Where Locals Work Out: Best [12] Gyms and Fitness Centers in Carlton, VIC

Kaivalya Pulekar My membership was for 18 months which started on the 11th of April 2024. The 18 months have already surpassed and the money is still getting deducted from my bank account. Also, not a single email or communication received from their side that money will be deducted from my bank account. Its already December 2025 and I am still paying for a service which should have ended on 11th of Oct 2025. I have no clue how to stop this service even though the 18 months tenure has surpassed. Very money-minded service and gyms itself are cramped and probably they dont have a count of memberships being sold or they just need money as there is 0 space in gym on peak days and hours. ALSO NO COMMUNICATION HAS BEEN DONE FROM THEIR SIDE FOR 30 DAYS CANCELLATION NOTICE AS STATED IN TERMS AND CONDITIONS I am writing a review over here as I am reading the other reviews, they are more prompt in giving solutions to problems over here rather than using their own contact page.

Sacha Howard The gym itself at Zap Fitness Carlton is still good — the equipment and facilities are fine — but the company’s management and customer service have been appalling. I cancelled my membership on 1 September 2025, yet Zap Fitness continued to try to charge me and has kept contacting me by phone and email, even after multiple written requests for them to stop. I’ve had to contact my bank to block the direct debit and get a refund, and I’ve now issued a final notice to Zap Fitness demanding they cease all contact. It’s really disappointing, because the local gym staff aren’t the problem — it’s the head office and billing system that make this company impossible to deal with. Be very careful before signing up; cancelling a membership should not be this difficult.

Claudio Pirazzini Someone of staff just called me to tell me i "tail gate" the door to someone, and want to give me a fine, not even gently on phone just a threat... something obsiously i never done but not my fault if someone run in the door after me and i cant became a bodyguard of your gym, give him/her a fine not to someone innocent and membee from many years

Jack Minca Overall an okay gym, good location for if you work or in an apartment building in the area which has no gym. Small but as expected in the city. Some equipment old or obsolete but not many. Can be a tight fit in there as they have to ack everything in a small space. 1-3 is busy

Natasha A I’ve been a member of Fernwood Fitness Carlton for a while now, and I can honestly say it’s been an amazing experience from day one! The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff are super friendly, making it a perfect place to start (or continue) your fitness journey. I’d especially like to give a big shoutout to PT Jay Ramsay. She’s has been an absolute game-changer for me, someone who was intimidated to be at a gym initially. Jay is not just any trainer, but someone who truly takes the time to understand your goals, limitations, and strengths. Whether youre new to fitness or just looking to push yourself further, she’ll tailor your workouts to suit your needs. Her motivational style really helps push me to do my best, and I always feel supported and encouraged. If you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, dont be afraid to give it a go! Jay is the perfect trainer for beginners, and I can’t recommend her enough. She creates a safe and positive environment where you can grow and build confidence, no matter where you’re at.

Molly Redmond I’ve been at Fernwood Carlton for over 3 years now and absolutely love it, as a student it provides such a good range of classes for me to attend regardless of my schedule, and those who work there are always very helpful. Charlotte Miller’s Boxing class is a weekly non-negotiable for me, the class is high energy and she made me feel comfortable coming in with no prior boxing experience, and now pushes me each week to correctly improve my strength and technique. Shay’s Barre classes also has significantly improved my balance and posture. I always recommend this gym to anyone I know in the area.

BackpackingAndy Great gym, small but has everything you need from a free weight perspective - squat rack, free weights plates, dumbbells etc. Would return Day pass is around 20 AUD

john sinclair Diversity hire was at the reception when I came in and had an error with my scanner. Told me to scan it at the desk and said I hadnt paid my membership before turning back to her own thing. It was only when I showed them my payment confirmations that they called someone else to help me. She fixed the issue and told me the system had experienced some problems earlier in the morning. What was the point of having someone manning the desk when they either didnt know about, or couldnt care to explain a system issue affecting multiple people? Gym facilities themselves are alright, a few machines could have an extra one to cater for their increased use. The fitness sessions are annoying as they take up half a room of equipment just to use a few ropes and bands. Pool is also way to hot when it is open. Still a good gym with decent equipment, questionable staffing choices, and pricey memberships.

Cat If youre serious about your health and fitness then Prime40 is where you need to be. I was struggling with a bad back and had tried physios and every other variety of intervention - this is the first time something actually works. Im in less pain and my sleep has improved. I used to hate the gym but Kane has the rare ability to explain how exercises are meant to work when done correctly and it was like I got it for the first time, now I enjoy going

Pina Guarnuccio This has become a great place to train…I hated going to gyms in the past and could never commit to regular workouts. I have now been training at Prime 40 for a year twice a week and looking to increase to three times! The personal attention given to my program and training has been beyond my expectations. They let me start slowly at my pace, challenging me in a way that didn’t discourage me or make me walk away. Now I cant believe how much stronger i feel and have become. I feel like I’m just smashing my workouts and surprisingly looking forward to them. The trainers are fantastic and really well informed especially for me….in relation to peri menopause and menopausal needs. Thanks Kane and Patricia!

1seb0 The level of care to my needs and the amount of attention you receive is absolutely amazing! Classes are small and intimate, so that the instructor can guide you through your personalised program without feeling like a run of the mill reformer class at your local gym. I’d recommend these classes to anyone, regardless if you’re new to Pilates or a pro who’s been doing it for years. My back issues are a thing of the past now that I have the right tools to help manage them, thanks to ALP. Shoutout to Kat at the Carlton studio, who is incredibly intuitive and knows when to push and when to let you discover for yourself.

Lexie K A beautiful, fully equipped studio in the heart of Carlton. Chantel has been an incredible mentor, and her skilled team of instructors create such a welcoming & inclusive environment. My weekly sessions always leave me feeling stronger and more connected!

Rachel Cheung Had a class at Body Concert earlier today, and I’m still carrying the calm it brought me. The studio is a sanctuary—beautiful, open, and quietly powerful. From the moment I walked in, I felt completely welcomed. The teachers here truly know their craft, each bringing their own energy and care. Tara’s classes are always a masterclass in subtle strength. Her instructions land with clarity and purpose, awakening muscles through the smallest, most intentional movements. She guides with care, refining form gently, never forcefully. And today’s jumpboard addition brought a playful pulse to the flow. I also have to mention Kasia; it’s been a little while since I last took her class, but it left such a lasting impression. To be guided by Kasia is to experience movement as art. Her cues flow like poetry, and every session feels like a quiet reset for both body and mind. There’s a grace in her teaching that’s rare—anchored, intuitive, and deeply human. I always leave her classes feeling lighter, stronger, and more at home in myself. Every visit to Body Concert is a 10/10 experience. It’s more than just movement. It’s a return to self, in the most beautiful way.

K B Such a unique and truely personalised experience that expertly caters to all bodies & levels. The attention to individual needs is a welcome change to the mainstream offerings at many studios. Body Concert offers a point of difference in their knowledge & the opportunity to practice in such a beautiful, calm & welcoming professional space. In addition to true, traditional Pilates - The Breath Work class, was a treat to experience on a Friday lunchtime. Highly recommend

Josephine C The staffs are very nice and kind, the course is entry level friendly. I really enjoyed my term here as someone who has never done pole dance before. The star is for the staff. However, I encounter some issue with the payment, where I was charged twice. It took the studios ages to reply emails and refund. My last email of refund was send 9th April and followed up on May. Still no reply yet. In conclusion, staff and course are nice. However, be careful with the refund cause they’ll take months to process.

Tas A I took an intro class here. The instructor and the studio had such great energy. Would come back!

Summersaults Really nice looking studio at a nice location. I didn’t have grippy socks and they available at the studio to purchase which was nice as well. The instructor I had today was nice however it was a bit difficult to follow their instructions. I found them very fast and most of times unclear probably because of their accent so had to keep looking around at people to see what they were doing and making sure I was doing the same and pulling the right strings. Also found them a bit inattentive.

Yang Chau I had a wonderful time at Villa Pilates with Valerie. The class was well run, and the instructor had a loud and clear voice with instructions easy to follow. The Chair and Mat class was slightly challenging but overall very fun. would highly recommend and go again.

BR AM Many group classes from UniMelb will take place here. This is a nice small gym, For class, It will be in a a studio room that can accommodate up to 10-15 people. The facilities are quite complete.

Marvin Peng Good and quiet gym But temporalily close until 28/01/2020

Grace Gillies Ive been hard pressed to find anywhere else like Soft Studios. I feel so calm and welcome within the studio. The teachers have amazing knowledge and experience with the body, and the small class sizes help to ensure you are working with your body in the best way possible. It is the only studio I have ever been to that has felt like a true judgement free zone, which is how exercise should be. My favourite class is Soft Ballet — I have previously done ballet and this feels like my inner child can enjoy the class without the pressure of the standard ballet class. Thank you for creating such a space.

Renee Du 5 star recommended :) I benefited from professional instruction, beautiful environment, and warm staffs. A variety of courses are designed to target different goals. This is truly a place worth joining.