Which Type of Gym Is Best For You? A Beginner's Guide to Auckland Gym Options

samuandmelfitness
Jul 22
3 min read

If you’re new to fitness or getting back into it after some time away, one of the most overwhelming parts is simply figuring out where to train. There are so many Auckland gym options out there, especially around the North Shore — and knowing which one is right for you can feel confusing.

Should you do group classes? Hire a personal trainer? Just join an open gym and do your own thing?

Every gym claims to be the best, and every format promises results. But the truth is: not every gym is right for every person. What works for one might not work for you.

This guide breaks down the most common Auckland gym options (especially around the North Shore), including the pros, cons, and who they’re best suited for.

Two Pride members bench pressing while being spotted by fellow Pride members during a personal training pod session.

1. Open Gyms (Big Chain Gyms)

Think: CityFitness, Snap Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Allfit, Les Mills

Pros:

Cheapest weekly price
Access at all hours (often 24/7)
Lots of machines and cardio gear

Cons:

You're on your own — no guidance
Often filled with mirrors and gym junkies, which can be intimidating
Easy to fall off track without accountability
No nutrition support

Best for: Self-motivated experienced gym goers who already know how to train.

2. Large Group Fitness Classes

Think: F45, Les Mills, CrossFit, BFT, Les Mills groups

Pros:

High energy, lots of people
Set times and structure
Great community feel

Cons:

One-size-fits-all programming/not much 1 on 1 help from the coaches
Hard to progress if you have specific needs
No results tracking or workout tracking from the coaches
No nutritionist level support
Can be overwhelming for beginners & introverts
Can often feel clicky

Best for: People who love high energy environments and just want to show up and sweat. Not great for beginners who need extra support from coaches.

A woman lifts a barbell as two women sit on a bench clapping. A yellow gym background with equipment adds a motivational vibe.

3. 1-on-1 Personal Training

This can be out of a private studio (like The Pride) or a big commercial gym

Pros:

Fully personalised coaching
Great for beginners or those with injuries
High accountability and progress tracking
Private training (unless training out of a commercial gym)

Cons:

Higher price per session
Often less social or community focused
No nutrition support (unless the PT is a qualified nutritionist)

Best for: People who want hands-on help and personalised attention. Good for beginners who don’t want to work out with others.

4. Small Group Personal Training - Less than 4 people per session (like our PT Pods at The Pride)

Pros:

Personalised workouts and coaching
Small, supportive groups
Much more affordable than 1-on-1 PT
We track your weights, reps, and consistency every session — so you can actually see yourself getting stronger week to week.
Our PT Pod membership also includes 1 on 1 support with our nutritionist
Assigned a personal accountability coach

Cons:

More expensive than large group classes (but cheaper than 1 on 1 or nutritionists)
Not 24/7 access
Less competitive than large groups
Not great for elite athletes or gym junkies

Best for: People who want support, results, and community — without the big class chaos or 1-on-1 cost. Great for beginners.

5. Boutique / Specialty Gyms

Think: Yoga studios, Pilates, Boxing gyms, Martial Arts

Pros:

Niche-specific training
Often better coaching ratios than big commercial gyms
Good if you’re wanting to learn a new sport/skill

Cons:

Can be expensive for what you get
Very limited training styles
Less well rounded programing
No nutrition support

Best for: People with specific interests or goals (e.g., boxing, flexibility).

Which Auckland Gym Options Are Best for You?

There’s no "best" gym — only what fits you.

Think about:

Do you want personalised help or are you happy doing your own thing?
Do you want to be part of a community or prefer training solo?
Do you need accountability, or can you stay consistent on your own?
Do you want to lose weight? Then nutrition is key. Choose an option with nutrition support.

If you're someone who wants guidance, community, and results — without the cost of 1-on-1 PT or the chaos of big classes — our 6-Week Beginner Transformation might be exactly what you're looking for.

To learn more: