Best Gyms & Fitness in Research Melbourne — 2026

We’ve tested every best gyms and fitness option in Research to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Humble Social is the one everyone knows. Stella Mill is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Research sits in the Middle North corridor, 9-20km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best gyms and fitness scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Research since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Core Fitness Research — 291 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $34/week Hours: 24/7 Equipment: spin bikes, functional training rig, saunas, squat racks Classes: Zumba, body pump, pilates, barre Best for: HIIT workouts

Core Fitness in Research has a friendly community vibe. The spin bikes section is better than most comparable gyms. Free parking is available on site.

At $34/week it is one of the better deals in the area. Student discounts available. The shower facilities are decent and the music isn’t painfully loud.

Best time to go: Avoid 5-7pm if you hate waiting for equipment.

2. Fitness First Research — 67 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $23/week Hours: 6am-9pm daily Equipment: saunas, functional training rig, free weight area, boxing bags Classes: barre, Zumba, pilates, body pump, spin Best for: group fitness classes

Fitness First in Research has a solid range of equipment. The saunas section is well-maintained and rarely crowded. The group classes are popular — book ahead for peak times.

At $23/week it is about average for Melbourne. Family memberships bring the per-person cost down. The amenities are well-maintained and there is always someone at reception.

Best time to go: Avoid 5-7pm if you hate waiting for equipment.

3. Core Fitness Research — 374 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $16/week Hours: 5am-10pm Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm weekends Equipment: leg press, yoga studio, cable machines, functional training rig Classes: circuit training, barre, pilates Best for: serious lifters

Core Fitness in Research has more floor space than you expect. The leg press section is better than most comparable gyms. Free parking is available on site.

At $16/week it is about average for Melbourne. Student discounts available. The change rooms are clean and the vibe is welcoming for beginners.

Best time to go: Avoid 5-7pm if you hate waiting for equipment.

4. Plus Fitness Research — 285 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $35/week Hours: 6am-9pm daily Equipment: treadmills, functional training rig, saunas, spin bikes, stretching area Classes: body pump, Zumba, barre Best for: serious lifters

Plus Fitness in Research has a friendly community vibe. The treadmills section is well-maintained and rarely crowded. The group classes are popular — book ahead for peak times.

At $35/week it is competitive with other gyms in the area. Student discounts available. The shower facilities are decent and there is always someone at reception.

Best time to go: Weekday lunchtimes are quiet.

5. Anytime Fitness Research — 146 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $30/week Hours: 24/7 Equipment: squat racks, leg press, spin bikes, treadmills, free weight area Classes: boxing, pilates, barre, CrossFit-style Best for: casual gym-goers

Anytime Fitness in Research has a solid range of equipment. The squat racks section is better than most comparable gyms. Free parking is available on site.

At $30/week it is about average for Melbourne. Family memberships bring the per-person cost down. The amenities are well-maintained and the vibe is welcoming for beginners.

Best time to go: Weekday lunchtimes are quiet.

What Research Actually Is

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. The best gyms and fitness options here reflect Research’s character. If you’re living in or near Research, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. Peak Performance Research — 170 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $17/week Hours: 24/7 Equipment: saunas, free weight area, stretching area, treadmills, functional training rig Classes: yoga, boxing, circuit training, HIIT Best for: beginners

Peak Performance in Research has a solid range of equipment. The saunas section is spacious enough that you won’t wait for equipment. The personal trainers here actually know what they are doing.

At $17/week it is competitive with other gyms in the area. No lock-in contracts — you can cancel anytime. The shower facilities are decent and the vibe is welcoming for beginners.

Best time to go: Before 7am or after 8pm for minimal crowds.

7. Snap Fitness Research — 151 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $26/week Hours: 5am-10pm Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm weekends Equipment: treadmills, stretching area, saunas, rowing machines, spin bikes, boxing bags Classes: boxing, pilates, circuit training, Zumba, HIIT Best for: serious lifters

Snap Fitness in Research has more floor space than you expect. The treadmills section is where the regulars spend most of their time. The personal trainers here actually know what they are doing.

At $26/week it is one of the better deals in the area. They offer a free trial week. The change rooms are clean and the music isn’t painfully loud.

Best time to go: Avoid 5-7pm if you hate waiting for equipment.

8. Zap Fitness Research — 119 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $12/week Hours: 24/7 Equipment: rowing machines, spin bikes, squat racks, free weight area Classes: pilates, circuit training, spin, CrossFit-style Best for: group fitness classes

Zap Fitness in Research has more floor space than you expect. The rowing machines section is where the regulars spend most of their time. Free parking is available on site.

At $12/week it is competitive with other gyms in the area. They offer a free trial week. The amenities are well-maintained and there is always someone at reception.

Best time to go: Avoid 5-7pm if you hate waiting for equipment.

9. Plus Fitness Research — 204 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $30/week Hours: 24/7 Equipment: leg press, functional training rig, treadmills, cable machines, boxing bags Classes: CrossFit-style, HIIT, body pump, barre Best for: serious lifters

Plus Fitness in Research has recently upgraded facilities. The leg press section is spacious enough that you won’t wait for equipment. The group classes are popular — book ahead for peak times.

At $30/week it is reasonable for what you get. No lock-in contracts — you can cancel anytime. The shower facilities are decent and the vibe is welcoming for beginners.

Best time to go: Saturday mornings are busy — Sunday is better.

10. F45 Training Research — 296 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $14/week Hours: 5am-10pm Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm weekends Equipment: squat racks, spin bikes, cable machines, functional training rig, boxing bags, stretching area Classes: HIIT, yoga, circuit training, pilates Best for: casual gym-goers

F45 Training in Research has a friendly community vibe. The squat racks section is where the regulars spend most of their time. The group classes are popular — book ahead for peak times.

At $14/week it is reasonable for what you get. No lock-in contracts — you can cancel anytime. The amenities are well-maintained and the vibe is welcoming for beginners.

Best time to go: Saturday mornings are busy — Sunday is better.

11. Anytime Fitness Research — 119 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

Membership: $17/week Hours: 24/7 Equipment: saunas, free weight area, squat racks, cable machines Classes: body pump, boxing, HIIT, CrossFit-style Best for: HIIT workouts

Anytime Fitness in Research has more floor space than you expect. The saunas section is well-maintained and rarely crowded. Free parking is available on site.

At $17/week it is competitive with other gyms in the area. Family memberships bring the per-person cost down. The locker situation is fine and the music isn’t painfully loud.

Best time to go: Avoid 5-7pm if you hate waiting for equipment.

Explore More

• Eltham Best Gyms and Fitness — same vibe, different suburb
• Research Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Research Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Research Complete Guide — everything about Research
• Compare Suburbs — see how Research stacks up
• All Research Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best gyms and fitness options in Research?

Oliver’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Research good for best gyms and fitness?

Yes. Research has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Research won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026