The Commons’ South Yarra club folds wellness into community

Our understanding of wellness has changed over the past few years. It’s no longer just about breaking a sweat or getting your blood pumping – today’s more holistic view of health and wellbeing also includes mindfulness, recovery, nutrition and, increasingly, connection. Gyms and fitness centres have evolved, too. A couple of years ago, people might’ve asked “What even is a health club?” As more and more open across Melbourne, there’s a better understanding of what they are. It’s still a place to exercise, sure. And

the fitness facilities are top of the line. But these comprehensive – and, usually, more luxe – studios have more amenities that are designed to help you move, rest, socialise, eat, work and live better. That’s definitely the case at The Commons Health Club South Yarra, the second such venue from the co-working space provider following the concept’s Richmond debut last year. Right around the corner from South Yarra Station, the 5000-square-metre space is spread out across eight levels of a heritage-listed building that has

been reimagined by Designoffice. Enter the door at ground level and be greeted by a friendly concierge and Commons Coffee, a cafe serving signature drinks (like a toasted coconut Mont Blanc and yuzu espresso spritz) alongside matcha, pastries, oat and yoghurt cups, salads and sandwiches with Baker Bleu bread. This area is open to the public; you’ll need to scan your phone to open the automatic gates to the health club itself, with four more floors to explore. Downstairs in the basement you’ll find two

studios dedicated to specific classes. The spin studio is equipped with stationary bikes and flashing lights that change with the music while you pedal to the beat. In the strength room next door, you’ll move through stations that might make use of the power racks, barbells, dumbbells, landmines, bands and more. Directly above ground level is what sets this health club apart from regular gyms and fitness studios: a full bathhouse with a magnesium pool kept at a warm 39 degrees Celsius; a steam room

so balmy you can barely see through the glass entrance; a spacious sauna; and an icy 6-degree cold plunge pool. You’re invited to stay as little or as long as you like, cycling through the different rooms and pools or alternating between hot and cold to help with physical recovery and improve circulation. For an extra fee, you can also book infrared sauna and red-light therapy sessions. Also on this floor are the change rooms with lockers, showers and Kevin Murphy toiletries, plus moisturiser and

sunscreen. There are also GHD and Dyson styling stations (including Airwraps) and a rotating fragrance bar that currently has Tsu Lange Yor scents, so you can simply spritz then leave the gym refreshed and ready for the next part of your day. Upstairs is the gym: a sprawling floor that looks like a fitness playground. On one side you’ll find pin- and plate-loaded gym machines and racks of free weights, while the other has a functional training area with weight sleds, slide discs, balance pads

and resistance bands. Cardio can be done on the many treadmills, stationary bikes and stair steppers, and an automatic infrared lymphatic body roller helps with compression and muscle relief. You can explore the gym on your own, or work with a personal trainer. The final floor of the health club is home to the other classes. Jump on a Pilates reformer for a full-body workout, or hop on the mat in the studio next door for vinyasa, mellow flow, candlelit yin and hot mat classes.

Another intimate, calming room is also used for guided breathwork, meditation and sound baths. As great as the amenities are, the community is a huge focus here, too. It’s easy to meet other club members at the classes, on the gym floor or in the bathhouse. There are also social events designed for you to meet people, from bathhouse sessions and run clubs to coffee walks and catered breakfasts. And it doesn’t hurt that the staff is friendly and approachable, asking how your classes are

going or commenting on the book you’re reading. Annual members can access the top three floors of the building, which house dedicated workspaces – The Commons’ bread and butter. You also get two day passes a month for use in any of The Commons’ 19 workspaces in Melbourne and Sydney, with additional day passes and credits for booking meeting rooms at a discounted rate. The Commons Health Club is located at 189 Toorak Road, South Yarra and 33 Cremorne Street, Richmond. Fitness-only memberships cost $79

per week with gym access and unlimited classes, while fitness and bathhouse memberships are $129 per week. thecommonshealthclub.com.au

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