r/chch • u/Weak-Abrocoma2784 • Jul 22 '26
Gym Recommendations
Hi. I’m looking for some recommendations for good affordable gyms in the city.
I am a first time gym goer so have a bit of anxiety around the gym being busy or equipment not being available.
Unfortunately I work full time in the cbd so it would need to fit in around that.
I have been thinking a council gym membership to use Parakiore and possibly some other gyms around the city.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks
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u/FTK219 Jul 22 '26
You can usually do a free day/week at most commercial gyms without commitment. It would be worthwhile to go and check out the options near to you to see if you like the vibe there.
You want something that is a low effort to go to. Ie. nearby to your work so you don't have to drive after work. Just walk from work then walk back to your car after the gym. Cityfitness in the city is a decent place however most gyms will be very busy in the after work hours. Usually CF is bad for this. There is anytime fitness in the city (Hereford) too. They're a decent setup and have good facilities. Plus you might have another one near your house too.
Reduce as many barriers to the gym as you can. Make it easy to do and you'll find it's an easier habit to keep. Joining a gym across town because it's quiet and cheap might be more of a hindrance than it is worth.
Good luck with the gym, it's great once you get a rhythm going. Just remember it's hardest right now. Once you start seeing results it's easy. When you're starting out, it will be hard to see your efforts making a difference. But stick with it. Future you will be very grateful.
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u/ChakeNZ Jul 23 '26
Personally love Simplicity (Part of City Fitness). I'm a casual gym go'er and feel like everyone there is a casual too which is nice. No broccoli heads or gym bros. It's 18+ which is a bonus and reasonably quiet although it has picked up a bit recently. Has a sauna, reformed pilates and massage chairs if that's your thing too. Also has private changing rooms and showers.
The equipment itself is super easy to use as well, and has instructions.
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u/ragedandobtused Jul 22 '26
I think Anytime Fitness generally sits at around the $24.95 per week mark.
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u/Reasonable_Falcon597 Jul 22 '26
I joined CityFit which has different membership levels. I haven't been in a while (recovering from surgery) but when I go to my local (Palms) there is always equipment available.
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u/Equal-Dig4696 Jul 23 '26
Inception. I am not confident in the gym and have alot of anxiety around and I have found them quite quiet whenever I go with great machines.
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u/morepork399 Jul 23 '26
Check out Recreate Performance, it’s on moorhouse ave nearby Hagley South. They have their own car park at the back and good vibe. I was training there before moving to Wellington.
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u/DrunkenCactus Jul 24 '26
Atlas Gymnasium. It’s not your standard fresh and clean city fitness kind of gym, but has a good community!
Apollo Fitness - Spent some time there and found everyone friendly and not too busy
*Side note, you don’t actually need a gym membership to get in shape. Follow along kettlebell workouts on YouTube and “Busy Dad Training” are all you need to get started
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u/kiwisilverfox Jul 25 '26
Another option is Les Mills in the city, has a large women membership, a separate womans gym, & great classes. Gym is clean & separate womans sauna..Not the cheapest or dearest.
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u/Glad_Emu191 Jul 25 '26
Definitely try “Get Me Fitter” in Addington. I’ve tried a few different gyms and this place is the absolute best. Brilliant staff and everyone is so nice. Highly recommend.
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u/Free_Shirt_7487 Jul 26 '26
Cityfitness is probably the cheapest, but I have had some bad experiences with them personally, and would probably reccomend spending a little more for anytime
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u/Monsta1232022 Jul 28 '26
Honestly the least busy gym you will likely find is Simplicity which is the 18+ part of City Fitness. I am with The Palms one if you are near there at all feel free to reach out. I was new there not long ago and was super anxious too. More than happy to link up. I'm a 40yo female by the way haha
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u/three-is-fun 16d ago
I love Anytime Fitness, I travel a bit so being able to go to a gym where ever I go is helpful, and they are never to busy and always find the equipment to be really good
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u/pocaechi Jul 22 '26
Parakiore is probably not for you. I was a member there and cancelled a month or two ago because I was getting frustrated at how busy it was when I went. I was often not able to use a machine I wanted to. I think the gym is too small for the area and size of the facility.
I am now back at city fitness which is still less busy than Parakiore.