Best Gyms in London: The Complete 2024 Guide

Finding the right gym in London feels overwhelming. There are hundreds of options - budget chains, luxury health clubs, boutique studios, specialist facilities - and they all claim to be the best.

We're a boxing gym ourselves (Honour & Glory in Kidbrooke), so we know firsthand how confusing choosing can be. This guide breaks down every type of gym in London with honest assessments, real pricing, and practical advice to help you find somewhere you'll actually want to train.

Quick Navigation

• Budget gyms (under £30/month)
• Mid-range gyms (£30-100/month)
• Luxury health clubs (£150+/month)
• Boutique fitness studios
• Boxing gyms
• What to consider before joining

Budget Gyms in London

If you want gym access without the premium price tag, London's budget chains deliver solid value. Don't expect luxury - expect functional equipment and flexible memberships.

PureGym

Price: £18-27/month depending on location

PureGym is the UK's largest gym chain with over 40 locations across London. Their model is simple: 24/7 access, no contract, no frills.

• 24-hour access at most locations
• Wide range of cardio and strength equipment
• Free group fitness classes included
• No contracts - cancel anytime
• App-based entry and booking

• Towels or toiletries
• Luxury changing rooms
• Much personal attention
• Pool or spa facilities

Best locations: PureGym Borough, Tottenham Court Road, and Canary Wharf tend to have newer equipment and better facilities than some outer London branches.

Best for: Self-motivated gym-goers who know their way around equipment and just need a clean, well-equipped space to work out. The 24/7 access is genuinely useful for shift workers or early risers.

The Gym Group

Price: £15-25/month depending on location

Similar model to PureGym - budget pricing, 24/7 access, no contracts. The Gym Group operates slightly fewer London locations but often has competitive pricing.

• 24-hour access
• Solid equipment range
• Free classes at most locations
• Flexible membership options
• Multiple location access for slightly more

What's different from PureGym: Honestly, not much. Equipment quality varies by specific branch. Some people prefer The Gym Group's app and booking system. Visit both if you're choosing between them.

Best for: Same audience as PureGym. Budget-conscious gym-goers who don't need hand-holding.

GymNation

Price: From £12.99/month

A newer entrant to London's budget gym scene, GymNation positions itself as even more affordable than PureGym while maintaining quality.

• Massive floor spaces (some locations over 30,000 sq ft)
• Large free weights areas
• Classes included
• No joining fees

Current locations: Still expanding in London - check if there's one near you.

Best for: Serious lifters who want budget pricing without cramped spaces.

Budget Gym Reality Check

Budget gyms work brilliantly for the right person. That person:

• Already knows how to train effectively
• Doesn't need supervision or guidance
• Has specific, focused workouts
• Isn't put off by busy peak hours
• Just needs equipment access

If you're a complete beginner, budget gyms can feel intimidating. No one's watching to correct your form or guide your programme. You're on your own. That's fine if you're comfortable - just know what you're signing up for.

Mid-Range Gyms in London

This tier offers more facilities, better service, and cleaner environments than budget options without the eye-watering prices of luxury clubs.

Virgin Active

Price: £65-120/month depending on club tier

Virgin Active operates roughly 40 clubs across London, ranging from standard gyms to premium "Collection" clubs. Facilities vary significantly by location.

• Pool access at most clubs
• Wide variety of group classes
• Reasonable equipment quality
• Spa facilities at premium locations
• Studios for specialist classes

• Superior changing facilities
• More class variety
• Better equipment
• Sometimes rooftop pools or outdoor areas

Best locations: Virgin Active Kensington, Aldersgate, and Riverside Racing (Collection clubs) offer premium experiences. Standard clubs like Clapham or Wandsworth provide solid mid-range value.

Best for: People who want pool access, enjoy group classes, and prefer a more supervised environment than budget chains. Good family option with comprehensive kids' programming.

Nuffield Health

Price: £60-100/month

Nuffield Health emphasises the clinical side of fitness. Their gyms include health assessments and often have on-site physiotherapy and health professionals.

• Free health MOTs for members
• Pool at most locations
• Qualified fitness staff
• Rehabilitation focus
• Often attached to private hospitals

What sets them apart: The health assessment element is genuinely useful. You get baseline fitness testing, and staff can tailor programmes around health conditions or injury recovery.

Best for: Older members, those recovering from injuries, or anyone who wants their fitness journey overseen by health professionals. Less suited to hardcore gym-bros.

David Lloyd Clubs

Price: £80-150/month (varies significantly by club)

David Lloyd offers a country club experience - extensive facilities beyond just the gym.

• Large pools (indoor and often outdoor)
• Tennis courts
• Spa and relaxation areas
• Multiple studios
• Cafe and social spaces
• Children's facilities

The reality: David Lloyd clubs are big and busy. Peak hours can mean waiting for equipment or pool lanes. The social atmosphere suits some people; others find it distracting.

Best for: Families who'll use multiple facilities. People who want tennis and swimming alongside gym access. Those who enjoy the social club atmosphere.

Luxury Health Clubs (£150+/month)

London's top-tier gyms cost as much as rent in some cities. Here's what you're actually paying for.

Third Space

Price: £200-265/month

Third Space has 13 locations across London and positions itself as the premium option for serious fitness enthusiasts.

• Exceptional equipment range and quality
• Enormous floor space (no waiting for machines)
• Medical-grade spa and recovery facilities
• High-quality group fitness programming
• Boutique studio partnerships
• Swimming pools with proper lanes
• Luxury changing facilities

Locations: Soho, Canary Wharf, Islington, Wimbledon, Battersea Power Station, Clapham, Richmond and more.

The honest assessment: Third Space genuinely delivers a premium experience. Equipment is better than anywhere else. Spaces are bigger. Classes are excellent. Whether it's worth £200+/month depends entirely on how much you value these upgrades.

Recent criticism: Multiple Reddit threads mention overcrowding issues at popular locations despite the premium price. The rapid expansion (three new clubs in 2024) may have stretched capacity.

Best for: High-earners who train frequently and value exceptional facilities. Corporate members with subsidised memberships. Fitness enthusiasts who want the best equipment without compromise.

Equinox

Price: £245-350+/month

The American luxury chain operates three London locations - Kensington, Bishopsgate, and the ultra-exclusive E by Equinox in St James's.

• Stunning design and architecture
• Exceptional group fitness (their signature)
• Top-tier personal training
• Luxury spa and changing facilities
• Premium products (Kiehl's toiletries, etc.)
• The Equinox brand cachet

E by Equinox (St James's): The most expensive gym in London. Reported costs of £350-500/month. Smaller, more exclusive, with a different atmosphere than standard Equinox clubs.

The honest assessment: Equinox offers a genuine luxury experience. The design is beautiful. The classes are exceptional. The price is astronomical. You're paying for ambiance, brand, and exclusivity as much as fitness facilities.

Best for: People who want fitness as a lifestyle statement. Those who value design and atmosphere. Executives who need a prestigious meeting spot.

Surrenne (Knightsbridge)

Price: £10,000+/year plus £5,000 joining fee

Yes, you read that correctly. Surrenne is London's most exclusive health club, operating as a members' club in Knightsbridge.

• Extreme exclusivity (membership limits)
• Bespoke training programmes
• Medical-grade facilities
• Privacy and discretion
• Access to specialists across health fields
• The ultimate status symbol

The honest assessment: At this price point, you're not really buying a gym membership. You're buying exclusive access, privacy, and status. The fitness facilities are excellent, but that's almost secondary.

Best for: Ultra-high-net-worth individuals who value privacy and exclusivity above all else.

Is Luxury Worth It?

Here's the honest truth: you can get an excellent workout at a £25/month gym. The calorie burn is identical. The muscle built is the same. Premium gyms offer convenience, comfort, and status - not better fitness results.

If you can easily afford it and value the premium experience, go for it. If you're stretching your budget for perceived benefits, reconsider. The best gym is one you'll actually attend regularly, not one that looks impressive on paper.

Boutique Fitness Studios

London pioneered the boutique fitness boom. These studios offer specialist classes, high-energy experiences, and a community atmosphere - at premium per-class pricing.

Barry's Bootcamp

Price: £22-25/class, or memberships from £160-355/month

Barry's brought the American "Red Room" concept to London in 2013. Classes combine treadmill running with floor strength work in dark rooms with loud music.

• High-intensity 50-minute workouts
• Combination of cardio and strength
• Motivating atmosphere
• Community vibe
• Fuel Bar for post-workout nutrition

London locations: Central, Queensway, St Paul's, and more across the city.

The honest assessment: Barry's delivers an intense, effective workout. The atmosphere is electric and genuinely motivating. At £22+ per class, it's expensive - but many people find the structure and energy worth the premium.

Best for: People who struggle with self-motivation. Those who love high-energy group experiences. Fitness enthusiasts who want guaranteed intensity.

F45

Price: Around £200/month unlimited, or class packs

F45 (Functional 45) offers 45-minute group functional training classes following a set programme.

• Different workouts each day (cardio, resistance, hybrid)
• Heart rate monitoring
• Coach supervision
• Community focus
• Efficient, varied workouts

London locations: Numerous across the city - most neighbourhoods have one now.

The honest assessment: F45 workouts are solid. The functional training approach is genuinely effective. The rotating programme keeps things interesting. Some people find the franchise model means inconsistent coaching quality between locations.

Best for: Beginners who want guided workouts. People who get bored with repetitive routines. Those who need structure and accountability.

Frame

Price: Class packs or monthly memberships around £100-150

Frame offers a broad range of classes - dance, pilates, barre, HIIT, yoga - in stylish East London studios.

• Huge variety of class styles
• Fun, approachable atmosphere
• Strong community focus
• High-quality instructors
• Cool studio environments

Locations: Shoreditch, Victoria Park, Kings Cross, Fitzrovia

The honest assessment: Frame does "approachable fitness" better than almost anyone. Classes are fun without being intimidating. The variety suits people who get bored easily. Less suitable for serious strength or sports-specific training.

Best for: People new to fitness. Those who want variety. Anyone who finds traditional gyms intimidating.

Kobox

Price: Around £20-25/class

Boxing-branded boutique fitness. High-energy classes involving punching bags, circuits, and cardio.

• Intense, fun workouts
• Great music and atmosphere
• Decent calorie burn
• Beginner-friendly environment

The honest assessment: Kobox is excellent cardio with a boxing theme. It's not boxing instruction - you won't learn proper technique or defensive skills. Think of it as cardio with punching. That's fine if it's what you want.

Best for: People who want intense cardio with a boxing flavour. Not for those wanting to actually learn boxing.

The Boutique Reality

Boutique studios excel at motivation, atmosphere, and making fitness feel fun. The per-class model suits some budgets and lifestyles.

The downsides:

• Expensive if you train frequently
• Cancellation fees for missed classes
• Less flexibility than traditional gyms
• Dependent on individual instructor quality
• Often packed at peak times

For many people, a combination works best: a budget gym membership for regular training plus occasional boutique classes for variety.

Boxing Gyms in London

Boxing has exploded in popularity. Options range from historic clubs producing champions to modern gyms welcoming complete beginners.

Traditional Amateur Boxing Clubs

Fitzroy Lodge ABC (Lambeth)

One of London's most respected amateur boxing clubs. Non-profit, volunteer-run, and affiliated with England Boxing. Has produced generations of quality fighters.

Price: Very affordable - around £40-60/month

Atmosphere: Authentic, serious, focused on developing boxers

Best for: Those wanting real boxing development, potentially competing

Repton Boxing Club (Bethnal Green)

Historic East End club with an incredible legacy. The atmosphere is intense and traditional. Produces quality amateur and professional fighters.

Price: Affordable membership

Atmosphere: Old-school, serious, committed

Best for: Dedicated boxers, potential competitors

Fitzroy Lodge and Repton represent the real boxing world. They're not fitness boxing - they're boxing gyms that develop fighters. Complete beginners might find them intimidating. If you're serious about the sport, they're exceptional.

Modern Boxing Gyms

Honour & Glory (Kidbrooke, SE London)

That's us. We focus on proper boxing technique in a welcoming environment. Whether you want fitness boxing or genuine skill development, we've got classes suited to you.

What makes us different:

• Qualified boxing coaches (not fitness instructors who learned punches)
• Welcoming atmosphere for complete beginners
• Real technique focus alongside fitness
• Community spirit
• South East London location (Greenwich, Kidbrooke, Blackheath, Eltham area)
• Affordable compared to boutique studios

Best for: Beginners through to experienced boxers. People in South East London. Anyone wanting real boxing skills in a supportive environment.

Book a free trial if you're curious.

12x3 Boxing (Various locations)

Multiple locations across London including Aldgate, Paddington, and Vauxhall. Modern facilities, solid coaching, welcoming to all levels.

Price: Around £150-200/month

Atmosphere: Modern, professional, accessible

Best for: All levels, especially beginners in central London

BXR (Marylebone)

Premium boxing gym with exceptional facilities and celebrity clientele. Professional training alongside recreational classes.

Price: Premium (around £200+/month)

Atmosphere: Slick, professional, high-end

Best for: Those wanting premium boxing facilities in central London

Boxing Gym Comparison

| Type | Real Boxing Instruction | Beginner-Friendly | Price | Atmosphere |

|------|------------------------|-------------------|-------|------------|

| Traditional clubs | Excellent | Variable | Low | Intense |

| Modern boxing gyms | Good to excellent | Yes | Medium-High | Welcoming |

| Boutique (Kobox etc) | Basic/Limited | Yes | High (per class) | Fun, energetic |

If you want to actually learn boxing - defence, footwork, proper technique, possibly sparring - choose a traditional club or modern boxing gym with qualified coaches. Boutique studios offer boxing-themed cardio, which is different.

Why Boxing?

Boxing isn't just a sport - it's exceptional exercise:

• Calorie burn: 500-800 calories per hour, comparable to running but easier on joints
• Full-body workout: Engages core, legs, shoulders, arms, and back
• Mental benefits: Stress relief, improved focus, confidence building
• Practical skills: Self-defence knowledge
• Community: Boxing gyms tend to have strong communities

If you're considering boxing in South East London, come try us. No experience needed.

What to Consider Before Joining

Location and Convenience

The best gym in the world is useless if you never go. Be realistic:

• How far is it from home/work?
• Will you actually travel there after a long day?
• Is it on your commute?
• What are opening hours?

A convenient, decent gym beats an inconvenient perfect one every time.

Your Actual Goals

Different gyms suit different goals:

Weight loss: Any gym works if you show up consistently. Boutique studios help with accountability. Group classes can provide motivation.

Muscle building: You need serious weights. Budget gyms usually deliver. Avoid boutique studios focused on cardio.

Learning a skill: Choose specialist facilities. Boxing gyms for boxing. Climbing centres for climbing. Generic gyms won't teach you sports properly.

General fitness: Most gyms work. Prioritise location and atmosphere over specific facilities.

Stress relief: Consider what motivates you - intense classes, peaceful swimming, hitting a bag. Different people destress differently.

Budget Reality

London gym costs in perspective:

• Budget chains: £180-300/year
• Mid-range gyms: £700-1,200/year
• Luxury clubs: £2,400-4,000/year
• Boutique studios (3x/week): £3,000-4,000/year

Expensive memberships don't guarantee results. Consistency matters more than luxury. Pick something you can afford without stress.

Trial Sessions

Any reputable gym offers trial sessions. Use them. You'll learn more from one visit than any review.

Things to check during trials:

• Equipment availability during your preferred times
• Cleanliness of changing rooms
• Staff helpfulness
• General atmosphere
• Class quality if relevant
• How comfortable you feel

Contract Terms

Read the fine print:

• Cancellation terms (how much notice?)
• Joining fees (often negotiable)
• Price increase clauses
• Freeze options for holidays/illness
• What happens if you move

Budget chains with no contracts offer flexibility. Premium gyms often require 6-12 month commitments.

The Bottom Line

London has a gym for everyone. The "best" gym depends entirely on your goals, budget, location, and what motivates you.

If budget matters: PureGym, The Gym Group, GymNation. Functional, affordable, no-frills.

If you want pool and classes: Virgin Active, David Lloyd, Nuffield Health. Good facilities, mid-range pricing.

If money's no object: Third Space, Equinox. Exceptional facilities, premium prices.

If you want community and energy: Boutique studios - Barry's, F45, Frame. Expensive per-class but motivating.

If you want to learn boxing: Traditional clubs (Fitzroy Lodge, Repton) or modern boxing gyms (Honour & Glory, 12x3, BXR). Real coaching, genuine skill development.

Stop researching. Pick one. Try it. If it doesn't feel right after a month, try somewhere else.