Searching for the Perfect Gym in Hawthorn?
Your 2025 Guide to find the best gym in Hawthorn
It’s a question as old as time (or at least as long as gyms have existed): “What’s the best gym near me?” A great question, but where do you even start?
We’ve been helping the Hawthorn community stay active, healthy, and feeling great for over 40 years (we officially hit the big milestone last Feb!). Over the decades, we’ve seen what draws people in, what keeps them engaged, and, alternatively, what causes us to sometimes stop attending or lose motivation.
To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled the top eight factors to keep in mind when searching for the right gym in Hawthorn. And, of course, we’ll count them down for a little extra suspense.
8 Key Factors to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Gym
8. The Right Equipment
Equipment is everything… or is it?
While having top-tier machines and free weights is certainly important, it’s not the be-all and end-all. It’s easy to be dazzled by shiny, brand-new equipment (we know, we recently purchased some!), but quality matters more than aesthetics. Gym equipment should move smoothly and be designed with biomechanics in mind to help prevent injury and maximise results. Many large chain gyms are contractually locked into purchasing budget-friendly equipment which looks great when it’s new but deteriorates quickly and can be clunky to use. Conversely, independent gyms like Visions can hand-pick the best pieces available, even if it’s from different brands.
That’s why we’ve stocked our gym with industry-leading brands like Nautilus, Rogue, Iron Edge, Stairmaster, Precor and Concept 2. Each of these brands design and build their equipment with decades of research and development to ensure every movement is biomechanically effective, smooth and safe.
A whopping 94% of Visions members in 2024 felt like the equipment satisfied their needs.
We’re always on the lookout for improvements, too. In fact, we have some exciting upgrades planned for 2025!
That said, the reason equipment is number eight on this list is simple: You do the work, not the machines. With the right guidance, you don’t need to rely on any specific piece of equipment to get a great workout. It’s about learning the right movements, not just using the right machines.
Whilst it hasn’t made our top 8, a close running 9th place is the cleanliness of your future gym. Strive for a gym would a hygienic and clean facility - like ours, where 95% feel the gym is clean.
7. Expert Knowledge and Guidance
Far more important than equipment is expertise. Whether you’re in a gym or at home, knowing how to move correctly is key to preventing injury and achieving results.
At Visions, we call ourselves ‘Trainers’ for a reason—our job is to educate, not just instruct. Too often, trainers at big gyms will set you up with a generic program and sit you on a machine without explaining why you’re doing a particular exercise or how to perform it correctly. At Visions, every free program session we offer is designed to teach, not just direct. Understanding the ‘why’ behind your workout makes training more engaging and, ultimately, more effective.
Naturally, this means having expert staff that are approachable is important. Last year, 95% of our members stated they feel comfortably approaching a Visions trainer to ask questions. With nearly 40 years of experience, we specialize in programming workouts for all fitness levels. And with unlimited free programs available to our members, we’re here to help whenever you need. Book a session here.
6. Extras That Actually Benefit You
Extras are great, but only if they add real value. Ask yourself: Will you actually use that 3 AM gym access? Do you need 48 locations when you only train at one? Is that weird body scan machine really going to change how you train?
It’s easy to get drawn in by flashy perks, but the best extras are the ones that are available when you need them—not those that inflate your membership price. Look for a gym that offers optional add-ons like personal training, physiotherapy, or group training, rather than forcing these services into your membership fee.
At Visions, we offer all of these services and more—but only if and when you want them.
5. Clear, Honest Membership Options
Unfortunately, hidden fees and tricky contracts are all too common in the fitness industry. Extra ‘admin’ fees, ‘today-only’ discounts, and complicated cancellation policies can make finding the right gym a headache.
Instead, look for a gym with multiple membership options, transparent pricing, and clear terms. At Visions, we offer a range of flexible memberships, from upfront payments to no-lock-in options. No hidden fees, no gimmicks—just clear, straightforward choices. See our membership options here and see why 92% of our members rated us on our value, here.
4. Convenience & Location
Your gym needs to fit seamlessly into your routine, whether it’s close to home, work, or somewhere along your daily route. Thankfully, in a well-connected area like Hawthorn, accessibility is easier than ever.
That being said, if you love your gym, you’ll likely be willing to travel a little further to be in the right environment. As you can see from our 2024 survey, many Visions members commute from neighboring suburbs because they value the experience we offer.
If you find a gym that truly feels like home, it’s worth the trip.
3. A Positive Atmosphere
Beyond equipment and pricing, how does the gym make you feel? First impressions matter.
When you walk through the doors, do you feel welcome? Are the staff friendly and approachable, or just focused on sales? Do the members seem happy and comfortable, or is the vibe intimidating?
Did you know, in 2024 97% of Visions members felt welcomed by our Trainers and 97% also said we had a positive atmosphere in the gym?!
Finding a gym with the right energy makes all the difference in your long-term motivation. At Visions, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, friendly environment where everyone—from first-timers to seasoned lifters—feels at home. Check out more of our vibe on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Services That Suit Your Needs
Your future gym should offer the services you actually need. That might include:
Gym access for solo workouts
Group training classes
Free workout programming
Personal training for added support
Onsite physiotherapy for guidance around injury rehabilitation and for performance optimisation
While you don’t need all these services in one place, having them available can be incredibly convenient. At Visions, we offer these options in an affordable, flexible way—giving you the best of both worlds.
For example, many group training gyms charge $60-$75 per week but only offer classes. At Visions, you get gym access AND group training for just $45 per week. Plus, our in-house physios can walk you through rehab exercises right on the gym floor, so you can feel confident in your recovery.
1. A Gym With the Right Approach
At the end of the day, the most important factor is a gym’s approach to health and fitness. Our mindset when we train influences everything, and the approach of your future gym needs to align with your approach — from the atmosphere and pricing to the way staff engage with members.
Look for a gym that prioritises community, fair pricing, and quality service over profit. Avoid places that make you feel like just another number or focus more on aesthetics than well-being.
Last year, our members told us that 97% of them felt the atmosphere in the gym was great. A further 95% also felt like ‘the Trainers know who I am’. Our scores aren’t yet perfect, so we’ll strive to improve even more - but we’re pretty happy with that. At Visions, our philosophy is simple: We’re here for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or stepping into a gym for the first time, we want you to feel comfortable, supported, and motivated. You’re more likely to keep coming back to a place you feel welcomed and at home in, after all.
One thing we emphasise is how exercise makes you feel, rather than just how it makes you look. Goals like weight loss, strength, and fitness are all valid, but the most powerful motivator is simply feeling better. Our previous surveys show that 95% of our members notice the psychological benefits of training, and 75% say it’s their main reason for working out.
When you find a gym that aligns with your values, the rest falls into place. Prioritize finding a space that makes you feel good, and everything else—motivation, consistency, results—will follow.
Choosing the right gym doesn’t have to be difficult. When you know what to look for, the best choice becomes clear.
Has this blog raised any questions? Get in touch - we’d love to help you out!