It’s not easy finding gyms with childcare, but this list will go a long way towards helping you get back on the fitness wagon.
As parents, it can be tricky to find the time for ourselves. Thankfully, these centres ensure we can find the time to achieve our health goals by offering a crèche, play area or family-friendly hours for those with little ones in tow. Read on to see which gyms with childcare are in your neck of the woods.
Read more: After the Birth: Postpartum Support Services in Christchurch
Gyms with childcare:
Shoreline Fitness, New Brighton
Offering an individual approach to achieving your health and fitness goals, Shoreline Fitness based out of Brighton Mall is a 24-hour centre that runs group and individual training for its members. Knowing how tricky it can be to work out as a new (or even seasoned!) parent, Shoreline has set up a fun and supervised play area for those under 5 years old. The service is free for all members and available Monday to Friday from 9am to 10.30am.
Shoreline Fitness, 115 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch, 03 388 3006, www.shorelinefitness.co.nz
FIT24
This family-owned business gets it. Located between Halswell and Prebbleton on Springs Road, FIT24 has a kids’ area that is free to use and geared up for both primary-aged and preschool-age children. The area is unsupervised but is available to use at any time of the day.
FIT24, 272 Springs Road, Halswell, www.fit24.co.nz
Snap Fitness, New Brighton
In support of “The Champion Centre,” Snap Fitness put together this gated playroom to help parents work out and not have to worry about the safety of their little ones. Open 9am-1pm every Friday-Monday, there are no additional fees to use the facilities, but instead, ask for a gold coin donation so that the gym can give 100 per cent of the proceeds to this organisation that does incredible work supporting children with special needs and their families.
Snap Fitness, 185 Bower Avenue Units 4 & 5, New Brighton, Christchurch, www.snapfitness.com/nz/gyms/new-brighton
Elevate Fitness, Bishopdale
Overlooking Bishopdale Park, Elevate Fitness has a large range of strength and cardio equipment, including plenty of group classes. Its Bishopdale location runs a “Bring Your Baby” group exercise class twice a week at 10.30am on Tuesdays (Yogalates) and Thursdays (Functional Fitness). These classes provide a safe space to work out within your baby’s reach. All classes are $8.
Elevate Fitness, Recreation Centre 13A Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale, Christchurch, www.thekindfoundation.org.nz/elevate
Ignition Health
This privately owned gym welcomes families and is more than happy for you to bring your child along with you to a private training class. They also run group classes, some of which are child-friendly – get in touch with the gym to ask which classes are suitable.
Ignition Health, 4 Harris Crescent, Papanui, Christchurch, www.ignitionhealth.co.nz
Culture Fitness, Halswell
Open 7 days per week, Culture Fitness on Hamil Road in Halswell has flexible and long-term membership options but does not charge extra for its in-house children’s play area. With selected times available to book throughout the week, it is fully supervised to give you peace of mind when working out. This gym with childcare is for children over the age of 6 months and is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.15am to 10.10am. Bookings are essential.
Culture Fitness Halswell, 1 Hamill Road, Halswell, Christchurch, www.culturefitness.co.nz
9Round Ferrymead
A top choice for time-poor parents, 9Round is a 30-minute boxing, HIIT-style workout that only takes 30 minutes to complete. Locations are across the city, and the gym in Ferrymead offers a children’s play area complete with books, toys, and TV and kids remain under the watchful eye of your trainer as you sweat it out. New rounds start every three minutes, so there’s no need to rush to a session or book in advance.
9Round Ferrymead, 950 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch, www.9round.co.nz/find-a-club/ferrymead
Rangiora Fitness Centre
Those in Rangiora can rely on Rangiora Fitness Centre to help look after their little ones under five years old. With its creche running Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.15-10.15am, take an hour for yourself while the kids enjoy plenty of activities.
Call reception on 039755556 or email [email protected] to book your child into the creche.
Rangiora Fitness Centre, 345 Flaxton Road, Rangiora, www.sportstrust.org.nz/rangiora-fitness-centre
Lady Lee Fitness
Certified pre and post-natal trainer, and mum of two, Lily, knows exactly how challenging it can be to find the time to exercise when you have children to look after. All of her services cater to a child-friendly environment, with the option to work out indoors or outdoors (featuring plenty of outdoor activities like a playhouse, sandpit, trampoline, and climbing frame) or to book a session in your own home, where your child is comfortable and safe to play as they wish.
Lady Lee Fitness, Kotuku Crescent, Woolston, www.ladyleefitness.org
Featured image is courtesy of Pexels, image #1 is credited to Shoreline Fitness via Facebook, image #2 is credited to Snap Fitness via Facebook, image #3 is credited to Culture Fitness Halswell via Facebook
