When whispers that Gold’s Gym was coming to Canberra began late last year, my gym-nut friends were frothing at the mouth.  Me? I was a little clueless. But, as I soon found out, Gold’s is known as  “The Mecca” – the place where gym culture began.

Over 45 years ago, Joe Gold opened a modest fitness centre in Venice Beach, California – the franchise now boasts more than 700 locations across the globe, and the name is synonymous with serious body building.

But, as I discovered during two recent roadtest visits, it’s not all muscle men and grunting. Yes, there is a (very) well equipped free weights area, but there’s also a dizzying array of the latest cardio and strength training machines (including TRX) along with a varied group exercise program that includes classes like yoga, group cycling (funky RPM room seen below), mixed martial arts, muscle endurance training and pilates.

So, Canberra has two Gold’s facilities: one in Fyshwick and the other in Gungahlin. Both offer 24/7 Access; a Smoothie Bar (I tried a yummy post-workout concoction which included oats, protein powder and peanut butter); professional powerlifting equipment and group fitness classes. Fyshwick has a rather dazzling ‘cardio cinema’; while Gungahlin offers a great varied facility, a sweet little crèche, and an onsite tanning service is coming soon.

But, for the purposes of this roadtest, I put the Gungahlin club through its paces. Just a hop, step and a jump away from Gungahlin Marketplace, it looks brand spanking new; and as I step through the door, I’m greeted warmly and given the tour.

The gym is spread over three levels: weights machines, TRX and steppers on the ground floor; free weights and crèche on the second; a room full of the latest treadmills and crosstrainers with plasma tvs and built in iPod docks, cycle studio and group fitness room at the top.

First on my roadtest agenda: an evening group fitness class in an intimate space with lots of windows and rather soothing views of Gungahlin (which I can imagine would be lovely to gaze at during a yoga class…not so much the Body Attack class I chose from the timetable). Body Attack is a sports-inspired high-energy interval training class that combines athletic aerobic movements with strength and stabilisation exercises. Instructor, Simon, is a delight – full of energy and really motivating without being intimidating. He even somehow made burpees and squat jumps bearable! At the end of the 55 minutes, I was absolutely spent…but I was smiling, and that’s always a good sign.

While I was there, I poked my head into the crèche (above), a lovely cheery little space staffed by a friendly mum looking after some pretty content looking kids. I know what you’re thinking…’a crèche that’s open in the evening?’ HALLE-BLOODY-LUJAH! Perfect for working mums who don’t get a chance to exercise before work or at lunchtime, it’s open 9am to 12 noon from Monday to Saturday and 4pm to 7pm Tuesday and Thursday nights.

For mums with little ones, there are also Mums and Bubs group sessions, which allow you to train with your child (the little one/s can either go into the crèche or alongside you). The sessions are tailored according to the make up of the group and give mums the flexibility to respond to their child’s needs while they exercise.

Thirty-six hours later, I was back to give Gold’s Personal Training a go with Nicole, and was greeted with the happy (?) news that we were doing a 30 minute legs session. Now, I’m not usually a huge fan of PT. I like the energy that comes with exercising in a group environment, and I usually choose a Pump class over weights on the gym floor…but I really, really enjoyed my session. I could barely walk the next day, but I knew my body had worked, and worked hard.

The advantages of doing a session with a trainer instead of just schlepping around by yourself are many: motivation; correct technique; expert guidance; variety; not to mention the company! Spending that half hour with Nicole reminded me how much I enjoy weights (yes, even the walking lunges), and I’ve made a promise to myself to get back into it as a regular thing.

But let’s deal with the elephant in the room. Many women don’t think Gold’s is an option for them because of its reputation as being for hardcore weights enthusiasts. But that’s certainly not what I found. Yes, there are guys who are seriously into ‘pumping iron’…but the layout of the gym means that you don’t even need to go near the free weights room. Pop in the back door and onto the stepper or machine weights, or grab the lift straight up to the group fitness or cardio room, and you’re all sorted.

So, whether you are a dedicated gym-goer looking for a facility with the latest equipment and experienced and supportive staff; a beginner or someone looking to get back into fitness; or a mum wanting a child-friendly gym, Gold’s may be just what you’re looking for. Why not give it a try?

YOUR OFFER 

Get a FREE ONE WEEK TRIAL PASS, exclusive to HerCanberra readers, during the month of November. Sign up before 2014 and receive a 12 month membership for just $16.50/wk, with FREE creche OR NO joining fee!

Gather your girlfriends and contact Gold’s today, to redeem your FREE ONE WEEK TRIAL PASS at either of their two locations:  Gungahlin or Fyshwick. Call Nathan on 6242 5807, email him at nramunno@goldsaustralia.com.au OR simply pop in and mention this offer for more details.

the essentials

What: Gold’s Gym
Where: Gungahlin – 81 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin;  Fyshwick – 1/15 Beaconsfield Street, Fyshwick
When: Open 24/7. Gungahlin Group Fitness Timetable and Fyshwick Group Fitness Timetable.
Web: goldsaustralia.com.au