OB真人视讯

Attention all gym junkies, Melbourne has some new gyms on the scene who are definitely showing their bulk compared to the chains. There are also plenty of small, boutique gyms that offer a more personalised approach than the giants. Maybe 2025 is the time for a change, whether that be joining a gym or swapping yours for a small business.

We want you to be the first in the know. Join OB真人视讯 Insiders, we’ll shoot you all Melbourne’s best things to eat, drink and do every week.

Without further ado, here's the scoop on Melbourne’s best boutique and independent gyms for 2025.

Balance North

353 Plenty Road, Preston

Balance North was the first of its kind in the northside suburbs offering an extensive range of services and movement classes. Under one roof you'll find physiotherapy reformer pilates, physiotherapy-led group exercise classes (clinical pilates), dietetics, remedial massage and myotherapy, relaxation massage including hot stone massages and podiatry. So basically, no matter if you're chasing a new way to sweat or you're after a holistic approach to your health, Balance North has absolutely everything you need and could want. 

1R

Various Locations

While 1R gym is all the way from the UK, they opened their first Australian gym (and their largest) in South Yarra—and now have since expanded to Richmond. The South Yarra complex has been designed by Melbourne’s Foolscap Studios and it is huge. At 800sqm, they’ve got a smoothie and coffee bar, free prosecco Friday nights in the 1R bar, an activewear retail space showcasing local designers, and that’s before you even get to the workout spaces. 

They offer three classes by the names of Reshape, Rumble and Reformer which are all accompanied by playlists—curated by psychologists for maximum motivation. Post-workout, the Repair Room is fully stocked with Grown Alchemist products, Dyson hairdryers, GHD hair straighteners, and a dedicated phone for ordering drinks at the bar. Seriously, this place is luxe. 

Kaya Health

Various Locations

With two locations in the CBD and Prahran, this boutique wellness centre prides themselves on making you feel relaxed and fulfilled as soon as you enter their space. Kaya Health is offering a range of fitness options including yoga, pilates, barre, and spin. But if you’re not in the mood for a class, get your hands on their modern cardio and weights equipment.

Uplift

507 Bridge Road, Richmond

If you’ve always wanted to give proper strength training a crack but been put off by costly one-on-one PT fees, Uplift is the gym for you. Uplift is a strength-focused group training facility that focuses on progressive programming and individualised nutrition coaching to bridge the gap between personal and group training. 

What makes them a cut above the rest? Uplift uses online mobile tracking, where each session members track their progress in reps, sets and weights—allowing the coaches to keep you accountable and members on top of their progress. They also offer bespoke nutrition programs that focus on protein, fats, carbohydrates and total caloric intake for each individual’s specific goals. Kiss goodbye to fad dieting and hello to a flexible and holistic approach that’s proven to deliver lasting results.

Barry’s

299 Toorak Road, South Yarra

LA-based gym Barry’s launched their first Melbourne venue following the success of their Sydney branches. Known for their famous Red Room—get your head out of the gutter, we’re not talking Fifty Shades of Grey-style—their science-based approach is designed to help you be the best version of yourself. The studio also has the Barry’s Fuel Bar to help you rehydrate after your sesh, plus they’ve got Dyson hairdryers, complimentary towels, Oribe hair care products, and a retail space for all your Barry’s merch.

Chris’ Gym

586 Burwood Road, Hawthorn East

If you’re after a smaller-scale gym offering a more personalised approach, then look no further than Chris’ Gym. They’ve got loyal members who keep coming back year after year for their down-to-earth, no fuss attitude. There’s no card or sign in system here, just a dedicated team of experienced trainers. They may be on the small side, but their equipment is top quality and their programs are tailored to get you kicking goals while actually enjoying yourself.

Hammer House

Various Locations

Don’t let the name fool you, this boutique heavy lifting gym is not as scary as it sounds. Hammer House has four locations across Melbourne, meaning it's still fairly underground and independent as far as gyms go, but also easy to get to for most. With 24/7 access and new high-quality equipment, it’s hard to scrounge up excuses as to why you can’t go to the gym. This is definitely the spot if you enjoy blasting some hype music in your headphones and training weights. 

A|F Training Studios

477 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD

When it comes to luxury, we don’t often think of gyms, but that all changed when Ashley Faithful hit the scene with his boutique CBD Training Studio. Taking 5-star hospitality into the fitness industry, Ashley’s gym is all about the client. Down to the last detail, this gym is bougie AF. They’ve got a custom water fountain which dispenses both tap and sparkling water, executive shower and bathroom facilities, a private yoga and meditation space, and a concierge service offering in-house laundry and steaming facilities. The studio is also equipped with an Evolt 360 Bio Body Scanner which assesses physical health and body composition.

Happy Melon

1252 High Street, Armadale

It’s all in the name. Offering classes in meditation, yoga, pilates, and fitness, you’ll be one happy melon after a trip to this mind and body-focussed studio. They offer classes in the studio, online, and in the Malvern Gardens if you prefer an outdoor experience. Fully equipped to maximise your wellbeing, the studio even has an on-site garden and tea station for you to unwind in before or after your session.   

Leo Berry’s Gym And Boxing Club

13a Gleadell Street, Richmond

You didn’t think we’d leave this one out did you? One of Melbourne’s most iconic and historic community fitness clubs is Leo Berry’s Gym and Boxing Club. Founded by the legendary boxer and trainer back in 1954 before moving to the current site in 1987, the club has been an institution and a valuable space for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth in the area for decades. Their trainers are genuine, competitive boxers, who will train you up from any starting point—whether you want to increase your fitness or compete. 

The Yard Gym

Various Locations

If you’re chasing more than just a space to workout, this is for you. The Yard Gym offers energetic classes with a huge community vibe. Recently opening its doors in Heidelberg, this fitness haven offers over 40 sessions a week, nutritional advice, fun challenges, and they even have a creche. The huge bonus is the space has been kitted out with a modern, cool aesthetic.

Bodhi And Ride 

Various Locations

Spin class can be daunting, especially if you don’t get on a bike that often, but this boutique studio has got dance tunes, dimmed lights and LED strobes to get you in the party mood and alleviate your anxieties. Bodhi And Ride blends Melbournes love for night-club boogies with a full-body workout. You’ll leave having listened to some fun party tunes, hot and sweaty, but you can sub the hangover for an endorphin high.