What to know about Geelong
- The 2021 Census counted 289,630 people in the Geelong urban area, where the median age was 39.Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats
- At the 2021 Census, 57.9% of employed people in the Geelong urban area drove a car to work.Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats
- By our count of the ABS age rows, about 19.0% of people in the Geelong urban area were 65 or older in 2021.Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats
- Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre at 240 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds, has a gym and functional training zone, group exercise rooms and a cycle room.Source: City of Greater Geelong - Swim Sport and Leisure
- Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre on Shell Road, Ocean Grove, has a fully equipped gym with a functional training zone and runs group exercise classes.Source: City of Greater Geelong - Swim Sport and Leisure
Map it against home and work
Greater Geelong is a big patch. The 2021 Census counted 289,630 people in the urban area. Median age: 39. On Census day, 57.9% of employed people drove a car to work. A gym on the wrong side of the Barwon is one you will skip on a wet July night.
- Plot each gym against home and work, not just one of them.
- Check the car park when you would actually train.
- Ask what time the doors open if you want a session before work.
Two council centres with functional zones
The City of Greater Geelong runs a Swim Sport and Leisure network. Two of its centres list a gym with a functional training zone:
- Waurn Ponds: Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre, 240 Pioneer Road, has a gym and functional training zone, group exercise rooms and a cycle room.
- Ocean Grove: Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre on Shell Road has a fully equipped gym with a functional training zone, plus group exercise classes.
"Functional training zone" means different kit in different places. On your visit, look for racks, open floor and free weights, and set the council centre against a private gym on the same list.
Lifting after 65
People aged 65 and over were about 19.0% of the urban area in 2021, by our count (ABS QuickStats). The national guidelines for that age group include muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week (Department of Health). Talk to your doctor first if you have a health condition. Then ask any gym about quieter hours and whether someone will show you the machines.
Read the renewal clause
Consumer Affairs Victoria has worked with health and fitness centres to remove or modify unfair contract terms. One it lists is a membership that renewed itself with no opportunity to cancel once the minimum term ended (Consumer Affairs Victoria). Find the end date of your minimum term, put it in your calendar and ask what happens the day after.
Remember that InterFit does not run a gym. Think of it as an independent referral service. Fill in the form and one Geelong gym or strength studio gets your enquiry. It may pay for the referral.
Before you join in Geelong
Does InterFit cover the Bellarine?
It does. Leopold, Ocean Grove, Portarlington: write the town in the form and a gym that serves it receives the enquiry.
Can you sign me up at Leisurelink?
No. InterFit hands enquiries to private gyms and studios, one per request. For Leisurelink or the Bellarine centre, go to the City of Greater Geelong.