This gym offers parking right outside and is situated next to a large rugby field. The gym itself is very modern and clean looking with an extensive amount of cardio equipment which takes up the whole downstrairs area. One wall of this area is a large window which looks out over the rugby field. It is used as a showroom for new 'Nautilus' equipment on occasion so members get to try the newest innovations. Upstairs is the weights area with a whole room dedicated to this-the amount of weights equipment is abundant. One whole wall of this space is also a wondow overlooking the rugby fields which offers a lovely open-plan feel. Upstairs is also a room for spin classes and a large open space for other classes or for the use of members when no classes are taking place. There are a variety of classes available along with circuits and personal training regimes.
The changing rooms are very nice with electronic locking lockers and hairdryers, they have a modern and clean feeling about them.
Trying to get in touch with this gym via email proved unsatisfying however, I never recieved any replies to any of my enquiries so it was best to just go in.
Genesis offers various memberships ranging from 3 month terms to the usual longer periods, all at fairly reasonable prices.
Overall a nice, modern and varied gym.
Next Post: Burn Fitness Takapuna
Tuesday 8 November 2011
Baywave-Mount Maunganui
I really enjoy going to this gym. The gym itself is located upstairs overlooking the entire pool facility which offers a nice distraction and lots of things to watch whilst slogging away on a bike or the like. It is a medium sized gym with about 6 of each cardio machine and 3 rowers. The brand used is 'Technogym'. This equipment is situated in the centre of the gym space with some weights equipment down either end. There are plenty of free weights and weights machines, all very similar to Les Mills. The gym never seems too crowded. Baywave's classes are of the Les Mills variety which are always reliable for providing a challenge.
If paying for just a casual pass at the gym ($10 for a student or $18 or a day pass) you are entitled to the use of the gym and also the whole pool facility during your visit. The pools include a deep lane pool-unsure on specifics but too deep to be even close to touching the bottom, another pool with a shallow side where children can play, this pool has a gradual gradient and aquarobics classes are taken in the slightly deeper section, with aquajogging possible in the very deep side. This pool also doubles as a wave pool at certain times of the day. There is also a childrens pool, a spa and steam and sauna rooms, along with various fountain-type attractions for childrens play. A cafe is available with a view of the pools.
The gym changing rooms are nice with regular showers and hair dryers for convenience. The pool changing rooms are not as aesthetically pleasing and do not have hairdryers but are still functional.
The gym staff are friendly and accomodating and do not get in the way.
There is extensive free and unlimited parking right outside the Baywave complex in a large carpark.
Next Post: Genesis Fitness Auckland
If paying for just a casual pass at the gym ($10 for a student or $18 or a day pass) you are entitled to the use of the gym and also the whole pool facility during your visit. The pools include a deep lane pool-unsure on specifics but too deep to be even close to touching the bottom, another pool with a shallow side where children can play, this pool has a gradual gradient and aquarobics classes are taken in the slightly deeper section, with aquajogging possible in the very deep side. This pool also doubles as a wave pool at certain times of the day. There is also a childrens pool, a spa and steam and sauna rooms, along with various fountain-type attractions for childrens play. A cafe is available with a view of the pools.
The gym changing rooms are nice with regular showers and hair dryers for convenience. The pool changing rooms are not as aesthetically pleasing and do not have hairdryers but are still functional.
The gym staff are friendly and accomodating and do not get in the way.
There is extensive free and unlimited parking right outside the Baywave complex in a large carpark.
Next Post: Genesis Fitness Auckland
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Windermere Polytech-Tauranga
The gym at the polytech facility is fairly small, there is often a wait on cardio equipment at peak times but it's never usually too long due to the 20min max time limit imposed. There are many spin bikes for use however when other equipment is occupied. There are about 3 cross trainers and treadmills along with a variety of other bikes.
In the room adjacent to the cardio room is the weights room which is well equipped to serve members in terms of quantity. The staff here are very friendly and approachable. Early on some mornings a cardio health class is run for older people with trainers assistance which does take up extra equipment.
There is also a pool right outside the gym itself which has one very deep side where water polo trainings take place sometimes (also perfect for aquajogging) and one regular depth side for swimming. There are also aquajogging classes held in the pool along with other classes taken in the gym.
Parking is available right outside the gym and pool facility. Membership prices are reasonable and opening hours are satisfactory but quite short in the weekends. Again this gym has no pretentious airs nor members.
The changing rooms are basic-showers, toilets and mirrors.
This gym is perfect in terms of the variety of activities available i.e pool and gym, to keep working out from becoming boring.
Next Post- Baywave Mount Maunganui, and Genesis Fitness Auckland
In the room adjacent to the cardio room is the weights room which is well equipped to serve members in terms of quantity. The staff here are very friendly and approachable. Early on some mornings a cardio health class is run for older people with trainers assistance which does take up extra equipment.
There is also a pool right outside the gym itself which has one very deep side where water polo trainings take place sometimes (also perfect for aquajogging) and one regular depth side for swimming. There are also aquajogging classes held in the pool along with other classes taken in the gym.
Parking is available right outside the gym and pool facility. Membership prices are reasonable and opening hours are satisfactory but quite short in the weekends. Again this gym has no pretentious airs nor members.
The changing rooms are basic-showers, toilets and mirrors.
This gym is perfect in terms of the variety of activities available i.e pool and gym, to keep working out from becoming boring.
Next Post- Baywave Mount Maunganui, and Genesis Fitness Auckland
The Gym-Tauranga
This gym is laid out in a large, open, warehouse style space.
Large fans serve as the air con system and one door is left open down one end of the gym which increases air flow and adds to the open feel the place.
There is also parking right outside.
Half of the space is taken up by cardio equipment-of which there is enough, sometimes there is a wait on cross trainers at peak times so a 20min max time limit is imposed. The other half of the gym is devoted to weights equipment which again is sufficient. The Gym also offer Les Mills fitness classes.
Membership prices here are very reasonable and the atmosphere is practical, non pretentious with members mostly of the professional variety who frequent the gym before or after work due to its central location. Another selling point of this gym is its 24 hour nature-with a membership a swipe pass is issued for use at any time of the day or night. I visited this gym some time ago and did not enquire into their security procedures.
The changing rooms are spacious with the basic showers and toilets but no frills.
Overall a functional, spacious comfortable gym to work out in.
Next Post-Windermere Polytech
Large fans serve as the air con system and one door is left open down one end of the gym which increases air flow and adds to the open feel the place.
There is also parking right outside.
Half of the space is taken up by cardio equipment-of which there is enough, sometimes there is a wait on cross trainers at peak times so a 20min max time limit is imposed. The other half of the gym is devoted to weights equipment which again is sufficient. The Gym also offer Les Mills fitness classes.
Membership prices here are very reasonable and the atmosphere is practical, non pretentious with members mostly of the professional variety who frequent the gym before or after work due to its central location. Another selling point of this gym is its 24 hour nature-with a membership a swipe pass is issued for use at any time of the day or night. I visited this gym some time ago and did not enquire into their security procedures.
The changing rooms are spacious with the basic showers and toilets but no frills.
Overall a functional, spacious comfortable gym to work out in.
Next Post-Windermere Polytech
Sunday 9 October 2011
CityFitness-Newmarket
This gym is laid out in a large open space. One half is dedicated to cardio equipment of which there is a lot! There is no 20minute maximun rule here as there is enough cardio equipment to service even peak times. The brand used is LifeFitness and it is updated regularly.
The weights and stretching areas are large and fully sufficient in terms of space and amount of equipment.
The staff were friendly and informative and the place had a down-to-earth feel about it with no pretentious airs.
The range of classes offered is fairly standard-I tried the spin or 'group-ride' class which was a good intensive challenge. The membership pricing options were one of the cheapest I have encountered and especially good for student rates.
There is extensive on-site parking which is a relief being in the heart of Newmarket.
Overall a functional, open-plan, pleasant environment to work out in.
Next post: The Gym Tauranga followed by the Open Polytechnic- Windermere Campus- gym and pool facility
The weights and stretching areas are large and fully sufficient in terms of space and amount of equipment.
The staff were friendly and informative and the place had a down-to-earth feel about it with no pretentious airs.
The range of classes offered is fairly standard-I tried the spin or 'group-ride' class which was a good intensive challenge. The membership pricing options were one of the cheapest I have encountered and especially good for student rates.
There is extensive on-site parking which is a relief being in the heart of Newmarket.
Overall a functional, open-plan, pleasant environment to work out in.
Next post: The Gym Tauranga followed by the Open Polytechnic- Windermere Campus- gym and pool facility
Monday 3 October 2011
BTS
This gym had a converted warehouse feel to it which I really enjoyed-big open space and nice and airy as on sunny days they raise the side walls so one whole half is open to the world. The changing rooms were very basic with a couple of toilets and showers-nothing flash but completely functional. The gym space was open-plan with half the area dedicated to cardio and half to weights. The equipment was again LifeFitness so I was happy plodding along on my crosstrainer. There was plenty of cardio equipment for medium-larger gym and I was told that in peak times complared to other gyms it did not get overly busy. The main clientele here is male. The weights area was fairly standard in terms of freeweights and there were plently of weights machines. Lockers were provided and they were in view of the exercise area so locks weren't too necessary. The staff were very pleasant and relaxed. This gym was one of the cheapest offering both short (3 month) and longterm plans-great student rates of $210 for 3 months!! Lots of parking just outside and a convenient location.
Next Post: CityFitness Newmarket
Next Post: CityFitness Newmarket
Bodytech- Mount Eden
This gym was lovely. Very modern, they even serve breakfast plus tea and coffee on mondays and tuesdays!!
The reception area was clean and spacious which can also be said for the changing rooms. This gym has lockers with automatic lock keypads on them which saves the hassle of having to cart padlocks and keys around with you. The gym area itself had enough cardio equipment for a large gym with many many bikes. The brand used is LifeFitness (yay!).
Bodytech offer a novel approach for their clients to circuit training. When you sign up you are taken by a trainer around their 30 minute circuit comprising of 8 machines which target each area of the body. Your trainer will set up the machines for you and record the weights and reps best suited to challenge you. After this you are recommended to do the circuit 3 times per week and they have a handy system to help you along. When you arrive in the gym area you put your card with all your workout info in a box provided and proceed to do your warm-up. When you are ready a trainer will set up your first machine for you and remains one step ahead of you setting up your next machines as you go. This style of supervision is good for those who enjoy guidance and challenge, even I enjoyed the interaction and I'm usually a lone wolf in the gym :)
I also tried the boxing class here which is free for members with a $5 glove hireage fee. Apparently each instructor has a different approach but the class I attended was great-it covered cardio (running, squats and other exercises outside), boxing with bags and partners inside, core and ab work.
This facility also has a pool!! It has 2 lanes and is around 1.6m so JUST deep enough to aquajog if youre a midget like myself, also good for lengths and I never encountered more than 4 people in the pool at once even in peak times. There is also a spa in this room.
Each changing room also has a sauna and a steam room.
Peak times did get busy but on a whole they weren't bad-there were never queues for equipment. Along with the initial circuit there is also a 'supplimentary' circuit which members progress on to including as they complete a certain number of circuits.
There is also free weights and the usual core/stetching areas.
The gym area has one full window of windows so it does not feel cagey, the pool also has a window. The lcoation is also nice in a tasteful area with plently of on-site parking in a building which is free for members and has a 2 hour limit.
The staff were very friendly and not at all pushy :)
Next post: BTS
The reception area was clean and spacious which can also be said for the changing rooms. This gym has lockers with automatic lock keypads on them which saves the hassle of having to cart padlocks and keys around with you. The gym area itself had enough cardio equipment for a large gym with many many bikes. The brand used is LifeFitness (yay!).
Bodytech offer a novel approach for their clients to circuit training. When you sign up you are taken by a trainer around their 30 minute circuit comprising of 8 machines which target each area of the body. Your trainer will set up the machines for you and record the weights and reps best suited to challenge you. After this you are recommended to do the circuit 3 times per week and they have a handy system to help you along. When you arrive in the gym area you put your card with all your workout info in a box provided and proceed to do your warm-up. When you are ready a trainer will set up your first machine for you and remains one step ahead of you setting up your next machines as you go. This style of supervision is good for those who enjoy guidance and challenge, even I enjoyed the interaction and I'm usually a lone wolf in the gym :)
I also tried the boxing class here which is free for members with a $5 glove hireage fee. Apparently each instructor has a different approach but the class I attended was great-it covered cardio (running, squats and other exercises outside), boxing with bags and partners inside, core and ab work.
This facility also has a pool!! It has 2 lanes and is around 1.6m so JUST deep enough to aquajog if youre a midget like myself, also good for lengths and I never encountered more than 4 people in the pool at once even in peak times. There is also a spa in this room.
Each changing room also has a sauna and a steam room.
Peak times did get busy but on a whole they weren't bad-there were never queues for equipment. Along with the initial circuit there is also a 'supplimentary' circuit which members progress on to including as they complete a certain number of circuits.
There is also free weights and the usual core/stetching areas.
The gym area has one full window of windows so it does not feel cagey, the pool also has a window. The lcoation is also nice in a tasteful area with plently of on-site parking in a building which is free for members and has a 2 hour limit.
The staff were very friendly and not at all pushy :)
Next post: BTS
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Jetts Fitness
The great thing about Jetts is obviously the fact it is open 24 hours every day. It is also one of the cheapest gyms around at between $19-$22 per fortnight after an initial $124 joining fee.
I trialled at the Mt Eden Jetts which was nicely laid out, clean and clearly quite new. There were windows at each end which gave it a bright, airy feel.
One of my main interests was in their security systems for after hours. The trainer I spoke to answered my questions about this very thoroughly and I am happy to say I would feel safe going to this gym in non-staffed hours. They have cameras installed along with alarm systems and emergency phones and procedures along with on site security when required. Security can be called by members at any time along with the freedom to sound the alarm.
In terms of equipment, I found the crosstrainer quite unsatisfying. The brand of cardio equipment used was one I havn't seen before 'Stex' and due to the after hours nature of the gym there were safety setting son the cross trainer which meant you couldn't go faster than 70 RPM. I found this most annoying. Another anomaly with this equipment seemed to be the level settings...with every one level increase in effort it felt like the equivalent of a 3-5 level increase relative to other equipment I have used. This made it difficult to track your progress along with making it hard to exercise at the level which you wanted to in an easy to control manner.
The trainers at this gym were friendly and unimposing.
The weights and cardio areas were sufficiently indicative of a small-medium sized gym and serviced the members adequately in non-peak times. I was told that before and after work times did get very busy and that there was a 20min limit on machines during periods when people were waiting to use them which is fairly standard.
With a Jetts membership you are entitled to use any of the Jetts gyms around the country and in Australia which makes them very practical for those who travel!
Overall a pleasant gym to visit.
Jetts Remuera is much the same.
Next post: Bodytech Mt Eden-get excited!
I trialled at the Mt Eden Jetts which was nicely laid out, clean and clearly quite new. There were windows at each end which gave it a bright, airy feel.
One of my main interests was in their security systems for after hours. The trainer I spoke to answered my questions about this very thoroughly and I am happy to say I would feel safe going to this gym in non-staffed hours. They have cameras installed along with alarm systems and emergency phones and procedures along with on site security when required. Security can be called by members at any time along with the freedom to sound the alarm.
In terms of equipment, I found the crosstrainer quite unsatisfying. The brand of cardio equipment used was one I havn't seen before 'Stex' and due to the after hours nature of the gym there were safety setting son the cross trainer which meant you couldn't go faster than 70 RPM. I found this most annoying. Another anomaly with this equipment seemed to be the level settings...with every one level increase in effort it felt like the equivalent of a 3-5 level increase relative to other equipment I have used. This made it difficult to track your progress along with making it hard to exercise at the level which you wanted to in an easy to control manner.
The trainers at this gym were friendly and unimposing.
The weights and cardio areas were sufficiently indicative of a small-medium sized gym and serviced the members adequately in non-peak times. I was told that before and after work times did get very busy and that there was a 20min limit on machines during periods when people were waiting to use them which is fairly standard.
With a Jetts membership you are entitled to use any of the Jetts gyms around the country and in Australia which makes them very practical for those who travel!
Overall a pleasant gym to visit.
Jetts Remuera is much the same.
Next post: Bodytech Mt Eden-get excited!
Thursday 22 September 2011
Lifestyle Fitness-Scene One
This gym was very studio style. Only a couple of each type of cardio machine, very old style. The cross-trainer was very clunky and the controls on all equipment were much more manual than digital display which made it clear they were all pretty outdated. The gym space itself was small and on one level of the Scene One apartment building. The weights area was on a par relatively in terms of size with the cario area, indicitaive of a very small gym. Air con was just fans but the sliding doors on one side of the gym space were opened to the street side to give airflow and a bit of a view which was nice. The gym is 24 hour which is convenient. There was no parking associated with the gym so you have to either pay or risk the countdown parking. There was a pool in the same vacinity as the gym with a deep 2m side and a shallower side for regular length swimming. The deep side was useful for aquajogging, however with 2 people in the pool at once even when staying to respective sides thigs felt verging on a little crowded. There is a great deal on at the moment for 2 months for $99 at this gym which I was considering before I tried the facility..I have since decided it's not quite fo me. Normal memberships are about the same as a regular gym-too pricey for the facility I felt, but then again pool and 24 hour facilities perhaps add the value.
Next post: Jetts Fitness
Next post: Jetts Fitness
Monday 19 September 2011
Next Generation-Auckland Domain
This gym was simply glorious.
You walk in the front doors to the freshness that comes with having been open to the public only one week. The reception area is clean and inviting, with a stack of towels behind the counter for the 'premium' membership holders to use for their workouts...need I say more about the caliber of this place?? I will anyhow... :)
On the ground level is located the full restaurant and bar facility along with a lovely open-plan seating arrangement with chairs and tables both inside and out. Outside the doors to this area are the tennis courts...and adjacent to this lounge area are computers for client use along with further seating. From here you move into the changing rooms....these are fully equipped with hardryers and straighteners for the girls, along with a swimsuit dryer for the convenience of not having to replace wet items into sports bags....oh the luxury!! The changing rooms also have the obvious facilities such as showers, toilets and lockers-all of the most aesthetically pleasing variety.
Out the other end of these changing rooms is the first pool facility. Here there is a lane pool, 2 hydrotherapy pools and the sauna and steam rooms. Adjacent to this room is another room for the premium membership holders with two spas, tropical showers, an ice room, and private sauna and steam room. Everything was laid out in a very tastefully stylish manner.
Upstairs then is the gym facility. The equpiment brand used is LifeFitness-again my fave-and Hammer Strength. There is plenty of cardio equipment for a large gym, so many weights machines I can't even imagine where the muscles it takes to use them are hiding in the body...a sprint track down one wall, and a boxing room, along with the usual free weights. There is also a smaller section reserved as the womens only gym which contains machines specifically designed for women, plus the privacy of a partition between this area and the main gym. All equipment is obviously of the newest variety and adequate cleaning products were provided for use along with water fountains for refilling drink bottles and drinking from. There were windows on 2 sides of the gym which provided pleasant views of the surrounding domain and city areas.
Upsatairs again to the rooftop pool....yes a lap pool on the roof with a fabulous wee view, not to mention further courts up there too for your playing pleasure.
The membership options for this gym include full-which encorporated the use of pool, gym and tennis facilities, or an option which includes only the pool and gym facilities. There are then further options in terms of age-high school and tertiary student and individual or couple at adult age. Then there are further variations such as 'premium'-allowing access to the aforementioned extras, regular or 'off-peak'. This is the most expensive gym I have tried so far with prices between $58-$180 per fortnight depending on which membership combination you choose, there is also a $250 joining fee and $50 admin fee-all of which I think would be totally worth it if you can afford it to be honest. This is the sort of place you could go every day and spend as much time as you have spare both working out or relaxing.
Next Post: Lifestyle Fitness-Scene One
You walk in the front doors to the freshness that comes with having been open to the public only one week. The reception area is clean and inviting, with a stack of towels behind the counter for the 'premium' membership holders to use for their workouts...need I say more about the caliber of this place?? I will anyhow... :)
On the ground level is located the full restaurant and bar facility along with a lovely open-plan seating arrangement with chairs and tables both inside and out. Outside the doors to this area are the tennis courts...and adjacent to this lounge area are computers for client use along with further seating. From here you move into the changing rooms....these are fully equipped with hardryers and straighteners for the girls, along with a swimsuit dryer for the convenience of not having to replace wet items into sports bags....oh the luxury!! The changing rooms also have the obvious facilities such as showers, toilets and lockers-all of the most aesthetically pleasing variety.
Out the other end of these changing rooms is the first pool facility. Here there is a lane pool, 2 hydrotherapy pools and the sauna and steam rooms. Adjacent to this room is another room for the premium membership holders with two spas, tropical showers, an ice room, and private sauna and steam room. Everything was laid out in a very tastefully stylish manner.
Upstairs then is the gym facility. The equpiment brand used is LifeFitness-again my fave-and Hammer Strength. There is plenty of cardio equipment for a large gym, so many weights machines I can't even imagine where the muscles it takes to use them are hiding in the body...a sprint track down one wall, and a boxing room, along with the usual free weights. There is also a smaller section reserved as the womens only gym which contains machines specifically designed for women, plus the privacy of a partition between this area and the main gym. All equipment is obviously of the newest variety and adequate cleaning products were provided for use along with water fountains for refilling drink bottles and drinking from. There were windows on 2 sides of the gym which provided pleasant views of the surrounding domain and city areas.
Upsatairs again to the rooftop pool....yes a lap pool on the roof with a fabulous wee view, not to mention further courts up there too for your playing pleasure.
The membership options for this gym include full-which encorporated the use of pool, gym and tennis facilities, or an option which includes only the pool and gym facilities. There are then further options in terms of age-high school and tertiary student and individual or couple at adult age. Then there are further variations such as 'premium'-allowing access to the aforementioned extras, regular or 'off-peak'. This is the most expensive gym I have tried so far with prices between $58-$180 per fortnight depending on which membership combination you choose, there is also a $250 joining fee and $50 admin fee-all of which I think would be totally worth it if you can afford it to be honest. This is the sort of place you could go every day and spend as much time as you have spare both working out or relaxing.
Next Post: Lifestyle Fitness-Scene One
Saturday 17 September 2011
University of Auckland Gym, The Olympic, Les Mills Britomart
The University of Auckland Gym is great for students on a budget! at only $250 per year this gym is a practical way to keep fit whilst fitting in around uni timetables. The gym is located in the Rec centre which means you are close to the basketball courts, big rooms where classes are held and just down the road from the AUT facility where further classes such as the spin calss are held along with the AUT gym itself. The class timetable at the uni gym is extensive in terms of both quantity and range of classes. Pump, spin, Zumba and the core classes are all highly rated by those of us who have attended them. The gym itself is no frills funtional. There is a room full of cardio equipment which is plently except in the peak times when lines can form and there is a 20min maximum time limit for the machines. The weights room is large with an area reserved for 'lightweights' so us girls don't get in the way of the testosterone. There is a boxing room, rock climbing wall, and racket sports room all in the same building along with a circuit room and two stretching/core rooms. There are lockers for those who get in quick and buy at the beginning of the year, or temporary lockers in the changing rooms-you need to bring your own locks. The changing room is again merely functional with showers and toilets. If you're not at uni already parking may be an issue, there are usually parks on Princes street but this costs and has a time limit of around 90minutes depending where you park. Other than this there is parking in the domain (if you're lucky) or on the city streets-can be a bit stressful at times. There is also a physio office on site at the Rec centre for those woeful ones like myself who require it!
The Olympic in newmarket was a thoroughly pleasant experience. The upstairs level is reserved for the gym and class facilities-I was only on a 2 day trial here so did not have time to test out the classes. The gym itself again used LifeFitness equipment (refer to my Anytime Fitness Hamilton post on why this is my fave), with television screens on all equipent and the option of plugging in your ipod. I exercise with the 'Walkman' brand MP3 which is a headset only so there are no wires and all buttons are on the earpiece itself. You sync the MP3 by plugging it into a computer and that's that! One looks a little like something out of Star Wars when wearing it but its all about practical functionality for me :)
The gym had an extensive amount of cardio equipment which caters to its VERY busy peak spells, and all equipment has a 20min max function on it, this is not enforced unless it is being used during peak times. The weights section is large and open plan so as not to feel cluttered and the streching/swiss ball end looks out over the street. The rest of the gym overlooks the pool facility-there is a lane pool with a deep end for both diving and AQUAJOGGING (brilliant rehab for runners-you can hire or buy belts on site), a spa, a childs pool, sauna and steam rooms and on site cafe and apparel shop. The staff were friendly and again non-intrusive. The changing rooms are large with showers, toilets, large mirrors and hairdryers which adds convenience. Parking was a little less than ideal with on-street parking which of course is metered surrounding the gym, plus Wilson parking accross the road at the Warehouse which is metered but with 30min free. Peak times are very busy and there are often swimming lessons being taken in the pool-if you don't like being around a lot of parents and children this can get irritating. The pool has slow, medium and fast lanes which is helpful, and the aquajogging section of the pool is reserved for just this unless the divers are pottering around below you...all other facilities are fairly standard. Memberships for students are around the $995 mark for 12 months and opening hours are good-mon-thurs 5.30am-9.30pm, fri 5.30am-9pm weekends and public holidays 7am-8pm.
Les Mills Britomart were the most generous in terms of trial length-I spent 8 days using this gym most recently! As can be expected from all Les Mills the facility is modern, clean and upbeat. Parking at this location however is somewhat of a nightmare...the parking building next door is $4 per half hour and on-street is stressfully sparse, countdown down the way has a 90min limit and you need to be a shopper there to use it. However if you can get around this the gym itself is nice and the air con sufficient. The machines they use are 'Technogym' brand-no my favourite. The crosstrainers are different to regular crosstrainers and seem to be more of an integrated step machine with less range of motion than the usual cross trainer setup. The bikes are pretty standard and there are some novel pieces of equipment such as a variation on a treadmill where the band does not move automatically without your effort, and a crosstrainer-come-treadmill machine with hanging foot holders on elastic which require force to push both forward and down-they take a bit of getting used to and seems almost impossible to manage a fast SPM value but seems to simulate the most natural movement of all of the pieces of cardio equipment. There are plently of cardio machines and the weights room down the stairs is sufficient for a larger gym. The classes room is nicely laid out with a good view of the stage but gets incredibly full at peak times. The range of classes at Les Mills are fairly renowned for being challenging and effective. I noticed people were employed throughout the day to keep the equipment in the gym clean which was a reassuring touch. The trainers interacted wtih members the most I have seen during workouts-this was not so appreciated by me when my heart rate was hovering around 200 and I could barely breathe let alone respond to idle chat. However the staff are very friendly and reliable in terms of their follow up and tracking of your progress and future plans for the gym. The music was one down side to the gym atmosphere-personally I am a bit of a bogan but with an appreciation for modern pop/mainstream radio music, my appreciation for such music did not quite extend to the domination of eastern-european type techno/poppy/boppy music with garishly cleche music videos which seemed to play throughout the day-lucky I have my MP3. All equipment had televisions again with regular T.V channels along with music and sports.
Next Post: Next Generation.
The Olympic in newmarket was a thoroughly pleasant experience. The upstairs level is reserved for the gym and class facilities-I was only on a 2 day trial here so did not have time to test out the classes. The gym itself again used LifeFitness equipment (refer to my Anytime Fitness Hamilton post on why this is my fave), with television screens on all equipent and the option of plugging in your ipod. I exercise with the 'Walkman' brand MP3 which is a headset only so there are no wires and all buttons are on the earpiece itself. You sync the MP3 by plugging it into a computer and that's that! One looks a little like something out of Star Wars when wearing it but its all about practical functionality for me :)
The gym had an extensive amount of cardio equipment which caters to its VERY busy peak spells, and all equipment has a 20min max function on it, this is not enforced unless it is being used during peak times. The weights section is large and open plan so as not to feel cluttered and the streching/swiss ball end looks out over the street. The rest of the gym overlooks the pool facility-there is a lane pool with a deep end for both diving and AQUAJOGGING (brilliant rehab for runners-you can hire or buy belts on site), a spa, a childs pool, sauna and steam rooms and on site cafe and apparel shop. The staff were friendly and again non-intrusive. The changing rooms are large with showers, toilets, large mirrors and hairdryers which adds convenience. Parking was a little less than ideal with on-street parking which of course is metered surrounding the gym, plus Wilson parking accross the road at the Warehouse which is metered but with 30min free. Peak times are very busy and there are often swimming lessons being taken in the pool-if you don't like being around a lot of parents and children this can get irritating. The pool has slow, medium and fast lanes which is helpful, and the aquajogging section of the pool is reserved for just this unless the divers are pottering around below you...all other facilities are fairly standard. Memberships for students are around the $995 mark for 12 months and opening hours are good-mon-thurs 5.30am-9.30pm, fri 5.30am-9pm weekends and public holidays 7am-8pm.
Les Mills Britomart were the most generous in terms of trial length-I spent 8 days using this gym most recently! As can be expected from all Les Mills the facility is modern, clean and upbeat. Parking at this location however is somewhat of a nightmare...the parking building next door is $4 per half hour and on-street is stressfully sparse, countdown down the way has a 90min limit and you need to be a shopper there to use it. However if you can get around this the gym itself is nice and the air con sufficient. The machines they use are 'Technogym' brand-no my favourite. The crosstrainers are different to regular crosstrainers and seem to be more of an integrated step machine with less range of motion than the usual cross trainer setup. The bikes are pretty standard and there are some novel pieces of equipment such as a variation on a treadmill where the band does not move automatically without your effort, and a crosstrainer-come-treadmill machine with hanging foot holders on elastic which require force to push both forward and down-they take a bit of getting used to and seems almost impossible to manage a fast SPM value but seems to simulate the most natural movement of all of the pieces of cardio equipment. There are plently of cardio machines and the weights room down the stairs is sufficient for a larger gym. The classes room is nicely laid out with a good view of the stage but gets incredibly full at peak times. The range of classes at Les Mills are fairly renowned for being challenging and effective. I noticed people were employed throughout the day to keep the equipment in the gym clean which was a reassuring touch. The trainers interacted wtih members the most I have seen during workouts-this was not so appreciated by me when my heart rate was hovering around 200 and I could barely breathe let alone respond to idle chat. However the staff are very friendly and reliable in terms of their follow up and tracking of your progress and future plans for the gym. The music was one down side to the gym atmosphere-personally I am a bit of a bogan but with an appreciation for modern pop/mainstream radio music, my appreciation for such music did not quite extend to the domination of eastern-european type techno/poppy/boppy music with garishly cleche music videos which seemed to play throughout the day-lucky I have my MP3. All equipment had televisions again with regular T.V channels along with music and sports.
Next Post: Next Generation.
Anytime Fitness Hamilton and Bodyzone Tauranga
I was a member at Bodyzone Tauranga for a year or so a while back but havn't been there for some time now so I am speaking from past experience and will keep it brief. It is in a central location with on-street parking however this is metered during business hours. Bodyzone is laid out in a very open-plan manner and the equipment arranged in such a way that you can get a view of the streets outside from one end of the gym at least so you don't feel too fenced in. There is a good range of weight and core equipmet and a pretty standard amount of cardio equipment for a medium sized gym. They have a good selection of classes at convenient times. The gym gets busy at peak times like anywhere, but during the off-peak times it is pleasantly un-hectic! The air con system keeps the gym nice and cool. When I was a member the changing rooms were functional with toilets, lockers (keys obtained at reception for free) and showers but no extras such as hairdryers or straightners for the girls :)
I should mention I mostly use the cardio equipment in gyms with weights sessions only a couple/few times a week so my main focuses has been on these areas.
I had a couple of workouts at Anytime Fitness Hamilton on a visitors pass a couple fo weeks ago. This gym has the awesome feature of being 24 hour for those of us who get restless in the evenings or have busy schedules. The gym was laid out nicely and had just been refurbished so had that clean, well kept feel about it. There was again a fairly standard amount of equipment for a medium sized gym with about 6 of each cardio machines and the usual weights machines and sets of free weights. The cardio equipment was set up around the perimeter of the space in front of all the windows so whatever machine you were on you got a view of the city outside which was pleasing. I did not enquire about classes due to only being there for 2 days so can't comment on those. The cardio equipment used is LifeFitness brand which is my personal preference due to the many display functions such as heart rate, calorie counter, speed-kph and mph- AND RPM (not just one which can be confusing if going between machines), distance, effort level and of course time all displayed on one screen at the same time. There are only 3 toilets/showers at this gym, when I went this was not an issue but could imagine potential hold-ups in peak hours. They were very well-kept however with a toilet and shower in the same private lockable room, they smelt nice and were clearly clean. I have been told by members however that there is a lack of barbells and only a smith machine or rack for bench pressing. Staff were usually in their offices and did not interact much in the gym unless visitors came through. Overall an inviting place to work out.
Next post: University of Auckland Gym, The Olympic newmarket and Les Mills Britomart.
I should mention I mostly use the cardio equipment in gyms with weights sessions only a couple/few times a week so my main focuses has been on these areas.
I had a couple of workouts at Anytime Fitness Hamilton on a visitors pass a couple fo weeks ago. This gym has the awesome feature of being 24 hour for those of us who get restless in the evenings or have busy schedules. The gym was laid out nicely and had just been refurbished so had that clean, well kept feel about it. There was again a fairly standard amount of equipment for a medium sized gym with about 6 of each cardio machines and the usual weights machines and sets of free weights. The cardio equipment was set up around the perimeter of the space in front of all the windows so whatever machine you were on you got a view of the city outside which was pleasing. I did not enquire about classes due to only being there for 2 days so can't comment on those. The cardio equipment used is LifeFitness brand which is my personal preference due to the many display functions such as heart rate, calorie counter, speed-kph and mph- AND RPM (not just one which can be confusing if going between machines), distance, effort level and of course time all displayed on one screen at the same time. There are only 3 toilets/showers at this gym, when I went this was not an issue but could imagine potential hold-ups in peak hours. They were very well-kept however with a toilet and shower in the same private lockable room, they smelt nice and were clearly clean. I have been told by members however that there is a lack of barbells and only a smith machine or rack for bench pressing. Staff were usually in their offices and did not interact much in the gym unless visitors came through. Overall an inviting place to work out.
Next post: University of Auckland Gym, The Olympic newmarket and Les Mills Britomart.
Gym Gear and Temple Fitness Gisborne
Helooo, whilst working out this morning I thought I could add in a little spiel about gym attire before I launch into my overviews of the gyms I have experienced so far.
I wear Asics shoes for both running and gym, I find their range extensive and broad enough to suit most even those like myself who are chronic overpronators. My fave shorts are fromt the Adidas range and they are pretty short to allow for a large range of motion, they also have a split up the side which means they don't ride up with leg movements like some of the Puma shorts I have tried. I prefer crop tops to long singlets or T-shirts just because I tend to go hard and sweat alot so a minimalist approach to clothing is taken!!! My crop tops range from Warehouse brand (functional but not the best obviously in terms of sweat rejection), Nike (which fits very snugly and looks great due to their colour range) and my favorite of all- Stella Mccartney for Adidas-the most comfortable crop top ever, its like your upper body is resting in a firm cloud :)
Anyway I thought I would start with Temple Fitness Gisborne where I obtained a gym membership over the last christmas/new year period. It was $30 for about a weeks membership along with a $10 bond for the after hours swipe. The hours were great! 4am-11pm every day which was perfect over a public holiday period to not have those irritating closures/reduced hours. The gym itself was fairly small, about 3 of each crosstrainers and treadmills and a few more bikes. The weights were functional but not excessive. Air con was mostly just large fans which mean the gym lent itself to becoming quite hot during those summer days, however the doors could be opened to allow for air flow. The staff were friendly and non-intrusive-my style of gyming is to go hard as the only person being cheated if you slack if you don't is yourself, so I don't really like too much interferance from trainers chatting when I'm on a roll. The only thing that made this a less than ideal experience was their 'T-shirt rule'- you had to wear one!!! I can see why this makes sense for hygiene purposes perhaps due to the long hours they are open, however this rule made some days there for me almost unbearable as the heat and my copious amounts of sweat rendered me failry faint at some points. Other than that this gym was functional, easily accessible with parking right outside and all around it, it never seemed to get too busy though this could have been due to the time of the year and it was very accomodating and simple to join up for a short period. I did not enquire about classes during my time there.
Next post: Anytime Fitness Hamilton and Bodyzone Tauranga before moving on to the Auckland gyms.
I wear Asics shoes for both running and gym, I find their range extensive and broad enough to suit most even those like myself who are chronic overpronators. My fave shorts are fromt the Adidas range and they are pretty short to allow for a large range of motion, they also have a split up the side which means they don't ride up with leg movements like some of the Puma shorts I have tried. I prefer crop tops to long singlets or T-shirts just because I tend to go hard and sweat alot so a minimalist approach to clothing is taken!!! My crop tops range from Warehouse brand (functional but not the best obviously in terms of sweat rejection), Nike (which fits very snugly and looks great due to their colour range) and my favorite of all- Stella Mccartney for Adidas-the most comfortable crop top ever, its like your upper body is resting in a firm cloud :)
Anyway I thought I would start with Temple Fitness Gisborne where I obtained a gym membership over the last christmas/new year period. It was $30 for about a weeks membership along with a $10 bond for the after hours swipe. The hours were great! 4am-11pm every day which was perfect over a public holiday period to not have those irritating closures/reduced hours. The gym itself was fairly small, about 3 of each crosstrainers and treadmills and a few more bikes. The weights were functional but not excessive. Air con was mostly just large fans which mean the gym lent itself to becoming quite hot during those summer days, however the doors could be opened to allow for air flow. The staff were friendly and non-intrusive-my style of gyming is to go hard as the only person being cheated if you slack if you don't is yourself, so I don't really like too much interferance from trainers chatting when I'm on a roll. The only thing that made this a less than ideal experience was their 'T-shirt rule'- you had to wear one!!! I can see why this makes sense for hygiene purposes perhaps due to the long hours they are open, however this rule made some days there for me almost unbearable as the heat and my copious amounts of sweat rendered me failry faint at some points. Other than that this gym was functional, easily accessible with parking right outside and all around it, it never seemed to get too busy though this could have been due to the time of the year and it was very accomodating and simple to join up for a short period. I did not enquire about classes during my time there.
Next post: Anytime Fitness Hamilton and Bodyzone Tauranga before moving on to the Auckland gyms.
About My Blog!!
Hi all, I am a runner and am currently injured and out of action so having to hit the gym instead....this is where my plight to find the best gym began!
Instead of just joining up to the closest/cheapest gym in the area, I decided to do trial periods at ALL of the gyms I possibly could....my noble blogging intentionas however came as an afterthought to merely trying to save money on my poor student budget :)
Anyhow I have made my way through trials at 3 gyms so far and have another 5 set up for the following weeks...I thought I would put my gym hopping to good use and share my findings with any other interested athletes who may be searching for a new gym but doesn' t perhaps have the time or patience to gym-hop like myself!
Coming up in the next few days I will share with you my experiences at Anytime Fitness Hamilton, then focus on the Auckland Gym scene for the remainder..starting with the Olympic gym and pool facility in Newmarket and the new Les Mills Britomart, followed by the brand new and very beautiful Next Generation establishment....on the menu for a bit later is BTS Gym, Jetts Fitness, Bodytech and quite a few more!!
Stay tuned...
Instead of just joining up to the closest/cheapest gym in the area, I decided to do trial periods at ALL of the gyms I possibly could....my noble blogging intentionas however came as an afterthought to merely trying to save money on my poor student budget :)
Anyhow I have made my way through trials at 3 gyms so far and have another 5 set up for the following weeks...I thought I would put my gym hopping to good use and share my findings with any other interested athletes who may be searching for a new gym but doesn' t perhaps have the time or patience to gym-hop like myself!
Coming up in the next few days I will share with you my experiences at Anytime Fitness Hamilton, then focus on the Auckland Gym scene for the remainder..starting with the Olympic gym and pool facility in Newmarket and the new Les Mills Britomart, followed by the brand new and very beautiful Next Generation establishment....on the menu for a bit later is BTS Gym, Jetts Fitness, Bodytech and quite a few more!!
Stay tuned...
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