Find yourself reaching for that tub of Ben & Jerry’s quicker than any exercise you could do at the gym? Sarah James has the solution.

Let’s face it – no matter how hard we try to stick to our New Years resolutions, they nearly always end up being broken. Speaking of which, how’s that gym membership going? I’m sure I’m not the only one who glamourises the idea of getting fit – envisioning myself being able to run 3kms without breaking a sweat, in my fresh as Nike kicks and on-point Lorna Jane gear. But in reality, it’s more like hoping I don’t run into anyone in my sweat-drenched baggy shorts and trying to justify to myself why I not only need, but deserve, that supreme pizza.

Thankfully for me and other students who struggle to keep up a regular fitness regime, there’s a number of fitness facilities on campus that not only make working out easy, but fun as well.

Fact: No one looks this happy while exercising.

The Forum (Callaghan Campus)

If you’re short on time (and motivation), The Forum is your go to place at Callaghan to maintain that #NewYearNewMe resolution.

No matter what level of fitness you’re at, the Forum caters for you. For those new to exercising in a gym environment, when you sign up for a membership The Forum offers two FREE personal training sessions. These are particularly helpful as they allow your fitness level to be assessed, and you can then have a fitness program tailored to your needs and goals. For the elite athletes out there, you will be glad to know that the Forum is an official New South Wales Institute of Sport Central High Performance Centre. With an indoor pool, access to ovals, testing facilities and a purpose built training area – nothing is amiss.

Meanwhile, if you don’t feel like hitting the gym on your own, the group fitness classes are the perfect way to make the most of your time. A mix of high intensity ‘body pump,’ ‘body attack’ and RPM classes are offered (they are killer – being able to walk properly is overrated), along with some less strenuous yoga and step classes. These are great way to break up your regular exercise routine, keeping motivation high!

If you do find yourself feeling demotivated though, a personal trainer may be the answer. While a half hour session will set you back $45, the trainers are really friendly and help get that little bit more out of you that you simply can’t push yourself to do on your own.

I know I found the biggest deterrent to getting a gym membership was the cost. The Forum though is really accessible, with a fortnightly student membership costing only $19.95.

Your Gym (Ourimbah Campus)

For those over at Ourimbah, you might actually have it better than Callaghan!

After undergoing massive changes, Your Gym (formerly known as Ourimbah Gym Clinic), had it’s grand opening last week. Your Gym comes with all the facilities you’d expect at a high performance gym, such as commercial equipment, a stretching/flexibility station and consultation room. I totally understand not wanting to exercise while on campus – no one wants to be sitting next to THAT person (you know, the one who seems to never apply enough deodorant) in a lecture. But with showers and personal lockers, going to the gym before class is hassle/BO-free.

If you weren’t already sold, all the team members at Your Gym are degree qualified and more than capable of creating an exercise program.

Aside from being super conveniently located and extended opening hours, what makes Your Gym even better, is that it’s free for UON students! So if you’re over at Ourimbah – it is absolutely worth checking out.