From holistic and luxury to trendy and budget: discover five of the best London-based gyms
Words Joy Montgomery
All ‘new year new you’ cliches aside, entering a new year is simply a good excuse to cast aside your bad habits and start January with a fresh perspective.
Exercise is a great way to take action against the January blues, so what better time to join a new gym? Whether you’re looking for trendy or budget, holistic or family-friendly, we’ve rounded up the top five gyms to join now.
Grab a friend, invest in some new kit and get those endorphins pumping.
BEST DESIGN: THIRD SPACE, TOWER BRIDGE
With sister clubs in Soho, Marylebone and Canary Wharf, Third Space Tower Bridge is the latest in a line of beautifully designed workout spaces gracing the capital. With muted interiors, modern art and naked lightbulbs aplenty, this is the must-go gym for design-lovers.
BEST TRENDY GYM: 1 REBEL
From the son of Fitness First owner Mike Balfour comes 1Rebel, the hipster exercise joint that brands itself as the ‘anti-gym’. The two London sites offer artfully dishevelled-cum-industrial chic interiors that divide into two rooms: one for spinning and one for ‘reshape’. Expect crowds of cooler-than-thou twenty-somethings.
BEST BUDGET: THE GYM, VAUXHALL
If you’re looking to save the pennies, or simply prefer a function over form gym experience, then check out The Gym chain. This contract-free, 24-hour access gym offers an extensive range of equipment and classes in a no-frills, minimalist space for only £21.99 a month.
BEST FOR FAMILIES: THE PARK CLUB, ACTON
This Acton-based family-friendly health club is set on 27 acres of land and hosts a plethora of sports activities and events for kids, alongside creche facilities. Tired parents can also enjoy pampering at the on-site Medispa or a child-free dinner at the Terrace Restaurant.
BEST FOR HOLISTIC: GRACE BELGRAVIA
Launched in 2014, Grace Belgravia is the womens-only members club leading the way in all-encompassing wellness. Led by a team of medical experts, personal trainers and nutritionists, the venue houses a gym, spa, restaurant and wellbeing clinic, which all contribute to the multi-disciplinary approach to health. The gym even offers rehabilitation packages for clients recovering from health problems.
