The Best Gyms in London

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Gyms in London

Finally, we can go back to the gym after many months of shutdown. With the body having extra calories and feeling a little heavy, there is no better time for a workout like now. Yes, there were opportunities for home workouts, but we can agree, it just can’t beat the actual gym experience. Knowing that there are people around you sweating, experiencing muscle pains, and feeling exhausted like you, it’s a motivation to push further. Here in London, there are tons of fitness centers that both residents and visitors can attend. But that doesn’t make it easier to find the best one that fits your needs and expectations. But not anymore, here is a list of the best gyms in London you can try out. It’s a review of various services that each gym has to offer. So, choose what fits you. The best areas to live in london combine accessibility, amenities, and community.

 

CORE COLLECTIVE

Core Collective is an art masterpiece when it comes to chic-looking gyms. The destruction from the gym design, lighting, and arrangement is perfect when you’re feeling exhausted. Look around and you will realize some of the finest artwork from Maddox Gallery.
And as much as it’s a little pricey, the aesthetics, features, and amazing classes make it worth a try. Each class is split into four areas of workout – sculpt, strength, sweat, and recovery. In addition, there are TRX, cycling, yoga, and circuits among others. When you’re done with your session, there is a chill-out spot and café to relax or replenish your energy.

Location: Kensington

 

1REBEL

You can’t find enough time from work to go for a training session? Well, 1Rebel is the best gym to sign up for. They have a short but intensive workout class that lasts less than one hour. That is, the class focuses on three things, ride (use a fitness bike), reshape (bench workouts and treadmill), and rumble (boxing classes).

Once you are done, there is an astonishing changing room where you can clean up before leaving. You don’t have to wait in line because they have tons of shower rooms. Also, if you have valuables, there are large metallic lockers for the safety and accommodation of your things.

Location: Holborn, Oxford Circus, South Bank, Victoria, Angel

 

EQUINOX

If you have a deep pocket and a taste of high-end facilities, then Equinox matches your taste. Everything about this gym is class from its location, interior design, services, and training types of equipment. Found in some of the elegant buildings in the city, this gym offers various workouts to accommodate everyone. The classes include TRX, running, dancing, cardio, boxing, cycling, yoga, barre, and weight training.

But what’s even striking about Equinox is the Pilates class. This class includes in-house and virtual instructors. So, if you can’t find time to attend the gym, you still have a virtual class at your convenience. Lastly, there are exclusive services at Equinox, which includes a spa, personal training, spin studio, Kiehl’s product in abundance for members.

Location: Kensington, Bishopsgate, and St. James

 

The REFINERY

Found in east London, it’s the best place to burn calories if you live nearby. Found in a basement, the sweet incense aroma and warm lighting are motivating. They offer fitness classes, barre, pilates, and Yoga. And if you are interested in calming your mind, there are therapy sessions.

Location: E9

 

THIRD SPACE

Third Space is for anyone who loves luxury even in the gym. The name means a place to stay beside your home and work. It’s the best gym in the city with everything you need for the best training. So, if you want high altitude or mountainous training, there is a room that offers that experience.

If you need training in the water there is a pool for that. And when it comes to the latest training pieces of equipment, you will never miss them in Third Space. Further, the aesthetic and elegance of this gym are on another level. So, if you want to explore all kinds of training in a luxurious gym that’s pricey, Third Space will do.

Location: Tower Bridge, Marylebone, City, Canary Wharf, and Soho

 

THE FORE

There is more to The Fore fitness center than just training and sweating. You could say it’s the best all-around fitness center. That said, they offer a personal training area, fitness studio, therapy, co-working space, and a café.

Further, you can choose personal training if you are shy in front of people. Or join the group training sessions where there is more motivation for fitness. In each class, there will be Free weight training, TRX, cardio, rip trainer, and running on the treadmill.

Location: King’s Cross

 

BARRY’S BOOTCAMP

It’s a world-class training facility with a list of high-profile members from prominent athletes to Celebs. Each of their sessions is 60 minutes long. And you will be shifting between HIIT using machines and strength workouts with free weights.

There is also a Fuel Bar where you can refuel with exclusive after-workout smoothies. And if you need home workout classes, you can sign up for this at Barry’s Bootcamp.

Location: Victoria, Euston, Canary Wharf, St. Pauls and Soho

 

KOBOX

While some of the gyms we’ve covered offer punching bags, there are a few that offer boxing classes. However, with KOBOX, the gym is specifically for boxing. Therefore, you will find expert trainers to teach you all about boxing.

They offer two sessions per class with a total of 50 minutes. One of the halves is for boxing and the other for functional training workouts. After a while, the lights are switched from bright to rave mode with music on.

Location: City, Marylebone, Chelsea

 

PSYCLE

Just like the name, Psycle is a gym with a vibrant atmosphere. It’s best for quick weight loss due to the HIIT exercises that define this gym. It’s a large workout facility with tons of fitness bikes and dim light. Onboard is a DJ who spikes up the workout mood with a series of energizing music. And this is an offer that other fitness centers don’t have.

Location: Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, and Marylebone

 

Lastly, whatever your workout goal might be, there is a suitable gym for you on this list. So, take your time and have a look at each training center once more and choose the most convenient. If you need a spa, a quick workout, or a plunge in the pool, it’s up to you to decide where the offer is best. Lastly, you can confirm which gym is closer to where you live or work for convenience.

Best Gyms in London

London isn’t the only city infested with rats. No, no, I’m not talking about the giant sewer rats that have been known the lurk in the dark tunnels beneath London’s streets. No, the kind of rats I’m talking about are gym rats. They are always looking for the latest workouts and the best equipment not to mention the best instructors. Effective london relocation strategies involve detailed planning and local expertise.

While there are definite benefits to working out such as getting into shape, losing weight, building confidence, and gaining strength there are other things about working out in a gym that are collateral benefits. It’s a way to meet new people and build your social circle.

There are always gyms opening up all over the city because of the high demand and the large numbers of people looking to work out and get in shape.

 

London Fitness

Fitness today has come to a point where it means so much more than just to stay healthy. No, it’s far more than just that nowadays. It has moved beyond just something of a hobby and become much more of a lifestyle choice here in London.

While it has evolved from merely being a hobby it has also evolved in what is accepted as a proper gym and fitness center. No one wants to go into a sweat-smelling rat hole with a bunch of muscle-bound freaks barking at each other. That business model is no longer remotely attractive to today’s gym going public. The best workout places now have become wonderful gathering spaces with friendly staff state-of-the-art workout machines, and cafes inside.

There are always personal trainers to offer guidance, different sports activities to participate in, and plenty of chill zones where patrons can take a load of and break a sweat in comfort.

Another Space

As you may have guessed, this location has plenty of space. There is a ton of room to work out and plenty of space to be able to breathe without having someone working out right on top of you. The changing rooms are always stocked with everything you need for a great workout which is a big plus.

They like to do things a bit differently than the old-school style gyms. Their plans and packages are all patron-centric meaning that you can pay as you go. No need to have a cumbersome subscription service around your neck for a year or longer. Pay for the classes you want to take and pay for the services you need.

There are three classes that are big draws. Each one includes a mix of yoga, cycling, and boxing which are great for entire-body workouts, cardio workouts, and spiritual well-being.

 

The Refinery

This fitness center is a great combination of cool, friendly, cozy, and fun. Even though it’s located in a basement, the rooms are remarkably well lit and there is a ton of space. One of the reasons The Refinery stays so popular is that while they offer a lot of variety in the activities they provide they also offer them with a little unexpected twist. I can’t tell you what the twist is, but just believe that it’ll make it worth trying out.

 

Dog House Fitness

This fitness center is a spin-and-box gym that allows patrons to escape from their daily routines into an incredibly hypnotic atmosphere of music, bikes, boxing, and choreography. The idea of the workout is to wring out the soul and the body. The gym operates on a subscription model that allows unlimited access for one month at 125 pounds. One-week unlimited access is 40 pounds while 20 pounds per week will allow patrons to use some portions of the gym though there are limitations.

 

The Psycle

This gym is a nightclub mixed with a fitness center. When the lights go down, the music comes up and the laser lights splash on the walls and floor. There are tons of group workout options that get the heart pumping and the feet moving in an atmosphere that’s dimly lit so no one can pass judgment on appearance. It is a great way to start your workout journey toward happiness and fitness.

1Rebel

This fitness center has a rebellious nature. It has a great infectious spirit that patrons feel the moment they set foot in 1Rebel. Here there is no spinning there is only riding. And not any riding. We’re talking about serious riding. These riding workouts are not for the faint of heart. Through an intensive 45-minute workout accompanied by live music and changing theme from week to week, you will definitely get your money’s worth.

Any patron that wants to truly put their body through its paces will love the footwork, strength, and willpower necessary to make it through the 45-minute workouts which will bring sweat, tears, and success. Eradicate your stress with a cardio workout while hitting the boxing bag.

For all 1Rebel offers, there is a rather high price tag. One month of unlimited access goes for £249 per month. Now, there are other options that can give you limited access to certain aspects for less money, patrons will simply have to figure out which plan is best for their needs.

 

KXU

A one-stop-shop for everything your fitness heart desires, this gym has spins, lifting sessions, sparring, detoxes among others. The equipment is truly state-of-the-art. It is truly amazing.

The workouts are great, but that’s not all this place has to offer. You’ll be able to grab a nutritious bite to eat before stepping into an infrared sauna or cryotherapy session. They are extraordinary to experience and shouldn’t be missed by anyone.

This is another gym that focuses on group activities and socializing. These are social nights that incorporate classes and mingling. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a night like that?

 

Conclusion

There is a gym for everyone on this list. Which one do you want to try first? Give it a try and get your sweat on in any one of them. They are not to be missed.

CrossFit Gyms in London

CrossFit training offers a number of benefits and has become one of the fastest fitness movements over the last few decades. There are typically ten key benefits when fulling engaged in CrossFit training, london flats for rent can vary greatly in price depending on location and amenities.

  • Cardiovascular & respiratory
  • Accuracy
  • Strength
  • Speed
  • Power
  • Flexibility
  • Coordination
  • Agility
  • Balance
  • Stamina

One of the biggest benefits of CrossFit training is how quickly your body responds. Because each workout is focused on moving your body and working out your muscles in different ways each session, your body can learn to work through plateaus that normally would complicate circuit style training.

 

1. CrossFit London

https://crossfitlondonuk.com/
Phone: 020 3070 3550
Hours: Open until 20:30
Location: Arches 9 and 10 Malcom Place, E2 OEU

Offering more than just exercises and workouts, CrossFit London offer adult gymnastics, Olympic weight lifting, power yoga, mobility, strength and conditioning workouts, and animal flow. They also over beginning strongman classes.

2. CrossFit Central London

Phone: 020 7261 9479
Hours: Open until 21:00
Location: Arch 56/57 Ewer Street, London SE1 ONR

Offering two different locations, CrossFit Central London offers three different classes with their peak hour at 7:00 am. They offer free intro classes with one of their training coaches which help to explain the equipment. They suggest taking a Foundation Course which is a five-to-six-hour course introducing newbies to CrossFit, Nutrition, and Our Box.

 

3. CrossFit North London

https://www.crossfitnorthlondon.co.uk/
Phone: 020 8347 0630
Hours: open until 21:30
Location: 44 Tottenham Lane, Hornsey, Crouch End, London, N8 7DY

This location offers a few things that other CrossFit gyms do not. They have a workout of the day that is posted online as well as a recipe of the week that will help participants to lose weight. They also have classes for kids and teens too.

4. CrossFit Aldgate London

Phone: 07813 7744639
Hours: open until 20:00
Location: 117 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7BT

This location focuses on working together as a community to reach fitness goals. The atmosphere offers training partners, friends, and even competitors to help each other reach their individual goals.

They offer Olympic barbells, power racks, kettlebells, gymnastic rings, plyo boxes, med balls, boxing rings, and skipping ropes. They also offer an onsite physiotherapist.

 

5. Reebok CrossFit Thames

https://crossfitthames.com/
Phone: 020 3318 5900
Hours: open until 17:00
Location: 178 Cannon Workshops, Cannon Drive, London, E14 4AS

This location has a wonderful dedicated community of members and staff who fill the facility with positivity. They also offer remote learning by way of podcasts, nutritional information, and a fitness article each week. They also have a recipe section on their site.

Members can expect to find gymnastics, strength training, and Met-Con classes as well as their typical workouts.

 

6. CrossFit SE11

https://crossfitse11.com/
Phone: 020 3070 3550
Hours: open until 20:30
Location: Arch 103 Tinworth Street, London, SE11 5EQ

Taking a different approach, CrossFit SE 11 promises to make members look good naked. This involves becoming faster, fitter, stronger, and more skilled that they ever have been before. Along with teaching the basic CrossFit regime, they help to develop strength and flexibility through gymnastics and Olympic weightlifting.

 

7. CrossFit Performance 360

https://www.p360uk.com/
Phone: 07717 792356
Hours: open until 21:30
Location: Unit 2c Victory Place, Crystal Palace, London, SE19 3RW

Performance 360 offers a number of different things in their training regiments. They focus on martial arts which takes from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as the traditional CrossFit workouts. This is a unique aspect of this location and not found anywhere else in London. They have 1500 square feet of open space with matted areas, mounted pull up ring, gymnastic rings, and plenty of kettle balls.

 

8. Royal Docks CrossFit

https://www.royaldockscrossfit.com/
Phone: 07792 638785
Hours: open until 21:00
Location: K Warehouse, 2 Western Gateway, London E16 1DR

Royal Docks focus on creating a welcoming environment which they feel will not only increase the number of members but also to help athletes realize their potential and to keep fitness fun while getting heathy. They promote a strong community within their members too. It is one of the biggest facilities in all of London. They provide exceptional fitness training in the East London area close to Canary Wharf. This location is quite busy and some classes have been known to be waitlisted, so make sure to sign up as quickly as possible. They also offer a blog which offers a number of topics including paleo, IIFYM, intermittent fasting as well as other timely topics.

 

9. CrossFit Perpetua

https://crossfitperpetualondon.com/
Phone: 020 8144 5800
Hours: open until 21:00
Location: 74 Queen’s Circus, 326-342 Queenstown Rd, London SW8 4NE

This location focuses on the large member community it has built over the last ten years, helping it to become one of the most established CrossFit gyms in the city. They want their members to not only become healthy but also engage with other members and become friends and colleagues during their journey. They offer team events and even host social events that aren’t to be missed. They are big on supportive staff and member participation citing that it helps create greater healthy, awareness, and happiness.

They have a staff sports therapist who works with athletes rehabbing injuries and counseling them on the prevention of future injuries. Her treatment offerings include corrective, exercise, exercise prescription, acupuncture, manipulations, sports massage, ice therapy, Kinesio taping, MET, trigger pointing, and ultrasound. Their instructive blog is updated weekly with useful information offering insightful tips.

10. CrossFit City Road

https://crossfitcityroad.com/
Phone: 07841 997233
Hours: open until 21:00
Address: 201a Old Street, Shoreditch, London, EC1V 9NP and6 Wilcox Pl, London, SW1E 6QL

There are two separate locations here. They have various classes which offer both weighted and unweighted elements which are combined in a way to elicit a strong physical response from members. Their classes range from Olympic weightlifting to gymnastics all of which are designed to emphasize technical performance, systemic progression, and universal scaling. They offer free trial courses for anyone interested. They also offer 1-to-1 intro sessions for those who are unsure if they are ready to tackle a full-on CrossFit regime.

 

There you have it. The top 10 CrossFit Gyms in London. Join one today. You’ll thank yourself for it later.

London During the Lockdown

During the Covid lockdown, all of us have struggled to find ourselves. Gone are the evenings at the pub sharing conversation and pints arguing over whether Man City was fielding the correct team on the pitch. The art of face-to-face conversation was stymied like never before. We were suddenly faced with what we’d long sought: Hours away from distraction, from the job, from annoying friends, and the world. The problem with getting what we wish for is it can sometimes wear really thin quickly. Finding an apartment rental agency that fits your needs can streamline the moving process.

As we adjusted to lockdown, we were faced with countless hours alone, holed up in our homes. We quickly learned there are only so many hours one can spend watching the telly, gaming, or browsing stupid human trick videos. All of this isolation has had a drastic impact on our physical and mental health.

Deteriorating Health Amidst Lockdown

The University College of London has been following 70,000 participants since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown and has reported that 40% are exercising less than during the first lockdown. This can be explained, in part, by 45% reporting working from home, a more businesses work from that model. However, the alarming fact is that 36% are reporting less engagement with hobbies such as gardening, do-it-yourself projects, and arts and crafts. This lack of engagement can be detrimental to both physical and mental well-being.

Most participants report their overall feelings of happiness and contentment have fallen drastically. Dr. Fancourt has said: “While it is not surprising that the current lockdown has seen fewer people exercising than the first, it is a cause for concern because exercise can boost not just physical, but also mental wellbeing.”

She says: “As the novelty of increased free-time that came with the first lockdown is less appealing.” The decrease in contentment comes as people “are focused on coping with the current circumstances, rather than finding ways to enjoy them.”

Exercise in a Covid World

How are we supposed to exercise in a Covid-19 world with so many restrictions on social distancing and the number of people gathering indoors? As has been the case throughout history, mankind has found a way to adapt to the circumstances of its environment and flourished.

Realizing the importance of exercise, some U.K. residents are taking things into their own hands. As reported by the Independent earlier this month, one man has taken it upon himself to start a ‘doorstep exercise program’ where residents are encouraged to use what they have in their homes, such as brooms or canned goods, as weights to exercise together maintaining their distance but stepping on their front porches and work out together.

Digital Fitness Solutions

Not surprisingly, there has also been an explosion of fitness tech advancements. Some people realize that while the gyms have been closed during the lockdown, they can work out from home, at a local park, or on the streets with fitness trackers marking their steps, counting calories burned, and tallying the weight loss. Having this companion to encourage those who wear them can be important to maintaining a viable exercise plan. Some gyms, while not offering in-person exercise classes, do offer over-the-Internet solutions as an option. Including these at-home options has likely changed how we will view gym memberships and working out, as well as the business model from which fitness centers will have to operate from now on.

Peleton, the manufacturer of interactive exercise cycles, has capitalized on the stay-at-home boom to the tune of £1.3bn in the past twelve months alone, with the number of users increasing by 3.1 million.

What to do about those who cannot afford an expensive Peleton cycle or other digital devices to help with exercise? Well, for those Londoners, there is an entire world just waiting to help with getting fit and exercising.

Fitness Trails

While still practicing social distancing, one alternative is using outdoor fitness trails, also called trim trails. We have all seen them. They are nothing new, yet with the restrictions in place, there has been a renewed interest in them as a source for outdoor activity. If you had to guess, how many of these trim trails exist in London? Not even close. There are over 115 locations, with more being built every day. Some are built-in wooded parks, while others are in vast green spaces in the city’s heart.

These trails are fitted with easy-to-traverse, wide paths with conventional workout equipment. These include monkey bars, balance beams, stepping stones, and pull-up bars to name a few. Even without using the equipment, the walk alone is a form of exercise.

While there are over a hundred to choose from, here is a list of a dozen different trim trails we most enjoyed in the London area:

  • Battersea
  • Highgate Wood
  • Hilly Fields
  • Kennington
  • Parliament Hill
  • Primrose Hill
  • Queen’s Park
  • Victoria Park
  • Wandsworth
  • Well St. Common
  • West Ham Park
  • Westbourne

Outdoor Gym Locations

Taking the idea of a fitness trail to the next level, there are also fully equipped outdoor gyms arranged in various London parks. Believe it or not, there are over 180 of these outdoor workout spots in the capital. They look more like some crazy, colorful set to a Japanese game show, but these are, in fact, places for Londoners to come and work out without worrying about the local gym’s close quarters. They have machines to work out the upper and lower body in a wonderful outdoor setting.

An added benefit? It is completely free, and you won’t have to worry about the long queue at each workout machine.

Placed in large parks or small green spaces, these outdoor gyms are gaining in popularity and taking off in a way no one anticipated. They are not only being utilized by those who are unable to work out in gyms that are closed due to Covid restrictions but others who are simply looking for something to do to stay in shape.

  • Chestnuts Park
  • Lordship Recreation Ground
  • London Fields
  • Ducketts Common
  • Finsbury Park
  • Elthorne Park
  • Whittington Park
  • Pattington Exercise Playground
  • Holland Park
  • Roundwood Park

Families, the elderly, and even serious bodybuilders will find the outdoor workout parks a welcome change to the crowded gyms. With the influx of people using the outdoor machines, several groups have cropped up compromised of those looking to shed the Covid-19 pounds we have all gained while becoming increasingly sedentary over this past year during the lengthy lockdown.

As businesses begin to open and workers begin to commute to and from work, some commuters are stopping at the outdoor parks to work out on the way to the office or on the way home. It is a great way to burn off the stress of the day or to start the day with a spark.

Those who are tired of the stress of having to look good in workout clothes and dress in a particular way to fit in at a traditional indoor gym are flocking to the outdoor gyms. You will not just see the 18-25 crowd of iron-pumping lunatics. There are mums working out with their children and elderly Londoners getting a bit of exercise as well. It’s a very communal atmosphere and very inclusive. It is a safe way to socially interact in this crazy Covid-19 world in which we currently live.

Best Places to Cycle

There has been a resurgence in cycling too. There are numerous locations for Londoners to enjoy cycling whether by the Thames or in one of the other parks in the city. These are a few that we really enjoyed.

  • Thames National Trail
  • Lee Valley
  • Thames Cultural Cycling Tour
  • River Wandle

Best Walking Trails

While many might enjoy working out with the machines and different apparatuses above, there are many more who do not. For those Londoners, there is nothing like a good walk to clear one’s head and to enjoy the outdoors. There are countless parks from which to choose but here are a few that topped our list of best places to walk.

  • Richmond Park
  • Regent’s Park
  • Regent’s Canal

Perhaps some might like to be mentally stimulated while taking a stroll around London. For those patrons, we recommend the Sherlock Holmes tour which details locales which inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s masterful tales. Those who need something a bit more sinister can walk the same streets as Jack the Ripper on a themed walk.

Best Swimming Locations

Certainly, it is a bit chilly to consider swimming just yet, but that time is coming sooner than you think. As restrictions are lifted and outdoor gatherings are allowed in greater numbers, some of London’s best outdoor swimming locations will begin to open. Here are some we highly recommend.

  • Tooting Bec Lido
  • Hampstead Heath
  • London Fields Lido
  • Brockwell Lido
  • Charlton Lido

Outdoor Workout Classes

As gym locales continue to adapt their way of doing business with the social restrictions, several offer outdoor workout classes. These range from yoga to light cardio to intense workouts, all in an outdoor setting.

  • Bussey Building – Yogarise

Stretching and yoga

  • Chapham Common – Boxit Bootcamp

Boxing, cardio, and pad work.

  • Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

Tennis

Whether restrictions remain in place or are lifted as planned, a healthy mind and body need to make time for exercise. Find your center and help yourself by exercising regularly at one of the outdoor locations listed above.