The best exercise classes to try in Melbourne

With studios in Fitzroy, Windsor and the CBD, Barre Body is a well-established community favourite. For those already in the know, level up your workout with the Barre Cardio class, which mixes strength and HIIT for a full-body blitz. Prior barre knowledge is needed.

Northsiders should head to Brunswick East to try Armature Strength’s barre class, which combines classical ballet and strength training for a high-intensity workout using the barre and other small props. 

With 22 gyms in Victoria, UBX is an accessible way to add boxing to your next workout. Each session runs for about 45 minutes and involves a 12-round circuit of boxing and strength training exercises that change each day. Plus, you’ll get one-on-one time with a dedicated coach to work on your form.

Discover the art of kickboxing at Fight Fit Boxing Centre, run by trainers with real-world experience. During the class, you’ll learn to use all eight striking points and get a full-body workout. Located in South Melbourne, Collingwood and Moorabbin.

South Yarra’s 1R claims to be the king of gyms – and it certainly boasts an impressive fitout. Try the Rumble class for a hard-hitting boxing session focused on speed, footwork and strength. Over 45 minutes, you’ll learn the foundations of boxing, punching combos and strength and conditioning boxing drills.

Try CycleBar’s Performance class for a motivating session that might also expand your friendship circle. CycleStats technology is used to create group challenges and rider competitions throughout the workout. Located in Fitzroy.

Bodhi & Ride host themed spin classes including ‘Hot Girl Sundays’ and ‘Hip Hop and RnB Extravaganza’ from its studios in Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD. Have a blast sweating it out (and singing along) during 45 minutes of cardio and speed.

We couldn’t not include cult classic F45, one of the most beloved and easily accessible HIIT gyms. Try its most famous cardio session, called 22, which includes longer sets and shorter rests to make the exercises really burn. There are more than 100 F45 locations in Melbourne.

Located across Melbourne, including in Essendon, Northcote and Cheltenham, The HIIT Factory offers 30 or 45-minute high-intensity strength, cardio and mobility training sessions. Try The Stage class for a circuit workout combining steps, weights, skipping and more.

Everybody is welcome at Good Times Pilates, an inclusive and supportive studio in Fitzroy, Northcote and online. New parents, guardians and carers with babies under one will especially enjoy the tailored Mini Moves class focused on strength, balance and coordination.

Need a more individual approach? Universal’s Clinical Class is led by a physiotherapist and tailored to your needs, which may include mat, reformer, trapeze table, ladder barrel and functional exercises. Located in Glen Iris, Richmond and Fitzroy.

Take reformer pilates to the next level and try the Megaformer+ class at MegaMode in the CBD. This 45-minute session involves constant resistance and plenty more exercises targeting your upper body, lower body and core than a traditional reformer workout. 

Chill out with a Keep it Mellow yoga class at Good Vibes’ beautiful studios in Northcote and Collingwood. Taken at a slow pace, this session involves slow transitions between strong and dynamic poses to encourage mindfulness, resilience and self-compassion.

All For One’s yoga teachers work with a team of physiotherapists and keep classes to a maximum of 15 so you can get the attention and care you need during a session. Try the restorative Yin Yoga class, where positions are held for longer periods of time to engage physical and mental strength. Located in Yarraville and Hampton East.

Defy gravity and try Little Mandarin’s introductory Aerial 101 yoga class. You’ll build your confidence and learn the foundations of using the aerial silk equipment, which you’ll need for long-term practice. Located in Burwood East and the CBD.

Rise to the top during a high-intensity climbing workout at South Yarra’s Rise Nation. Start with the level one class, where you’ll climb between 700 and 2500 feet in a slower-paced session designed to help you build proper form and learn the ropes of the machines.

If Melbourne’s unpredictable weather has ever stopped you from going for a run, then it’s Run Club to the rescue. Try the Power 45 class which incorporates intervals of both speed and hills to help increase your strength and endurance. Located in Cremorne.

Feed your inner child and take a Jump It class at #fit_r. This strong cardio workout takes place on a trampoline, with body weight, dumbbell and resistance band exercises choreographed to the beat of some epic tunes for a fun full-body sweat session.