Best Fitness Studios & Gyms in Melbourne Right Now: 5 Spots Locals Are Buzzing About

Ultra Studio - Boutique strength and sweat in the city

Ultra Studio is the kind of small but mighty fitness space Melbourne keeps talking about. With a 4.8 rating from early adopters and new-business buzz, it is trending because it feels like a tight-knit training club rather than a generic gym.

Located in an inner-city pocket popular with young professionals, Ultra Studio focuses on quality coaching, small group classes, and form-driven strength work. The programming leans into progressive overload, conditioning blocks, and technique cues that help you actually improve, not just survive the session.

Why it is trending now:

• New on the scene with a strong early rating and word-of-mouth momentum
• Intimate class sizes that attract people tired of crowded chain gyms
• A clean, minimalist space that feels more like a training lab than a big-box club

Best for:

• People wanting coached strength and conditioning without intimidation
• Busy workers chasing efficient, results-focused sessions
• Anyone who likes knowing their coach by name

Pro tip: Trial a morning class. Regulars say the early crew has the best community vibe and the coaches have time to fine-tune your form.

CorePlus North Melbourne - Heated movement and reformer cool-kid energy

CorePlus North Melbourne has quickly become a go-to for locals who want sculpting, sweat, and playlists that feel like a night out. With a 4.9 rating and growing review base, this new CorePlus location is trending because it blends boutique design with seriously smart programming.

Expect reformer Pilates, mat-based strength, hot yoga-inspired flows, and low-impact conditioning that still delivers a burn. The studio aesthetic is sleek and warm, with dim lighting that makes even your wobbliest lunge feel a little more confident.

Why it is trending now:

• New studio in an already energetic pocket of North Melbourne
• Instagram-friendly interiors and lighting that people love to share
• A schedule stacked with reformer and heated classes that sell out fast

Best for:

• Pilates fans who also want yoga and strength in one membership
• People who prefer guided, low-impact but intense sessions over heavy weights
• After-work classes with a social, upbeat feel

Pro tip: Book peak-time reformer classes early. CorePlus regulars are loyal and the most popular time slots fill quickly.

One Hot Yoga & Pilates - Hot studio with a cult following

One Hot Yoga & Pilates is one of Melbourne's original names in heated practice, but its current growth and new-business classification reflect a refreshed wave of interest. With a 4.2 rating and a steady stream of recent reviews, it is trending again as more people seek mindful, heat-based training instead of only high-impact workouts.

Inside, you get architect-designed spaces, infrared heating, and classes that range from slow, meditative flows to strong, sweat-drenched sequences. The Pilates sessions add a sculpting edge that keeps regulars coming back.

Why it is trending now:

• Renewed interest in hot yoga and hot Pilates as a balance to desk-bound days
• Design-led interiors that feel like a wellness retreat in the city
• A loyal community that keeps recommending it to friends and colleagues

Best for:

• People who love training in the heat and want that deep, detox-style sweat
• Desk workers needing mobility, posture, and core strength support
• Anyone who wants their workout to double as stress relief

Pro tip: Hydrate well and arrive early if it is your first hot class. The heat is part of the magic, but it is easier when you ease into it.

98 Gym South Melbourne - High-performance strength with a team-sport feel

98 Gym South Melbourne brings serious athletic training energy to the local gym scene. With a perfect 5.0 rating from its early crowd and a new-business status, it is trending because it offers pro-level programming in a friendly, no-ego environment.

Sessions focus on strength, conditioning, and performance metrics. Think barbell work, sleds, rowers, and structured blocks that make you feel like you are training for something bigger, even if your main goal is feeling stronger in everyday life.

Why it is trending now:

• High-performance training without the elite-athlete attitude
• Tight-knit member base that pushes each other in the best way
• South Melbourne location that taps into a growing hub of health-focused locals

Best for:

• People who love lifting and functional conditioning
• Former team-sport players missing that shared grind
• Anyone bored of random workouts and wanting real structure

Pro tip: Start with a coached strength session so the trainers can assess your movement and help you progress safely.

K1N1 Australia 24:7 Gym - Around-the-clock training with local-gym heart

K1N1 Australia 24:7 Gym is a rising neighborhood favorite with a 5.0 rating and a new-business glow. It is trending because it offers true 24-7 access without losing the personal touch that smaller gyms are known for.

You will find free weights, machines, functional training zones, and enough space to run your own program at any hour. The atmosphere is more community club than polished boutique, which many lifters and shift workers prefer.

Why it is trending now:

• New 24-7 option in an area where serious late-night and early-morning trainers are on the rise
• Friendly staff and owners who actually know members by name
• Flexible access for people juggling shift work, parenting, or irregular schedules

Best for:

• Lifters who want freedom to train when it suits them
• Budget-conscious members who still care about equipment quality
• Night owls and early birds who avoid peak-hour crowds

Pro tip: Ask about staffed hours if you want an induction or program help. Outside those times, it is pure self-directed training.

How to choose the right Melbourne fitness studio for you

With so many trending gyms and studios in Melbourne, it helps to narrow your search:

• If you want coached strength and conditioning: Start with Ultra Studio or 98 Gym South Melbourne.
• If you are into Pilates and yoga vibes: Check out CorePlus North Melbourne or One Hot Yoga & Pilates.
• If you need flexible hours and solo training: K1N1 Australia 24:7 Gym is your best bet.

Think about your non-negotiables. Is it coaching, community, aesthetics, or open hours? Matching your lifestyle to the studio style is more important than chasing the most intense workout.

Train smarter with MapsBuddy

Melbourne's fitness scene is changing fast, and the most interesting studios are often the ones that have not gone fully mainstream yet. MapsBuddy helps you spot these rising gyms early, compare real-time buzz, and decide where to book your next session before the classes are packed.