Fernwood Fitness

I loved this gym when it first opened but cancelled my membership some months after the change of management. Unfortunately the new owners seemed to be rarely there, the reception desk was unattended for morning classes (& the new receptionist never said hello), and many of my favourite instructors left. The old owners used to spot clean during the day, rather than just waiting for the cleaners to come in, and so the space started feeling much dirtier and more tired. It's a shame! Shout out to Bernie and Suzie who are both great.
May 26th, 2023

As someone who works in a role that oversees administrative operations, I can't believe that Fernwood is refusing to redress their very basic administrative error and demonstrate some level of compassion and flexibility in the face of what is obviously a disastrous and tragic situation. A close family friend of mind has been diagnosed with rapidly degenerative Alzheimer's and Parkinsons. It was requested that any correspondence relating to her membership be directed to her legal guardian, who is her daughter, as her mother no longer has the capacity to make her own legal and medical decisions. The owner of the branch confirmed that they would do so and that there would be no further issues. Despite having confirmed the above, the Fernwood team have continued to send important information relating to additional payments and services (this so-called "Personal Training Membership" that is charged in addition to a gym membership) to the mother. My family friend was hospitalised and receiving critical care during this time. We discovered that Fernwood had been debiting hundreds of dollars from her on a fortnightly basis, and so we requested a full refund of any fees relating to personal training -- as no contract was signed by her legal guardian and no services were rendered, which Fernwood confirmed understanding of. They have refused to refund the fees for the unused services that were not consented to by a legal guardian, stating that they had "sent an email" to her mother.... the same mother who was in hospital and who can no longer make her own legal decisions. It is astounding that these people can sleep at night knowing that they're using bureaucracy as a justification to profit off of a woman who is on the verge of dying, when that money could be spend on the life-saving care that will cost upwards of the hundreds of thousands. This isn't a change-of-mind situation, this is quite literally a violation of contractual law given that the mother had no ability to agree to a contract, and the company was fully aware, with the owner having confirmed that issues wouldn't arise. Shameful and horrendous practice that will be shared publicly with friends in the media sector in the months to come once we are able to arrange for appropriate care for our family friend. Gyms are notoriously underregulated and engage in dodgy practice, but this was a real shocker from Fernwood given how excellent they were prior to the change in management. Even from the more recent lower reviews since the change in management, it's evident that this is no longer a gym that is worth going to if you're truly searching for a compassionate and humanised approach to womens' health. While the gym is sure to be fine for an able-bodied person in fit health who is searching for classes or equipment, it's clear that they refuse to demonstrate flexibility for those with particular needs.
May 26th, 2023

I came from doing all reformer Pilates at another studio but wasnt losing weight, only building muscle, dietician told me I needed to do at least 2 x 20min cardio a week to burn more fat. Joined Fernwood and now that I have more variety of Cycle, Pilates, Tone, Stretch etc its finally working. Love that its all woman, low fi, supportive, friendly and chill. 100% happy that I switched and wish Id done it sooner.
May 25th, 2023

Have been a member since Nov 2020 and love coming 3-4 times a week for the wide variety of classes. Highly recommend HIIT with Bernie, Tone with Koula and the Yin Yoga classes. Love the option of being able to add on reformer Pilates classes too.
May 25th, 2023

I've signed up to 3 different gyms in the past 2 years and honestly I'm shocked at how welcoming and non-judgemental this gym is. Especially for women who need a safe space and encouragement to reach their goals. Kristy and Sophie make me laugh but on a serious note, I can't wait to train with their support. Lets go!!!
May 22nd, 2023