Work up a sweat with Melbourne's best workouts

Rise and grind: time to shake those lockdown blues and get in shape. If you’ve told yourself that recently, you’re not alone. 

Recent surveys have found that many Australians were doing less physical activity than before the pandemic restrictions hit. A Monash University survey revealed the majority of us didn’t meet suggested physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines last year.

To get you out of your sweats and into your finest workout gear, here are some of Melbourne’s best workouts to help you take advantage of your desire to get moving.

1R Australia

Recently launching its first boutique club in South Yarra – the first of its kind in Australia – 1R will soon become your new favourite exercise wake up and shake up, specifically designed for those looking for a high-intensity workout with a point of difference. 

Founded in 2015 in London, James Balfour (son of Fitness First founder Mike Balfour) was determined to shake up the tired and dated gym model. 1R has three unique training concept methods: reshape, rumble and reformer. 

Its concrete jungle-esque studio, designed by Australian architects Foolscap Studios, is far from the average gym. Each class runs for 45 minutes, and workouts are perfectly timed to the beats of local DJs. Post-workout, head to the Repair Room, where showers are fully stocked with boutique amenities. 

“From the moment you walk into the club, you will become immersed in an experience,” says Amanda Maclean, 1R CEO. “Australians will soon discover an entirely new, intense and incredibly addictive way of working out.”

1raustralia.com

Barry’s Bootcamp

This intense workout, renowned for its cult celeb following (Kim Kardashian, David Beckham and Harry Styles are all fans), has officially launched its iconic Red Room in Melbourne, offering a challenging 55-minute half cardio, half strength class that can see you burn up to 1000 calories.

One of the first of its kind to tap into the luxury fitness offering, Barry’s Bootcamp features a pairing of cardio intervals and strength training combinations – a method proven to get a lean and toned body while boosting resting metabolism, claiming it allows calories to be burnt throughout the day.

“We’re so excited that the new South Yarra Studio will give people the chance to experience Barry’s – the best workout in the world,” says Shannon Belcastro, Barry’s Head of Curriculum, APAC.

After a heavy session in the Red Room, Barry’s Fuel Bar will offer the perfect pick-me-up with a selection of healthy protein shakes. A bit sweaty? Premium amenities include Oribe haircare, Dyson hairdryers and complimentary towels.

barrysbootcamp.com.au

Good Times Pilates

Since launching in 2018, Good Time Pilates has formed a loyal following of like-minded individuals looking to embark on a wellness journey through the form of mindful reformer Pilates. 

With each reformer Pilates session designed to offer a pulsating, burn-inducing experience, no one class is ever the same. Can’t make it to a class in person? Try Good Times Pilates in digital form for accessible Pilates anytime, anywhere. 

“This new virtual space allows us to share our no-BS Pilates and inclusive, feel-good movement with hoards more people than we can fit into our humble studio space,” says Good Times Pilates founder Cat Webb.  

goodvibesyoga.com.au

REVL 

Launched last year, REVL is a new wave Australian gym brand founded by former Hawthorn champion Josh Gibson. With a team of trainers, Gibson has developed a range of fitness programs centred on holistic performance. 

Designed from evidence-based strength and conditioning training methods, REVL aims to make gym workouts accessible and diverse for anyone curious about and committed to their fitness. Programs are grouped into 12-week blocks and divided into three four-week phases, each with its own focus that shifts between power, strength, metabolic conditioning and endurance. It is suggested this ensures development across all energy systems.

“[Last year] was a really tough time for many of us, and maintaining positive mental and physical health was a challenge that most of us are still facing,” says Gibson. “I launched REVL studios to bridge the gap between circuit-based group training and complex high-skill programs. The classes feature tailored strength and conditioning group fitness programs developed for those looking to focus on their personal fitness goals while having fun.”

revl.com.au