Lane Cove Aquatic

Who it's for

Good fit: People who want pool, gym, classes, sauna, spa and steam in one cheap membership; families who need the free creche; older or nervous beginners (Fit and Fabulous, aqua, yoga, reformer); early birds who like a 5:45am 30 minute functional class.

Not for: Anyone wanting a quiet or premium gym floor (crowded 5 to 7pm, one reviewer found the refitted floor cramped), serious lap swimmers at peak (squads and lessons take lanes), people who dislike virtual classes or tired wet change rooms, and anyone who needs to reach reception by phone.

Scores are our opinion after visiting, 1 to 5. Social vibe 1 is quiet and solo, 5 is loud and social.

Price and terms

Weekly

$25 a week, on a 12 month Results plan (21 concession), 27 month to month Active (25 concession), 1170 a year upfront

Trial

$1 a day for 14 days; Gymlink lists a free 7 day membership and 3 free classes for locals 16 plus by appointment

Casual

$25

Packs

20 visit swim pass 196 adult, 175 concession; no gym or class packs

Joining fee

79 on the 12 month plan, 99 on month to month, none listed on upfront

Contract

12 month minimum (Results), month to month with no minimum term (Active), or 12 months upfront

Cancelling

Not published for Lane Cove. One reviewer reports a cancellation fee inside the minimum term, another says online cancellation was hassle free

When you can train

Early morning

Yes, gym 24/7; centre opens 5:30am weekdays and 6am weekends; live FX30 or PWRX 5:45am Mon to Fri, virtual cycle and reformer from 6am, Sat 6am BodyPump

Lunch

Yes, gym 24/7; about 5 live lunch classes a week: FX30 12:30 Tue to Thu, Fit and Fabulous and Pilates at 12pm, plus virtual

Evening

Yes, gym 24/7; about 26 live classes from 5pm, latest 7:30pm; FX30 6 and 6:45pm most weekdays; centre closes 9pm weekdays

Weekend

Yes, gym 24/7; centre 6am to 8pm; Sat BodyPump, Cardio Boxing, Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, FX30 x3, Aqua; Sun Yoga, Body Balance, BodyPump, FX30 x2, Aqua

Class size

One instructor per studio class; Saturday aqua class runs 45 places (review); FX30 and reformer caps not published

What it is

24/7 gym upstairs (BlueFit Health Club) plus about 105 instructor led and 78 virtual group classes a week (FX30 functional, PWRX, reformer pilates, aqua, Les Mills, yoga, pilates, cycle), four pools, sauna, spa and steam, all on one membership

Coaching: Social and instructor led in the studios, hands off on the gym floor. Community leisure centre feel for all ages; every new member gets a program and floor staff check ins; a third of the timetable is virtual screens.

Gear: Before that: pin loaded machines, free weights, squat racks, one deadlift rack, sleds and turf lanes. Reformer studio, cycle studio, group fitness studio, recovery space

Extras: FX30 30 minute functional, PWRX strength, Abs Butt and Thighs, reformer pilates live and virtual, aqua aerobics, Fit and Fabulous seniors, Les Mills BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyBalance, BodyAttack, Zumba, DanceFit, cardio boxing, yoga, pilates, virtual cycle and meditation; PT; recovery space; adult learn to swim and squads

Parking

Yes, council multi level car park across Little St, free for 3 hours

Creche

Yes, Bluebottles creche free for members, 9, 10 and 11am one hour sessions, max 8 children, ages 6 weeks to 10 years, casual 6.40

Showers

Yes, reviewers complain of small wet change rooms, broken shower doors, low pressure and no hairdryers