gym?
With so many types of gyms on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which is right for you, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned gym junkie. What’s important is to select a gym with the right atmosphere and equipment, as well as one that is safe and positive for everyone attending.
Here are a few key factors you should consider when choosing a gym:
- Membership value. The fitness industry and gym landscape are evolving with members wanting more value. You’ll want to assess several factors when choosing a gym, beyond price. Does the gym have a sense of community? What services does it provide? Does it offer enhanced training experiences, say with coaching and new technology?
- Screening. No matter what gym or training experience you have, all gyms should demonstrate due diligence to new members. You’ll need to fill in certain forms and will want a gym that will provide guidance on technique and feedback for your personal progression.
- Equipment. The equipment in a gym can make or break your exercise routine. The best gyms in Wollongong are stocked with a wide variety of top-quality and well-maintained equipment. The question is whether the equipment is the right kind for you.
- Staff knowledge. Staff should be properly trained and qualified to perform the duties they’re performing. Check the gym’s website for staff credentials so you’re confident you can ask questions about using all equipment and exercising in a safe way.
- Affordable and flexible. Many types and levels of gym memberships are available, depending on factors such as the number of times you’ll head in for a fitness workout, whether you want classes, what hours you want to train, and length of membership. Prices vary and take into account the hours a gym is open for training.
- Community. Gyms with a great sense of community will inspire you. Staff should be motivating and encouraging. They should make you feel welcome and comfortable.
The best gyms in Wollongong
Region Illawarra’s editorial team has compiled a comprehensive list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best in Wollongong series, each business needs to have maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google and Facebook, and have plenty of positive reviews.
Warehouse Gym Fitness
Warehouse Gym Fitness (WGF) is a new Wollongong fitness provider offering the equipment and know-how to coach clients through almost any type of workout.
Members are in complete control of their membership, pay no upfront fees and can cancel/pause at any time.
The WGF team is also committed to making everyone feel comfortable, stating, "As Wollongong’s newest 24/7 gym, we are ALWAYS open and ready to welcome you to training in our all-inclusive and family friendly gym."
Better Shape Fitness
Better Shape Fitness is Wollongong's leading specialist in mature age fitness and weight loss.
"Our area of expertise is teaching mature age people how to get the body and health they want while working around injuries, health issues or low self-esteem," founders Kylie and Brad Taylor say.
Through what they call 'PTs On Demand', Kylie and Brad have ensured an experienced trainer will always be present and happy to assist gymgoers at no extra cost.
Anytime Fitness Wollongong
Wollongong's local iteration of the internationally popular Anytime Fitness is complete with world-class equipment and expertise for anything a gymgoer might need.
Whether clients' focus is on cardio, strength or functional fitness, Anytime Fitness Wollongong has them covered.
Joel Perera left a glowing review on Google: "Was visiting from Sydney and needed a gym to train at, being a personal trainer I’m very particular about where I train. This gym has by far the best equipment in Wollongong."
F45 Functional Training Wollongong CBD
Owned by professional coaches Bec and Aaron, F45 Wollongong CBD is the local iteration of a worldwide fitness phenomenon.
F45 combines nutrition, challenge, and accountability with group functional fitness and HIIT workouts to build lean muscle and improve cardiovascular health.
Josie said on Google, "F45 has both improved on my fitness levels and my social and emotional well-being. The trainers are highly supportive and motivate everyone in the group training sessions to be the best versions of ourselves"
Definition Fitness Training
Definition Fitness Training (DFT) is a multidisciplinary gym set in south east Wollongong.
DFT's small but mighty team of coaches, each with their own story behind their fitness passion, have a fantastic reputation for ensuring results.
Founder Daniel Knust is a highly qualified coach, professional natural bodybuilder, powerlifter, personal trainer and mentor. Having been crowned Mr Australia in ICN, Daniel has more than enough skill and experience to help gymgoers achieve their fitness goals and beyond.
Your experience with gyms in Wollongong
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Do you have experience with any of the Wollongong gyms listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect from a good gym?
A good gym should be well equipped, hygienic, staffed with professional and friendly trainers, and offer a wide range of classes, including for those who prefer guided exercise to independent workouts. When shopping around for a new gym, do some trials to get a feel for the place. Take note of some of these qualifiers, and look out for the most important one - how comfortable you feel in the gym!
I'm a beginner. Can I still join a gym?
Absolutely. A good gym caters to all levels of fitness and experience, especially to those who haven't worked out in such an environment a great deal in the past. A good place to start would be to take a few classes your gym offers, or consider hiring a personal trainer to guide your fitness journey, gain great results and keep you safe from injury.
Are gyms worth the membership price?
This depends on what kind of membership you're looking for. Gym memberships are priced on how many facilities you have access to. Lower-tiered memberships can, for example, give you access to the basics and all the classes on offer, while higher-tiered memberships might give you access to things such as steam rooms, pools, discounts on items for sale, and maybe some deals on personal trainers. Think about what you want from a gym and whether any of these services will help you. Then decide which gym is best for your needs.
How often should I go to the gym?
Going to the gym more often will give you faster results, but you need to be careful not to risk injury by overdoing it. Depending on your fitness level, you could go a couple of times or perhaps even three to four times a week. There is no hard-and-fast rule, and frequency depends on your goals, fitness levels and how much time you have to commit.
What should I do at the gym?
When starting at a gym, the array of equipment and number of classes can feel overwhelming. Talk to staff and ask for recommendations based on your fitness goals. Even ask for a quick tutorial on how to use any equipment you're unsure about. You can also try out different classes. Soon you'll have a good grasp of what works best for you.
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