Best Fitness Classes in Woolwich 2026

Woolwich has improved significantly as a fitness destination over the past few years. The opening of Woolwich Waves brought a substantial leisure facility into the town centre, and the gym chain presence in the area is now solid. For anyone in SE18 looking to get fit, here is an honest breakdown of the options.

We are a boxing gym in Kidbrooke - 15 minutes from Woolwich Arsenal station by car, or 20 minutes by bus. We are listed here because we are relevant, not to pretend neutrality.

The Best Options in Woolwich

Woolwich Waves (Better Leisure)

Woolwich Waves is the standout option in Woolwich for facilities. It is a modern leisure centre with an extra-large gym floor (Technogym equipment), a 25-metre eight-lane swimming pool, a leisure pool, and a teaching pool. Group exercise classes included in membership cover bootcamp, cycling, HIIT, and mind and body sessions.

Additional facilities: 3G five-a-side football pitch, squash courts, soft play, spa.

For families or anyone who wants multiple activities under one roof, Woolwich Waves is hard to beat at the Better membership price point.

Best for: Families, swimmers, and people who want fitness class variety in a single facility.

PureGym Woolwich (from ~£25/month)

PureGym Woolwich at Victory Parade is the standard low-cost, 24-hour gym option. Good equipment selection, classes included, flexible membership. Trustpilot reviews note friendly staff and a supportive atmosphere.

No frills, good value. Correct choice if you want gym access on your own terms at a minimal price.

Best for: People who want 24/7 access for self-directed training without commitment.

Anytime Fitness Woolwich

200 metres from Woolwich Arsenal station - very convenient for anyone commuting through. 24/7 access, full-service gym floor with changing rooms, showers, and lockers. Classes available covering HIIT, body conditioning, and core. No-contract options available.

Best for: Commuters and shift workers who need off-peak access.

CrossFit Woolwich (7R TTC)

CrossFit Woolwich at Gunnery Terrace combines CrossFit, Hyrox training, endurance, and Olympic lifting. Coach-led sessions, scalable for all fitness levels. Strong community reviews.

If you want structured group training with a high athletic ceiling, CrossFit Woolwich is a solid option. More expensive than the chain gyms, but the coaching difference is real.

Best for: People who want accountability and coached group training.

Boxing Near Woolwich

Honour & Glory Boxing Club is in Kidbrooke - 15 minutes from Woolwich Arsenal by car, or 20 minutes on the bus (51 or 54) to Kidbrooke. Free parking at the gym.

Our alternatives page comparing Woolwich gyms gives more detail on how the area's options stack up.

What boxing offers that none of the above do: you learn a skill alongside getting fit. At the end of six months at PureGym, you will be fitter. At the end of six months of boxing, you will be fitter and you will know how to box. For a lot of people, particularly those who have tried gyms before and found the motivation to maintain attendance difficult, having a skill to develop changes the relationship with training.

Adult sessions run Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 to 9pm. £10 per session. No contract, first session free.

Claim a free trial from Woolwich.

Women's Boxing on Saturdays

Our women's boxing session runs every Saturday 10am to 11am. £10, no experience required. Completely separate from the mixed sessions - women only, all levels.

For women in Woolwich looking for a fitness class that is also a skill: this is the option that is hardest to find elsewhere in SE London.

How to choose from Woolwich

If you want swimming, a big gym floor, or general classes under one roof, Woolwich Waves is the sensible starting point. If you want cheap access at odd hours, PureGym or Anytime Fitness will suit more people. If you need coached intensity and do not mind paying more, CrossFit Woolwich is the stronger choice.

Boxing is different because the session gives you a skill, a coach, and a reason to keep coming back. For adults travelling from Woolwich, the practical route is simple: check the H&G timetable, try the Monday, Wednesday, or Friday adult recreational session, and decide after you have done a proper round on the pads.

We are not the nearest option to every SE18 postcode. We are the better fit if you want a boxing gym rather than another general fitness class.