If you’re on the hunt for the best gyms in London, there are a few things you need to get clear on. Location, for instance, is going to be super important (even the most enthusiastic exercisers among us don’t want to trek across the city to make a class after work), so it’s a good idea to first figure out whether you’d like a gym that’s close to your home or work (or both).
Then, you’ll want to consider the kinds of facilities that are a priority for you, and the kind of experience you’d like to have within the gym. It’s subjective – for some, the best gyms in London will be the high-end spots, such as Equinox, Third Space and Virgin Active – the ones with state-of-the-art equipment like anti-gravity treadmills, and luxury toiletries. They may offer a variety of classes, and boast recovery facilities and smoothie bars for freshly blended protein shakes too.
For others, the best gyms in London are the no-frills facilities stacked with quality kit, flexible membership options, and long opening hours. Perhaps, also, with the option to use all gyms under the same chain, if you’re someone who travels a lot.
All that to say, we can’t crown one winner of best gym in the capital, but we can share a complete edit of our favourites. From strength training, functional fitness and resistance training, to Pilates, yoga and weightlifting, we’ve compiled the best gyms in London into a virtual tour around Central, West, North, South and East London. You’re welcome.
Best gyms in Central London
Fitness First: Tottenham Court Road
Where? Fitzrovia (179a Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7PA)
Why? A staple of the gym scene, Fitness First is an almost-affordable choice for gym-goers who like to cross-train, using both the weights and cardio areas.
The Tottenham Court Road location houses a rig, swimming pool and spin studio, as well as cool down air showers, physiotherapy and sauna.
How much? £95/month (though choosing a less central primary club costs less), including access to all clubs and FFX On-Demand.
Best for? No-fuss work-outs, IRL and on-demand.
Or, if you’re a student, you can shave £30 off the monthly FFX membership and bring it down to £63 per month. Sign up now and save the £30 joining fee. Be quick, the gym says the deal is for a limited time only.
Pure Gym: London Piccadilly
Where? Piccadilly (4-12, Rex House Regent Street London SW14, 4PE SW1Y 4PE)
Why? At £36.99 per month with no contract to tie you in, Pure Gym is cheaper than most phone contracts. Plus, the classes are solid, there’s a weightlifting area stacked with kit and it’s reachable via major tube lines. Not to mention it’s also open 24 hours.
How much? £36.99 per month, with a £25 joining fee, or £14.99 for a day pass.
Best for? Not paying for extras.
E by Equinox: St. James’s
Where? St James (12 St James’s St, St. James’s, London SW1A 1ER)
Why? Okay, so we know this place is uber luxe – but it doesn’t stop it from being one of the best gyms in the city and, most likely, the swankiest in the country.
E by Equinox is the even more upscale version of the already exceptionally high-end US export, Equinox, and comes with a rap sheet to keep you at you the very top of your health game.
From the cooled eucalyptus towels (an Equinox staple) and ‘elevated locker rooms’ (think heated floors, complimentary laundry valet service et al) to the Pilates studio, Cryotherapy chamber, compression therapy area, precision running zone with customised Woodway treadmills and The Spa, as well as a supremely stocked café – E is the place you come to experience the future of fitness in an über luxury setting. But, and we caveat, at a price.
How much? The joining fee is £500 and membership is £350 per month.
Best for? Peak swank.
Pure Gym: Waterloo
Where? Waterloo
Why? What Pure Gym’s facilites lack in luxury extras, they make up for in value for money.
Expect good quality kit, including free weights, weight machines and cardio equipment, and group exercise classes for members at no extra charge. Memberships are flexible – there’s no contract, so you can come and go as you please (particularly helpful if you’re someone who travels frequently), and it’s open 24/7, for anyone who tends to train outside of peak hours.
How much? From £29.99 a month, plus £20 joining fee.
Best for? Modest budgets.
Best gyms in West London
Virgin Active: Fulham
Where? Fulham (Normand Park, Lillie Road, London, SW6 7ST)
Why? The club has undergone a major renovation and now boasts a brand new 21 bed Reformer Pilates studio with unlimited classes included in the membership. It’s perfect for anyone looking to ride the pilates wave that’s currently capturing the attention of fitness enthusiasts. You can also dive into the one of the eight lanes in the 25-metre indoor pool or workout using the gym floor equipment that’s also had an upgrade. The new lounge also provides a welcome escape to those who don’t always want to WFH.
The best bit? The club is now making life much easier for those who are trying to strike the balance of the looking after themselves and littles ones with its Ofsted registered creche Club V. Babies from six weeks old (yes really) can be taken care of while and kids aged 3+ can enjoy junior activities for two hours, for free.
If all that wasn’t good enough, there is also a new café ( named Kauai) offering high protein smoothies, snacks and meals made fresh onsite using natural and nutritious ingredients.
How much? Memberships from £71 a month. There is currently no membership fees for June or July & 50% off August
Best for? Parents who want to swim, train, relax and spend quality time together as a family.
Third Space: Mayfair
Where? Mayfair (22 Clarges Street, London, W1J 5FA)
Why? We’ve included Third Space Islington in this round-up, too, but there’s something to be said for the latest addition to the chain. As the website states, it’s about ‘grown-up, luxury training’ and it hits hard. The equipment is, as always, epic, but this branch goes the extra mile, with things like UV-treated fresh air, a Himalayan sea salt-walled sauna and cycling shoes provided.
How much? Granted, it’s not cheap, but it’s worth it if you’ve got the cash. Membership in Mayfair is £265, but prices vary from club to club, ranging between £180 and £250 depending on location and club access.
Best for? A comprehensive gym experience, including a laundry service and nutritionally on point breakfasts at their in-house cafes, Natural Fitness Food.
Virgin Active: Kensington
Where? Kensington (3rd Floor, 17A Old Ct Pl, Kensington, London W8 4PL)
Why? More of a club than a gym, Virgin Active Kensington is a place to sweat, swim and spa too.
Ok, so there is already one Virgin Active gym in this list but hear us out because this has much more of But this one has much more of a boutique feel. Set over three levels right off of High Street Ken, the multi-function space boasts studios for yoga, HIIT, boxing, spin, Reformer Pilates, low-impact workouts and stretching as well as a pool, expansive gym floor, strength training room, separate steam and sauna, healthy cafe and co-working space. Jeez, even typing that is tiring!
How much? £189.99– reaping the benefits of no joining fee.
Best for? A boutique gym experience, with spa and pool included.
GO TO VIRGIN ACTIVE KENSINGTON
Equinox: Kensington
Where? Three locations across London.
Why? Frequented by royalty (it’s rumoured Meghan Markle herself favoured the Pilates classes), Equinox is a cut above when it comes to what a gym can offer. On the one hand, it’s definitely luxe — the changing rooms alone are pretty much how we would deck out our dream bathroom, but it’s also en pointe when it comes to equipment, classes and locations, especially after opening Bishopsgate and Shoreditch branches.
The membership fee isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you consider your health and wellbeing an investment and have an abundant bank balance, then yeah, you should hop to it ASAP.
How much? Prices vary (think upwards of £200/month), head to the Equinox website to find out more.
Best for? Working out in a beautiful space… Oh HAI, #gymselfie
Ultimate Performance: Mayfair
Where? Mayfair, 2 Park Street, Mayfair, London W1K 2XA
Why? The gym that Gemma Atkinson credits her strength to, Ultimate Performance is the go-to for celebs, as well as people serious about getting into their best shape ever. It’s a PT-based gym, meaning you can’t just go in and throw around some chalky iron, but the trainers they have are top-bloomin’-tier.
You’ll be challenged (trust us on that), build muscle and confidence, and set a new bar for what it means to be fit. Crème de la crème, in our humble opinion.
There are three options to get involved – in-person personal training, virtual personal training and online training through their platform, Live Up.
How much? Prices vary depending on the package – PT, online or virtual.
Best for? A results-driven approach.
KX: Chelsea
Where? Chelsea (151 Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, London SW3 3AL)
Why? Dedicated to “long-term change”, KX doesn’t dabble in quick fixes – they want you to transform your relationship to health and wellness for life. ‘Intelligent health expertly delivered in a luxurious environment,’ is their mantra.
From unlimited group classes to access to their state of the art gym, there’s also a wellness consultation including blood tests, body composition and bespoke training plan.
Replete with spa and restaurant, stick around for a fresh facial or refuelling meal, too. We call that a win.
How much? Make sure you’re sat down, KX prices start at £615 a month with a joining fee. OOF
Best for? A holistic, ‘all in’ feel, with a gym, spa, health food restaurant, and a team of fitness and wellbeing experts on-hand.
KXU
Where? Sloane Square (241 Pavilion Road, London, SW1X 0BP)
Why? KX’s sister gym KXU offers a pay-as-you-go approach with three studios tailored to cater for all needs.
From deadlifts to detoxes, KXU is a seamless blend of group fitness, personal training, spa treatments and a nutrition bar under one roof.
With 10 different class concepts, from Evolve to The Games, Yoga to U-Cycle, KXU has something for everyone to help you build strength, improve cardiovascular fitness and find your flow.
Beyond fitness, there is a state-of-the-art Medi-spa for relaxation, rejuvenation and recovery that offers a vast range of treatments.
How much? Are you sitting down? An unlimited monthly membership (which, OK, does include cryo and infrared) is a steep £340. Looking for just the spa membership? It’s yours for £180 a month.
Best for? Those who want a potent, powerful, punchy all-in-one experience. Are U ready?
Best gyms in North London
Third Space: Islington
Where? Islington (15 Esther Anne Place, London, N1 1UL)
Why? Third Space is pioneering training for life. The luxury gym brand is all about having every element of your training covered, from recovery to injury prevention and perfect form. Plus, when you join any Third Space gym, you’ll be taken through a movement screening to highlight back problems, weak knees and posture alignments. From this, a bespoke fitness plan is created.
Their Islington branch also boasts ‘Little Space’, a separate dedicated area for families with a family swimming pool and kid-friendly rig.
If the state-of-the-art gym and changing rooms don’t sway you, then how about the wealth of technical classes and top-shelf PTs they’ve got on the books? Thought so.
How much? £230 across all branches apart from Mayfair, which is £265.
Best for? World-class equipment, top-tier trainers and a family space.
The Gym Group: Wembley
Where? Wembley (11 & 12 High Road, Central Square, Wembley HA9 7AJ)
Why? Located behind Wembley Central tube station, The Gym Wembley is one of the best in London for its affordability and flexible membership approach. Open 24/7, The Gym offers state-of-the-art cardio equipment and a selection of classes, meeting the needs of all levels of experience for the ridiculously reasonable price of just £23.99 per month.
How much? Membership costs £23.99 a month with no contract, while you can currently use the code ‘save’ to save 50% on your first month’s membership. Yippee!
Best for? Neat budgets.
Best gyms in South London
Third Space Wimbledon
Where? Wimbledon (4 Queen’s Rd, Wimbledon, London, SW19 8YE)
Why? Yes, this is the third Third Space gym in our round-up, but with good reason. The website dubs it a ‘world-class wellness space’, and WH Fitness Director Bridie can concur.
Besides a multi-functional fitness space with every sort of equipment you could think of (including a recovery zone with full-body compression suits and body rollers), there’s individual HIIT, spin and yoga studios, and in our opinion, the two jewels in the crown: a stunning reformer Pilates studio (unlimited classes are available with every membership), and an elite spa, featuring three types of sauna, a steam room, plunge pool, hydrotherapy pools and a 25m four-lane swimming pool.
The gym also hosts over 100 classes per week, after which you can freshen up in the pristine changing rooms, complete with Cowshed toiletries, GHD hair tools and super soft towels.
How much? £220 per month, or £245 a month for access to all Third Space clubs, excluding Mayfair and Islington. It’s a lot, we know, but trust us when we say it’s not just a gym; it’s a full-blown spa.
Best for? A luxury gym experience, with no expense spared.
The Foundry Vauxhall
Where? Vauxhall (Black Prince Community Hub, 5 Beaufoy Walk, London SE11 6HU)
Why? The sense of community at strength-training massive The Foundry is what sets it apart from its competitors. Whether you’re taking part in the gym’s famed fitness classes (Strong, Sweat or Combine) or a personal training sesh, trust us when we say you’ll feel more motivated than ever before.
‘Our 45 minute classes constantly achieve 5* reviews: no frills, no gimmicks, no tag-backs, and we don’t charge extra for DOMS,’ the website reads. We concur.
How much? The 21-day challenge, including six small group PT sessions, unlimited classes, movement screening and lifestyle support, is £150.
Best for? A team spirit that accepts no excuses.
One LDN: Fulham
Where? Fulham (Imperial Wharf, 17 The Blvd, Fulham, London, SW6 2UB)
Why? Choose between personal training, or strength and conditioning classes, and get your resistance training form on track. If you’re new, they advise you to arrive early so you can get your technique right before a session.
If you work one-on-one, you’ll be guided through the state of the art kit, led by some of the best coaches – who also have experience of CrossFit and weightlifting for Great Britain.
The gym’s expertise is not limited to weights, however, and they have all the other classes and equipment you’d expect from a premium gym-meets-boutique-fitness-studio all under one roof.
How much? £95 per month for a rolling membership, £120 for one month, £29.99 for a 7-day pass, or £15 for one-off use. Personal training prices on request.
Best for? A big and well-equipped space. No more gym queue etiquette required.
Gym On
Where? Battersea
Why? If you’re looking for something with less of a chain gym vibe, Gym On may be more of your cup of tea. It’s an independent, boutique gym with all the equipment you’d want for a standard cardio or strength workout, with the added bonus of group training classes, beauty treatments and coffee, too.
How much? From £60 per month.
Best for? That personal feel.
David Lloyd: Fulham
Where? Fulham (Unit 24, Fulham Broadway Retail Centre, Fulham Road, London, SW6 1BW)
Why? David Lloyd Clubs is one of the UK’s original health and fitness groups, but this branch’s £6.5m glow up features new luxury elements that will make it a premier fitness destination.
When the refurbished 38,000 sq. ft space reopens in February, you can unwind in the Spa Retreat with its five experience rooms, including a Himalayan salt sauna, citrus steam room, ice cave and hydro-pool. Push your fitness limits at the state-of-the-art gym with updated cardio and strength kit.
Work out with trainers in the new boutique group class studios including High Energy, Mind & Body, plus the exclusive, three-zone BLAZE. Relax with friends and family – or check your emails! – at the sleek Clubroom and workspace. Plus, not all gyms in the capital allow you to finish your workout with a swim in a heated indoor 20m pool.
How much? Available on request; special early joining offers and virtual tours also available prior to the 19 February opening.
Best for? An all-in-one, ultimate health, wellbeing and fitness destination.
EasyGym Camberwell
Where? Camberwell
Why? If it’s a good variety of equipment you’re after, you can’t go far wrong with EasyGym’s Camberwell location. True, you shouldn’t expect Le Labo toilettries in the showers, but it’s a gym that has everything you need to get a solid workout in – including free group classes. Plus, memberships are flexible and it’s open 24/7.
How much? From £17.99 per month.
Best for? A no-frills gym experience.
Best gyms in East London
John Reed: Broadgate
Where? Broadgate (90 Liverpool St, London EC2M 2AT)
Why? If you’re into DJs and strobe lights while you workout, John Reed is the one for you. The design is like no other: treadmills are set in front of Grecian-inspired statues, while the boxing studio is accessible through an LED tunnel, and walls are decorated with murals by local and international street artists. They also have live DJs spinning records in a booth on the reg.
How much? Choose between the Basic Flex membership for £100, or the Gold Flex (including towels, wifi and electrolyte drinks) for £120, with a joining fee of £100 (or £50 if you sign up for an annual membership).
Best for? Pretending to yourself you’re at the club.
Gymbox: Farringdon
Where? Farringdon (12 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7SS)
What? Because gym boredom should never be the reason you throw in the towel. Luckily the Gymbox chain feels more like a nightclub than anything – with music from regular DJ sets and neon lighting.
Gymbox Farringdon – one of many locations around London really have gone all out: three-lane sports turf track, huge class space (pictured above), Muay Thai sparring, a fitness frame, combat areas, Olympic weightlifting and a dedicated water rowing area.
Descend down a staircase to the underground location and prepare for the space to blow your mind. You could easily spend a weekend here trying out all the equipment, but don’t leave without having a go at the Aerial Acrobatics (get to know).
How much? Membership with unlimited access to classes starts at £71, with a £99 joining fee, and a day pass for non-members is £20.
Best for? A major choice of facilities, plus neon galore.
Roar Fitness: The City
Where? City (24 Bevis Marks House, London, EC3A 7JB)
Why? Not your usual transformation gym. Roar Fitness is the brainchild of three-time Olympian Sarah Lindsay. Naturally, she takes a sportsmanlike approach to fitness and has sculpted the bodies of everyone from Pixie Lott and Christine Bleakley.
A member of their ex-Olympian team will give you a personalised 12-week fitness and nutrition programme to stick to and, yes, will become “that person” messaging their trainer on WhatsApp.
How much? Your first class is free, then £25/class thereafter.
Best for? An Olympic training experience, from a team of athletes and top-class trainers.
Better: The Greenwich Centre
Where? Greenwich
Why? The Greenwich Centre is an iconic leisure centre boasting high-quality facilities and library services, too. There’s a gym filled with state-of-the-art equipment, plus two swimming pools and a fitness class programme, too.
Membership prices are reasonable for everything that’s on offer, but some activities cost extra.
How much? From £37 per month.
Best for? A leisure centre experience.
The Great Outdoor Gym Company: Multiple locations
Where? Hackney, with locations all around London
What? If you’re keen to exercise but would rather not spend all your hard-earned pennies on an actual gym membership, it’s time you checked out The Great Outdoor Gym Company. They are totally free outdoor gyms located in parks in Camden, Westminster, Hackney, the City and more.
How much? Free.
Best for? Well, firstly they’re free. And secondly, because they’re one of the most eco-forward free gym companies around. For every piece of outdoor gym equipment, they plant a tree. Sweat for free and save the planet? Yes, please.
GO TO THE GREAT OUTDOOR GYM COMPANY
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