Fitness First Richmond

Positive experience: Nice large open space and positive atmosphere. Pump and Attack classes on most days at various times. PT sessions are also available. If you pay for the highest priced membership there's more opportunities to train and recover that will not be available at all for regular members even though some used to be at the previous location. Studio has a few issues, like but there's newer equipment and the giant screen is good for video classes.

Negative experience: Terrible service and over sold. Half the gym wasn’t operable when it opened. You have to queue to use the equipment. The reformer classes aren’t worth it - you have to look at screens through out the class. However the hot yoga instructor was very good!

Negative experience: You drive around for 15 mins to find a park to get in and queue to use the equipment.

Negative experience: Dispute the fact it’s a new gym there are basic stuff that are overlooked. Can you fix your water dispenser there is a queue to get water, and the yoga room is too bright like a kitchen and it smells.

Fantastic experience: Fitness First Richmond Platinum is an excellent training facility that provides top quality Personal Training provided by the very best trainers you could possibly find. The gym has brand new equipment always in working order , kept clean and accessible. The layout is user friendly and has plenty of room to move around in . There is plenty of equipment and the bathroom facilities are clean , practical and well designed. The air quality and temperature is excellent for a city gym also !! Fantastic Gym .

Negative experience: Joined the “diamond “ membership to have access to the recovery/wellness centre…but it shuts at 7pm on a Friday night, even though the gym is 24hr. I would reconsider this if I was the manager. It would have been nice if this had been explained before you sign up to a membership. Unfortunately, like the gym, some businesses are not flexible on finish times and can’t even get to the gym before 6. Is this policy going to change?

Negative experience: I recently joined and only as it was across the road from where I live. The gym is way too crowded and never enough equipment to use. You end up walking around in circles to get around as the floor layout isn’t great. Even standard off peak times like midday Saturday is hectic. There are weights thrown all around the gym and it’s chaotic. I joined to try the reformer classes as I regularly do reformer. It’s the worst reformer I have ever done. You have to follow the instructions on a tv. 1R, Coreplus etc are better for Pilates. Also paying platinum membership just to access a basic sauna when I think this should be included in a basic package. Also the sauna area closes at 4pm during the weekend so you can’t even access it after this time when you stager your workout to avoid the peak morning-early afternoon time. The staff are also so unfriendly. Doesn’t hurt to smile. I asked one to help me at front desk to book in for revive sessions on my first day as I had no clue. She told me to go to the website and proceeded to ignore me… useless and unhelpful and just lack of care for customers once they have you signed up. Also can’t grasp that you have to give 5 names for referral to get a lower membership rate. Giving it 1 star for new equipment and decent treadmills but that’s about it. Update: I have been here for 4 weeks now and there is only one working water station. Nothing has been done to fix the other that doesn’t work. There are treadmills that have been sitting out of order and haven’t been fixed for weeks. The antibacterial wipes near the leg machines has been sitting empty for the 4 weeks I have been going here. Poor service considering how much they expect you to pay. I also booked a 1 person sauna well in advance for the revive area, they put me in a 2 person sauna with a male who was sweating all over the place I left my session early. No point paying excessive $$$ for a diamond membership here. When I reached out to provide feedback I got this response from the reception team “ There's not much we can do in the meantime other than booking in advance and coming early for the one 1x Sauna pod” which is everything I did! Really disappointing and frustrating place and only care about collecting $$$ I’m warning you now! Don’t join!

Fantastic experience: My second home… best gym I’ve been to in Melb. Visit before 4 or after 7:30 to avoid waiting for machines etc

Fantastic experience: Definitely an upgrade from the previous gym! 10/10

Negative experience: Major Security Concern - I just witnessed in peak time a staff member unlock about 10 lockers for a member who couldn't remember which one they had used, that's all good and well except the staff member left all the lockers that were full of other peoples belongings open... when I called him out on this he shrugged and said that he couldn't lock them again and had to go back to reception. I gave it 10 minutes - no one came back and the lockers were left all open for anyone just to help themselves. SHOCKING... a few of the members did come back and I told them the story - they were all fuming!!! (Thank you for the response from Fitness First, though it was disappointingly sarcastic as expected. I did initially contact the club directly, and their reply was essentially an apology for the experience without offering any real solution. Perhaps if they were more proactive in addressing the issue when I first reached out, it could have prevented the negative review.)

Fantastic experience: Great gym, lots of great equipment, staff helpful and friendly, instructors knowledgeable and always attentive. Busy at times but that only encourages you to optimize your time at Fitness First, Richmond.

Positive experience: Not too bad nice and new. The windows in the reformer room would have been better suited to the more used gym floor. Bit like training in a bunker, great to see the girls on the front desk are keeping it bright and cheery. same old faces loitering around the change rooms which is a shame, had hoped that would have been sorted. and MOved on

Negative experience: 扣款問題一直沒解決，還要客人自己吸收，場地也沒之前好

Positive experience: The Pilates classes with Kat and Francesco are fantastic, really motivating and enjoyable.

Fantastic experience: Very happy with the new gym, heaps of equipment, space, friendly accomodating staff, couldn't ask for more.

Fantastic experience: As a regular reformer pilates member at other boutique pilates studios I was hesitant to try reformer pilates classes within a gym, however my classes with Kat have been amazing! She is a great pilates instructor who gets involved during the class and always assists with form correction and brings a great positive energy. I have been incredibly impressed with her classes and she has me hooked! Thanks Kat for making my reformer pilates experience at the gym so great. Love your work!

Fantastic experience: Great gym. All the equipment you need plus nice clean change rooms. Lots of space and light too.

Fantastic experience: Nice new location with all brand new equipment. Spacious

Negative experience: Signed up at Fitness First Richmond on the understanding there was a 7 day cooling off period where I could cancel any time. In the 3 days I went there were several issues with the gym: - an insufficient number of working lockers meaning I couldn't even start exercising until I waited for a locker to free up or left my belongings in the open - extreme crowding making it difficult to actually do any exercise once finding a locker - only one water fountain that wasn't broken, which was completely insufficient for the number of people and lead to queues for something as simple as water - dumbbells in complete disarray, having to search an entire wall to find the required weight - dirty showers with what looked and smelled like hair removal cream smeared on the wall I decided it wasn't going to work out and emailed to cancel, well within the cooling off period. I received a response within 10 minutes asking if anything would help me reconsider and that was the end of my positive experience with communication. After confirming I wished to cancel, I heard nothing from Fitness First Richmond. A few days later I was charged full sign up fee and two weeks membership, emailed the club, and was advised it was passed to accounts for investigation. A week later with no word I had to follow up a, and was told the refund would appear in 7-12 business days. This is the last I have heard from Fitness First Richmond. Since waiting longer than the 7-12 day period and still receiving no refund, two further follow up attempts have just been ignored. I have now had to file a dispute with my bank to ensure I get a refund for charges that shouldn't have occurred. I can't speak for how the gym was before the remodel but if management is still the same then this review would still stand.

Negative experience: DO NOT PAY FOR THE DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP ITS A RIP OFF The advertised Cryotherapy Chamber for their Diamond membership, which is very expensive. Turns out that you're better off sitting at home under the air-conditioning. That is not a cyrotherapy chamber, not in the least bit, barely cold, i doubt its even zero degrees not to talk of minus. I feel really deceived and will explore options with the ACCC. They're also lacking decent machines, they have only 1 seated leg press, the former gym at least had 2. I will admit they have lots of squat racks, but not everybody uses those. Bring back the machines you had. What a let down!

Positive experience: This gym issa vibe. I love the space, and it's great to see more girlies training here compared to the old gym. The reformer Pilates instructors are fantastic, especially Kat. She's passionate and engaging, and as someone who struggles with group classes, I really appreciate how she moves around the room, checking everyone's form and technique, offering help when needed. She should definitely teach more classes! You can tell she’s genuinely invested and not just passing time. Maybe she could take on the Wednesday classes too . Francesco is also amazing—I really enjoy his classes. So far, they are the best coaches. The membership is great value for everything you get.

Negative experience: If you like gyms with low ceilings and no natural light (no exaggeration) then this location is for you. A completely uninspiring space. It feels like you are in a basement, cramped and in view of everyone. Too many design flaws to list, but they echo previous reviews - all previous reviews are 100% accurate. The lockers need to be replaced, impossible to use the keypads efficiently. The U shaped pathway to the bathrooms is extremely dangerous and unnerving as you are almost always are about to walk into someone everytime you enter and exit. There is next to no security, anyone can enter off the street without scanning in. Too much round furniture (seating areas etc) taking up space or if used are completely impractical (change rooms). Long term member who recently joined another gym in the area which is amazing. If you love this location and its offerings (I’d pose the question ‘why’), but all respect to you. Note: Fitness First please do not respond. I don’t want or need a response as I’ve already left. Simply sharing my experience.

Negative experience: The New Gym This gym is very poorly designed, small, over subscribed and packed with people like a sardine tin. Facility - Too many people - completely oversubscribed - water fountains not working, very slow flow - no windows other than foyer - very busy and very noisy - Round benches in main area’s pointless - people very tense and aggressive - no Stretching area or mats Floor workout area - very small - surrounded by treadmills - very creepy and uncomfortable Classes rooms - rooms small and long narrow - poor ventilation - poor visibility - feels like basement Changing Rooms - impractical design - glass sauna fully exposed to people in changing room… weird. - no place to put anything or sit. - circular seating ridiculous - not enough lockers - can’t tell if locker in use Machines - extended waits - people on their phone - 2 leg extension when already not enough at last gym - witnessed arguments Foyer - poorly designed - confusing Why Fitness First?

Negative experience: Cycle Studio - Ana and the instructors are great, the new bikes and sound system are also very good. Unfortunately being in the studio itself is a really uncomfortable experience: - The room is far too small, with 30 or so bikes you feel like you are on top of the other people in the class, including the instructor. The ceiling being so low creates a feeling of being in a basement. - It is very bright in the room (albeit with artificial light) with the fluorescent lights from the main gym floor beaming in from two sides of the room and the screen on the front wall. It's off-putting, especially when you are so close to your neighbour on a bike. Sometimes the lights in the room are left on during the class because the switch is so far away from the instructor, making the issue worse. - Ventilation is poor when class is busy - No stage for the instructor means it is hard to see them and it lacks a motivating atmosphere. It's such a shame when there is so much wasted space in what I imagine is a waiting area outside the room. Providing this feedback as a long time member in the hope modifications can be made!

Negative experience: 員工電話粗魯，造成扣款問題要客人自己吸收！超級沒有禮貌

Fantastic experience: Love my gum!

Positive experience: Great gym and great equipment, but some people who attend here can be judgemental.

Negative experience: Don’t join this gym if you have to drive to it. No where near enough spaces.

Negative experience: Really awful front desk service. I signed up online and went to collect my “welcome kit” which consisted of an access card and really unhelpful attitude. No tour, no information about the club, I would suggest trying another gym.

Negative experience: UPDATED REVIEW POST RENOVATION I attempted to cancel my membership once under medical reasons which is a part of their policy as a valid reason to cancel a membership. One member of staff said that they would cancel my membership, however, a couple days later I received an email stating that “Unfortunately, based on the certificate provided, we cannot cancel your membership on medical grounds” I decided to give the gym the benefit of doubt and continued my membership after I had healed (I was still charged whilst I was unfit to train). I then proceeded to put my membership on another hold as I was overseas for a month. I was then charged $13 for fees that had no real explanation after I emailed 3 times asking for an explanation. Just disappointed with the service, I have to follow up on emails and ask why I’m being charged, also the equipment is outdated so I understand exactly why the platinum status was stripped from this gym. It’s smaller, less spacious, calisthenics area is gone, no cardio space, car park closes at 9pm so I have to park on the street. Almost no natural light, dumbbells are a mess. Absolute joke of a club. Also they won’t reply to my billing enquires and they need constant follow ups and just keep stating ‘it’s company policy’. Do not sign up, go around the corner to snap fitness or something.

Negative experience: Ex member here, Parking is absolutely terrible now, i stopped my membership because multiple times my carpark entry would not work and you spend longer finding a park than to complete a workout, facilities are good but not worth the $32 for platinum or even more for diamond $53. There is nicer places.

Negative experience: I can't comment on the gym itself as I haven't been, but at this stage I am honestly losing interest in visiting due to the abysmal communications I am experiencing with the Richmond team to date. I am an exisiting member and was enquiring about upgrading my membership so that I could make use of their reformer pilates classes. The club manager, Huwyn, quoted a price that didn't align with what was advertised online so I asked them to clarify why they were charging me more but I haven't received a response despite sending 5 follow-up emails since July 11th (not to mention the follow-ups I sent just to get the pricing to begin with). The fact that I started this enquiry chain on June 26th and still haven't had it resolved has been frustrating. I have been visiting a competitor pilates studio in the meantime as I don't want my fitness goals to be delayed by their lack of service.

Fantastic experience: Non 5 star reviews are literally insane. It is by far the best gym I have been too in 30 years of going to the gym. Only negative is the steam room could be hotter.

Negative experience: This gym has gone downhill since it moved ! Smaller space! Steamroom closes very early weekend between like 5-6pm and weekdays between 7-8pm absolutely ridiculous when people who finish work 6/7pm and want to use after a workout they can’t now! Old gym used to close around 10pm. In regards to the machines some are very awkward use movements when using also.

Negative experience: Whoever designed the floor layout has never been to a gym. Its an obstacle course getting from reception to the change rooms. A big round thing with plants under one of two available light wells? for what? You dont go to gym to sit down amongst the greenery: utilize this space better. There's not enough natural light, the ceilings are low, they really should have spread over two floors. There are not enough benches for the amount of ppl in the gym on a Monday morning, hate to think how busy it is at night. The men's change rooms are odd. You can no longer use your access card to lock or unlock a locker, you use a pin, difficult if you've just showered and have wet hands. The big circular couches are not at all suitable for getting changed, its a change room not a cocktail lounge. They're even too far from your locker, nowhere to hang your towel, and guys are uncomfortably close together trying to get changed. Get rid of those for starters and put in some long benches, with hanging hooks for your bag and towel while you change, like at QV. The position of the steam room is odd, with its window directly facing people who are getting changed. When you walk from the showers to the steam room you track water into the change room, and there's nowhere to hang your towel outside of it. It feels like they've thought of nothing which makes a gym user friendly. And for the love of god, dont forget to bring your headphones unless you want to be blasted with the same tired Pink and Guy Sebastian tracks you've heard a million times. The sound system isn't even good, it sounds foggy like AM radio. Honestly, FF have talked this place up to their back teeth but delivered a gym that's smaller and less useful than their previous Richmond address.

Positive experience: This is not my home club and only came to check it out during a quiet period on a Friday. I used only a bench and dumbbells, so can’t really comment on the rest of the equipment. At first glance, the club looks really good; it is brand new after all. But look closer and certain things don’t quite make sense, like the functioning training area just beyond the reception zone, the overall lack of flow from section to section, the little ottomans in the change room where you face each other changing… But my biggest gripe would be the equipment from PLAE. Compared to Ironedge, it just feels and looks cheap. And the dumbbells… I hate them with a passion - massive PLAE label on them and a silly little font that makes it hard to decipher what weight it is.

Fantastic experience: This gym is brand new, with all the latest equipment in excellent condition. It's incredibly clean and spacious! The staff are very friendly and welcoming. There are always lots of people working out here, creating a great atmosphere. It's also super convenient for parking, as there's a huge parking garage right next door that connects directly to the gym. Plus, it's a 24/7 gym, which is perfect for any schedule!

Fantastic experience: Had a trial experience at new gym on William Street. Mr Jack Ge was outstanding in customer service, introducing me to the facilities. He was patient and respectful at all times. The facilities were clean and the atmosphere was vibrant. The steam room was clean and relaxing. Just an all round good experience. I recommend Mr Jack Ge as a good first contact person for this high end gym. Hanter

Fantastic experience: Great new building and equipment and the staff have been super helpful with the inductions into the new premises.

Negative experience: One of the staff members made me feel really uncomfortable I immediately had to leave. I didn’t appreciate the erotic body language.

Negative experience: The new site is nowhere near as good as the fitness first site that it replaced.

Negative experience: Renovations were meant to be done in April yet they have only finished now!! Extremely disappointing as myself and other members are still being charged full price yet we can’t even use the equipment. Management were also awful to deal with

Negative experience: Renovations took 3 months to complete after being told they would finish in April. On top of that, my friend was still being charged even though she cancelled her membership.

Negative experience: What was the point of this renovation? The finishes to the new gym are terrible, missing grout, paint where it shouldn’t be. If FF have paid good money I feel bad for them. My key access card hasn’t worked despite a replacement and multiple trips to reception. This means I don’t have access after hours and don’t have access to the carpark leaving me to have to pay for parking. Once raised with the manager there was no offer of compensating for paying for a service I am supposed to receive at this gym. There is NO stretching equipment and not even a hook for foam mats so they are left spread across the floor. I’ve never seen more than 4 foam rollers and the nearly complete absence of sanitizer wipes around cardio equipment is concerning. I understand there are teething issues but the glaringly obvious desire for FF to start collecting money from members prior to this club being finished is just gross.

Negative experience: Overcrowded, overpriced and the receptionists are incompetent. Constant delays to opening whilst they make you pay for facilities that aren’t available yet and they purposefully make the cancellation process difficult.

Negative experience: You know the relocation has not gone well when even the evening regulars like the weird SKI-erg woman has changed gyms

Positive experience: Hi Guys, can you please bring back the old Church Street gym. It was so much better than this new one.

Negative experience: Huwyn is no help at all with anything, Reno’s seem to never end lol.

Negative experience: I came for a gym walk through just to see if I’d want to join. The manager Huwyn gave me the creeps. So I never went back. Not only that they said they were going to have all of these new renovations and a new Pilates reformer section but was not complete. Avoid this gym at all costs guys.

Negative experience: "Ultimate club" currently ultimate let down. If you're thinking of signing up to Fitness First for this new club... Hold off. Some teething is expected with a new build but this is ridiculous. Tiles left ungrouted, wires hanging from the ceiling, you get the idea. The group fitness area, a big selling point, appears to have not had any consultation from anyone that knows what they're talking about. Floor is slippery linoleum over hard concrete...ripe for injury. Perfect for HIIT (not). Willing to update my review but that's a lot that needs to be done and not just the dismissive responses myself and many other members have got so far. "Feedback has been passed on to senior management" doesn't cut it.

Positive experience: We were promised an upgrade and what we got was a downgrade and a downsize. Cons: - Nowhere near as big as the previous Richmond gym. Half the size and is less spacious. Personal space is now an issue during peak hours in the free weights area. Everybody is more enclosed and closer to one another now. Old Richmond gym gave you the ability to train away from any crowded space at certain times. - Why ONLY technogym machines?? In terms of build, technogym is widely regarded as one of the worst. Their machines are clunky and some machines have a weird path of movement (I.e the should press machine does not even align with your shoulders, leg press machines dont even allow you to go full depth without banging on the safety bars, same goes with the seated calf raise machine. Where is the standing version!?) The incline press machine is already out of order, not to mention it has weird handles that point inwards. But given its technogym it is not a surprise. I reiterate they are horrible gym brand and it shows. Nautilus, hammer strength, life fitness machines are much better. The old richmond gym was good because it had a variety of these machines. Speaking to other members we agree that we do miss the hammer strength converging flat press machine and the hammer strength incline plate press machine - No dedicated cardio area. Other than the bikes that are in one room, the treadmills and cardio equipment are scattered over a few places, all facing where people are potentially working out and lined up very close side by side to each other with little space in-between each treadmill. Slimmer design of these technogym treadmills make you feel a lot closer to the person if they were using the treadmill right next to you. - More sanitising stations and wipes needed. - There are lots of benches available but only handful or so had the ability to be adjusted to be incline/upright. Why wouldn't you just spend the extra money and make them ALL adjustable??? And of course since the benches are all technogym, they are unusually wider and heavily padded and extremely heavy to move - The circular seating area right in the middle of where people are working out didn't seem to make sense. Could've potentially been used as more workout space instead - 24/7 car park is quite small. You also have to physically get out of your car to swipe your card for the gate to open to get into the carpark as you can't reach the scanner from the car window Pros: - Flooring does not seem to reverberate loudly when heavy weight or dumbells are dropped (not that you should be dropping them) - Lots of machines, I'd say more than previous Richmond gym but again they're all technogym branded - Counted 10 squat racks, 6 of them where both sides can be utilised, all with pull up bars each and room to deadlift - 4 flat barbell bench presses, 2 incline barbell bench presses -3 smith machines vs 2 at previous Richmond gym Overall if they had just moved to a bigger space than previous Richmond gym then many of these issues could be fixed. Many of the users assumed the relocation would mean a bigger space. We don't understand why you chose a smaller space to relocate

Positive experience: Abandoned my longstanding friendship with Snap Fitness for this place. The old dear convinced me to switch, was sold on the Revival area and the saunas. Sure they will be nice when they are finished, shame my year long working holiday visa will be up by then. Steam room turned off at 8, its a bleeding hot room cant we be trusted not to top ourselves in there? At least the place is covered in Astroturf so we can have a kickabout with the medicine balls. Equipment is all nice and shiny but I signed up for a stretch and a steam. Fitness First? Try finishing construction first haha. Snap Fitness, more like please take me back Fitness haha. At least they don't lock the fridges up at night so I can get a little five finger discount on a choccy bar and a protini. Deserves to get 2.5 thumbs up, problem is i don't have half a thumb and was always taught to round up in maths. Lucky for Fitness First, they can thank Archimedes and me mum for that extra half thumb.

Positive experience: The new equipment is brand new and there are some new features that didn't exist in the previous location. Well done!. However, it feels a bit crowded when busy. There are still renovations going on which was a bit disappointing after all the delays. The class room has a poor lighting system at the moment and the mirrors where located at the sides of the room and not in front that is what you expect. Steam room is not available yet.

Positive experience: Good weights spaces, spread out and new equipment. Would avoid if going to hiit RPM cycle class, low max volume with no base in the room. Makes it real hard to get in the zone. Also can’t see instructor as there is no stage. Also no fans in there at the moment, so weekend when it’s full it gets pretty hot. Hopefully will see further upgrades, coming to the new gym.

Negative experience: Executive summary: underwhelming, overpromised - underdelivered, not ready, bring back the old gym if you can. If this was its own listing, you would see that the overall rating would be 1.4 stars, positioning this gym at the bottom of all the gyms in Melbourne. You can sort the reviews by "newest" to see 90 per cent of them are one-star reviews, but they are clearly ignored or dismissed with "we can not locate your membership in the system", however it was really important for this community to get this right. GYM FLOOR: - Dumbbells are randomly placed on the rack. Every single time you are looking for a pair, you will have to scan the whole 20 metres rack. I have never seen this in any other gym... - Gym mats, where exactly are they, and where are we supposed to use them? - stretching equipment, not available - advanced machine, not available, same old boring baseline techno gym - fake grass, is where we are supposed to do performance/athletic work? I see a sled there, pity there is nowhere to use it, and no path to push it. What are those massive round islands? In the middle of the gym? Are they supposed to be sitting areas? - Water dispenser, one already broken. - technology, not available, there are only two or three TVs, and they are turned off. All the cardiovascular equipment is not configured. - There are a bunch of barbells rack all over the gym floor. Where are you supposed to use them once you grab one? CLASSES - schedule very poor if you lose one class you have to wait two days - moving to virtual, who will fix your form? - tiny yoga and rpm studio, you pretty much on top of each other, but there is a massive sitting island outside... MEMBERSHIP This is meant to be a "Diamond" experience now priced at the same price of virgin active. Pity there is not a swimming pool, no jacuzzi, no stretching area/machines, no climbing wall, no calistenichs, etc. - website doesn't allow you to do anything with your membership, probably intentionally. CHANGING ROOM What are those round props for? When is busy? Where are we supposed to get changed? Extremely uncomfortable ... I must think the gym wasn't designed by someone that actually works out because with that space, it would have been hard to get it more wrong. If this pilates thing is the secret weapon to bring the membership to 200 a month, we are hopeless. Hopefully, the answer will address all these points individually rather than saying "we understand the gym in not for everyone" -.-

Negative experience: New gym sucks, big let down and feels likes its worse than the previous Richmond location. Here are the list of issues I have found so far at the new gym: - For some reason, there are no longer chalk bins, whenever I ask about it staff just say its at 'head office' - The height on the bench press is either too high or too low. Making it impossible to do a decent set on it. - The dumbbell rack is a complete mess with people just putting dumbbells at random locations so trying to find the one you need is a nightmare. On top of that where you place the dumbbell the area space is about 3cm making it a big safety concern after you smash a big set and then trying to put this big dumbbell on a 3cm spot. - The barbells are quite average. We need to get some powerbars so that it's easier to do powerlifting exercises. (Less rotation of the cuffs of the barbell) - The hooks on the squat racks (Where you rack the barbell) are also not practical. They are very long so when you do bench press here because the other bench presses are not the right height you need to roll the barbell for like 10cm to get to the end of the hook to then un-rack it. - It would be good to have a height and angle adjustable cable machine again as well. All the current ones you can't adjust the angle. Don't waste your time coming here

Negative experience: Meant to have renovations done months ago, kept direct debiting although I’ve never activated my membership, PT cancelled on me. Complained to manager Huwyn who’s response was “cool”. if you want to go to Pilates in the area, 1R has just opened up a reformer room just up the road and it’s unreal they also don’t mislead you lol

Fantastic experience: Love this place, great big space, great friendly staff and atmosphere with tons of equipment.

Fantastic experience: Just love this club so much. Feel very at home here and it has literally everything you need ♥️

Negative experience: Reasonable facility, however, not particularly well kept and the weights are almost never put back. Most members need a reality check and almost be told to remove their egos at the door. I'm not a member anymore, which is a relief

Negative experience: I used to like this gym until now. With the warmer weather here the gym is a like sauna no matter what time of day or night you go. The aircon definitely doesn’t work, it hasn’t for months. On top of that the gym gets ridiculously busy after work, the car park is full and no equipment available (some of the equipment is also very old and out of order). For a decently sized gym this is very disappointing. Facilities aren’t that exciting, very basic for a gym considering the membership isn’t cheap. Would not recommend.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic faculty, great environment

Fantastic experience: Great gym.

Negative experience: Overpriced

Fantastic experience: Large and well equipped, clean, nice people!

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere and ample parking spaces

Fantastic experience: Free parking for members. Trainers are really good and the timetable for classes is great

Positive experience: Pretty good but wish it was better lit and the lifting platforms better maintained

Positive experience: Love the place. Waiting for the new place to open as there is no pool or sauna and I’m paying for the exclusive membership

Fantastic experience: Great gym. Excellent facilities, centrally located and very attentive staff!

Fantastic experience: Great range of equipment, always very clean and in good condition, they regularly add new cool machines.

Negative experience: Unfair! After cancellation of the membership still charging card for WEEKS even promised not to do so, ignoring any further communication.

Negative experience: It might be good gym however, very dishonest management. Eventhough my membership finished and i have been denied access to the gym the management continued to charge me even more than what I used to pay. EXTREMELY DISHONEST

Fantastic experience: This is a great fitness club! It's got everything you need, tonnes of space, and fantastic facilities. You may pay a bit more than the 24/7 gyms but it's totally worth it.

Fantastic experience: Great gym - has 2 wayward treadmills

Fantastic experience: One of the most well stocked in terms of equipment and spacious fitness firsts in the region. Well deserving of the platinum ranking. Staff are very welcoming, and the zoltan’s hot yoga classes are fantastic.

Negative experience: Fix the air-conditioning! Gym not fit for purpose! ATTN: Sebastian Kratz - Club Manager, please push the owners to invest in this, people are getting sick from the heat! Many members unhappy. Multiple staff members admitted that air-conditioning needs fixing but management simply won't do it. Please spend the money and protect your "valued" members. WARNING: DO NOT JOIN THIS GYM UNTIL YOU SEE A RESPONSE TO THIS REVIEW CONFIRMING AIR-CONDITIONING IS FIXED. I WILL REMOVE REVIEW WHEN IT'S FIXED. GYM IS DANGEROUSLY HOT.

Negative experience: Quite disappointed about the service of Fitness First after I have used their gyms in different locations so far. During my stay in Australia I signed up for a membership agreement with a minimum term of 1 month. Before I returned to Europe, I tried to cancel my membership directly at the gym, which was refused and was advised to write a message by email. After I have sent the first message on 27 Jan 2023 and a second message on 26 Feb 2023 I still have not received any response and the weekly fees are still being debited. At the gym, nobody answers the phone calls.

Fantastic experience: Since living in Richmond and having a good gym near by is great. Fitness First gym will always be a good place because it is nice and big plenty of space to train. Looking around the gym, there are members working out for the same reasons. The atmosphere is good but always keep improving it. Customer service is okay but can be better. The staff are great people and very helpful. The personal trainers are great and treat their clients well. Overall it is a great gym and happy to be a long term member. Love training there because it is close to my home and it is a good place and the members respect the. other members training as well because we are all there for a purpose. Training at the gym is a big part of my life and love working on my fitness and well being.

Fantastic experience: Love this gym! So much equipment and space so you can do you’re own thing and rarely have to wait. Also great group exercise facilities if that’s your thing

Negative experience: As someone who has been apart of the fitness industry for years this is to date the worst experience I've ever had with a gym. I have become a member temporarily with my move in Melbourne at the beginning of the year with full intention to cancel before my contract ended I was more than aware I would have to pay for the extra months I wouldn't be a member for. My first attempt to cancel was over a month ago which wasn't escalated like it was said ti would be so they have continued to take out my membership which I thought was for the months notice. However, upon a follow up call since no one checks their emails there or bothers to reply to them I have since learnt that no one actually processed my cancelation request. She was lovely and said don't worry I'll get the club manager to email the payment link today to get it sorted and apologised. Have I received this email yet ? no. I wouldn't recommend this gym if you don't intend on becoming a life member since no one wants to help cancel your membership.

Negative experience: Service is great, it’s just a very old gym. Equipment needs to be updated, everything is super old and rusted. The spin bikes in particular are very old, they don’t have dials so you have no idea what resistance you’re on. They’re also super rusted, you can hear the metal squeaking and scratching when you’re on the bikes. Have injured myself a few times on the bikes because they’re so old they don’t lock onto cleats and you slip out. For some reason they’ve moved the spin classes into the Pilates studio, which isn’t good. Even the instructors complain. The treadmills are similar and many seem to always be out of service.

Fantastic experience: Difficult to find, especially on foot early in the morning - you have to walk through the car park and take a right through the doors. Worth it when you get in. Group fitness okay also, though felt a bit rushed.

Positive experience: Quality facility but where're the hand sanitizers and wipes? They're always empty

Fantastic experience: Everything you need in one place. No waiting for equipment and a casual atmosphere

Fantastic experience: Nice place, good machines, all what I need to workout!!!

Fantastic experience: Richmond Fitness first is my second favourite gym except Flinders Street One. It's big many classes as well as free parking

Fantastic experience: Fitness First Richmond is an excellent gym. It is spacious and has all the equipment you need.

Positive experience: It looked very nice but just for everyone's information, it's a platinum club, which means only platinum membership holders can use the facilities.

Fantastic experience: Huge floor space, lots of equipment and mostly friendly patrons, makes Fitness First, Richmond a great place to train.

Positive experience: Good Gym good equiptment, However none of the TechnoGym machines are connected to the internet so its no possible to login to the WellnessApp and track your performance increase... Why have the kit if its not setup properly?

Fantastic experience: Josh from Fitness First Richmond was fantastic. Honest, helpful and acted in my best interests. I've dealt with him a few times, and he stands out as a friendly salesperson.

Negative experience: I have been a long time member with Fitness First and what happened today in the gym has totally let me down! My phone screen was broken by one of the Fitness First Richmond team member name Anthony. Anthony was working out during his break and he was resting the barbell (in front of me) vertically at the squat rack which fell right on my phone. My phone screen has cracked and unable to turn on! Initially, he agreed to pay for the phone but he changed his mind after 10 minutes claiming he is an employee there and insurance should cover. I have advised him that insurance doesn't cover employee when an employee is on break. The sale manager, Cedric has also confirmed with their legal team that this will not be covered by Fitness First. Cedric has told me to fill up an incident report at the cafe (Sublime) while they discuss with the management. After an hour trying to resolve this issue with the team member (Anthony), sale manager (Cedric) and the Club Manager (Brent?), they came out with a resolution that "they can't do anything". While I was busy filling up the incident report, they have asked Anthony to go home and informed me after he has "finished his shift" and left the club. They refused to provide the CCTV footage as an evidence. They refused to provide the team member information. They refuse to do anything! This incident has happened in the club and none of the management was trying to help! Imagine if the barbell fell right on my head (it was just few inches away)! I will definitely avoid Fitness First at all cost!!! This is a classic representation of failed management!

Negative experience: I joined this club as a part of My Muscle Chef weight loss program. According to the agreement I should have 8-week free access. However, the club has started charging me monthly fee after 8 weeks. The staffs are full of lies.

Fantastic experience: I've recently returned to the gym after being overseas for 9 years! And I am so impressed. The inclusion of the Wellness studio and Hot Yoga classes, means that I have everything I need and more now. Staff are much friendlier than I remember, and that's a good thing!

Positive experience: Barely a mask in sight. Personal trainers, staff not wearing masks, customers not wearing masks before, between or after workouts. No covid cleaning, couldn’t see wipes available. That aside, good gym. Huge spaces, more than enough new, quality equipment, spacious cafe and solid selection of classes

Negative experience: Im a bit disappointed with this gym and it’s upkeep. I’ve only recently joined and have noticed treadmills and cross trainers always seem to be dirty. I get that people stand on them, but they are clearly not being cleaned regularly. I noticed a sanitizer wipe left in one of the cross trainers on a Sunday and on was still in the same spot on the Wednesday, it was just dried up. Weight machinery could do with a dust, and so could the lockers. My jacket came out of the locker with a dusty patch on it. Not cool. People don’t seem to carry towels around (I thought this was policy) and hardly anyone wipes down machines after use. Probably because there aren’t enough sanitation stations around the gym, or because the wipes are not topped up. Also equipment left lying around and can never find a paid of dumbbells. I usually go during quieter times of day so pretty surprised about this. I can’t imagine what it’s like when it’s busier! And a comment about the after hours access- it would have been nice if this was communicated to me when signing up. I was under the impression that the gym is accessible 24hs with my membership card.

Fantastic experience: The staff here are so welcoming, friendly and professional. I haven't been at a gym since pre-covid and they have been so welcoming that heading back wasn't at all intimidating. They have a great range of classes, accommodating timetable and enough equipment that you never have to wait long to use something, even if the gym is really busy. 10/10. I don't hesitate to recommend FF Richmond to anyone looking for a gym. :D

Fantastic experience: My experience with Josh was extremely pleasant and helpful. He asked all the right questions and wasn't at all 'pushy', like you might find at some other gyms. I'm happy with my decision on signing up with Fitness First and I look forward to familiarising myself with the team and its facilities.

Fantastic experience: Fitness First Richmond is a great gym. It’s a big space, has lots of up to date gear, plenty of classes, and friendly staff. Fitness First were also really great through lockdowns, automatically pausing memberships when gyms were shut, and they even checked in with members. Highly recommend them.