Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q. What do I need to wear? A. Comfortable & breathable clothing designed for physical activity is recommended. On your feet, only enclosed shoes such as cross trainers or runners.
Q. What should I bring along to Balance? A. Remember to bring your Wests access card, sweat towel, drink bottle (filtered water is available at the club) and if you require a locker then a $2 coin (refundable)
Q. Why do I have to bring a gym towel? A. We are very strict about our hygiene policy; all participants must utilise towels for all workouts.
Q. Will someone help me get started? A. Members who have invested in a 12 month relationship receive a complimentary program which goes for 60 minutes with a Personal Trainer. If you decided on a shorter term then we are happy to assist with any fitness questions you may have in the gym or for a personal program book our Ignition program at just $30.00.
Q. Do I have to be fit to join Balance Health Club? A. Anyone can join Balance Health Club. Our aim is to help everyone achieve their goals regardless of their experience or fitness levels. If you think you may need to check with your GP please do, otherwise we will fill out an exercise history form and let you know if we see a problem.
Parking
Q. Is there parking available? A. Yes, we have a multilevel car park with night lighting, surveillance cameras and a lift.
Q. Is there any charge to park? A. No, parking at Balance is FREE. There is no time limit so no reason to rush to fill a meter!
Membership
Q. What do I need to bring with me when I join up? Proof of Identity (drivers licence or passport) and banking details if you are joining on a monthly direct debit. If your entitled to a corporate membership, proof of employment is required.
Q. Do I have to be a Wests member to join? A. Yes, you must be a full member and your card must be financial.
Q. Is there a separate joining fee for Balance? A. A once off establishment fee of $25 applies (new contracts and contracts that have lapsed for over a year). If you are a member of Balance Mayfield you can access any one of our 3 sites at no extra cost. If you wish to upgrade to this package then our Membership Services Team can help you with the logistics.
Q. Is there a limit to how many times I visit Balance? A. No limitations apply on full memberships. Some types of corporate memberships and visit passes have limitations on the amount of use per month. Please see the Membership Services Team for further information.
Q. Are there junior memberships available? A. Yes. Minors from 16 years old can join Balance on the concession rates and will receive their own membership and access card. Children under 14 can enrol in the Kids Classes.
Q. What does my membership cost include? A. Your full membership includes access to all classes held in the aerobics studios, including mat Pilates, Yoga & Zumba. Personal Training and courses such as Weight Loss challenge, Triathlon Club, Running Club or Swimfit incur a program fee.
Q. How can I pay for my Balance membership? A. Memberships are payable in advance through Direct Debit from either your bank account or credit card on a monthly basis. If you prefer to pay as you go then we also offer a month to month short term membership.
Q. Can I suspend my membership? A. Only members that have suspension privileges may be suspended. A suspension form must be completed by the member prior to the period of absence otherwise the suspension will not be valid. In the case of temporary physical incapacity* that is validated by a medical certificate, no cost will be incurred by the member for the suspension. A copy of the certificate should be supplied in person or by fax to 02 4903 6250. All other suspensions will incur a fee of $10.00 per suspension payable at the commencement of suspension. Suspension will not be backdated. The period for the suspension is added to the end of the membership term.
* A temporary physical incapacity is defined as an injury or ailment which prohibits the member from participating in any kind of physical activity offered by the Health Club
Q. Can I suspend my membership if I am pregnant? A. If your doctor suggests a change in the level of activity then we will support you wholeheartedly. We can definitely put your membership on suspension for the term determined.
If your doctor hasn’t suggested you change your routine keep in mind that it is fine for you to do light to moderate exercise right through the pregnancy.
Keeping active will promote better circulation and an easier labour. The most important thing to monitor during this time is your body temperature and the intensity of your workout which we can assist you with through advice if you need it. If you would like assistance in knowing what classes or exercises are suitable for you please talk to one of our Personal Trainers or Group Fitness Instructors. Alternatively, we run Ante-Natal Fitness and yoga classes at our city facility which you can access as part of you membership. Please see our membership Services team for more information.
Group Fitness
Q. Are there group exercise classes I can participate in? A. Yes, timetable classes are included in your full membership (excludes Pilates Reformer). So work up a sweat in the Aerobics Studio, cycle your way around Newcastle (without even leaving the room), free your mind of clutter as you chill out in a yoga class or take part in an aqua class in the heated pool. With over 300 sessions each week over 3 sites, you are sure to find a class that suits you.
Q. Do I have to book for classes? A. To ensure classes are instructed in a safe environment, numbers are limited so you will need to grab a class pass form the Kiosk situated in the gym near the members lounge. We recommend getting there 15 minutes prior to set up class equipment or chat to the instructor.
Q. Which classes are weight loss specific? A. Most of our classes are excellent for weightloss and toning. Doing classes gets you motivated as they are guided by our fun and energetic instructors. Try our classes that get your heart rate up like Cardio Camp, Fat Burner or Boxing.
Personal Training
Q. Are there personal trainers available to create a program for me? A. Yes, we have a team of fully qualified personal trainers available. If you join on a 12 month gym agreement the hour program is complimentary.
Q. Do I need to see my health professional before I start my personal training program? A. If you suffer from health problems or have had an injury, it is advised that you visit your health professional before beginning a personal training program.
Children's Services
Q. Are there childminding facilities? A. Yes, childminding is available from 6 weeks old till 12 years old. Why not book your child into our fun creche and get a bit of me time!
Q. Are there classes my children can participate in? A. Yes, Balance offers gym and aquatic classes for children aged 2 to 13 years. Children can experience the fun of exercise while developing healthier hearts and lungs and stronger muscles and bones. .
Q. Do kids classes cost extra? A. Kids fitness and aquatics classes incur an additional fee.Click Kids Programs for details.
Elite Fitness
Q.I'm part of a sporting team, is there a designated area I can come to train? A. The Balance Elite Area includes a mixture of power lifting, free weights, machine weights and stability equipment, built in sprint track for agility, speed and power work, a testing area for fitness and strength assessments and a cardiovascular area for complimentary fitness work. 'Balance Academy of Sport' offers a solution to all elite training requirements. Bookings are essential. Please check with Membership Services on 02 4903 6200 or click here for more information.
Q. Are there any recovery services available? A. A full recovery centre is located adjacent to Balance Aquatics and offers ice baths, a hydrotherapy spa and steam room to give full recovery treatment to athletes and individuals. Bookings are essential. Please check with Membership Services on 02 4903 6200.
Corporate Health
Q. Are there corporate packages available? A. Yes, there are corporate packages available. Click Corporates for details or contact our Corporate Health Team on 02 4903 6215 or send us an email.
Employment
Q. How do I apply for a job at Balance? A. Balance is backed by the stability of the Wests Group. For current opportunities available throughout the organisation please email recruitment [at] westsnewcastle [dot] com [dot] au or call 02 4935 1300 during office hours.
