Functional Fitness is a 24/7 gym on Ellice Road in Wairau Valley on Auckland's North Shore, rated 4.8 on Google and offering a free trial so you can try before you commit. Memberships run from $17.99 to $23.99 a week, with personal trainers available and free parking on site.
Choosing a gym comes down to your routine: visit at the hour you would actually train and see whether you wait for a machine or walk straight onto one. Serious strength gyms are fitted out with commercial-grade equipment from makers like Life Fitness and Hammer Strength, which copes with heavy daily use. Around-the-clock access suits shift workers and early risers alike, and regulars know the quieter hours are the best time to claim a rack. A supportive crowd helps keep you coming back.
For North Shore locals after space, quality gear and the freedom to train at any hour, this Wairau Valley gym makes an easy first stop.