A great gym should be more than just a place to sweat; it should inspire and empower. For men who want more from their workouts, Men’s Health has done the heavy lifting to compile this guide to the venues most worthy of your patronage.
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St Paul’s, London
Global fitness retailer WIT started life as a Shoreditch pop-up, before launching its bricks-and-mortar shop-cum-CrossFit gym in 2017. And in 2023? WIT is more than just a brand, a shop, a nutrition bar or a gym. As well as world-class tuition (look out for MH Squad coach, Gus Vaz Tostes) and a broad range of classes, the gym also hosts regular events via its Outside The Box programme. Recent guests have included CrossFit GOATs such as Sara Sigmundsdóttir and Mat Fraser, as well as Hyrox champion Hunter McIntyre.
Insider tip: Monthly memberships don’t come cheap, but one-off classes can be bought for £20 and open gym passes for £17.50. Or you can enquire about a free trial sesh.
Bow, London
The rise of CrossFit has springboarded the popularity of gymnastics, but it’s still far from mainstream. This adults-only club is on a mission to make it more accessible, flipping the idea that you need to start young on its head and helping anyone to get their first backflip. Classes include beginner-friendly tumbling, freestyle ‘tricking’, calisthenics and handstand practice. Over time, you’ll build from basic jumps and rolls to advanced moves such as tornado kicks and muscle-ups.
Insider tip: Already quite good? The gym is hosting workshops aimed at actors and stunt performers, with a focus on trickier moves that need hands-on guidance
Ottery St Mary, Exeter
The HQ of global fundraising event series Battle Cancer, Move Forward has ambitions far beyond boosting its members’ PBs. The gym pioneered a 12-week training programme for those recovering from cancer, which is now being rolled out in venues across the UK, and has previously worked with military veterans and emergency services workers to improve mental health and build connections through exercise. Aside from that, it has a full roster of classes, comps, seminars and social events, as well as an on-site sports therapist, snack bar and workspace.
Insider tip: Don’t miss a sesh with head coach and ex-marine Hywel Thomas, who takes full advantage of the local area with army selection-style challenges on Woodbury Common and night hikes across Dartmoor.
Stourbridge, Dudley
When founder Lewis Majid set up this impressive strength-training space, he wanted it to be a destination gym: a spot that would attract gym-goers from across the UK, not just locals. And he succeeded: with its eye-catching branding, more than 30 barbells, plus all the racks, rigs, sleds and tyres you could want, it’s a true lifter’s playground. The gym has recently started hosting beginner-friendly powerlifting and weightlifting comps, while its 12-week coaching packages focus on educating clients in technique and nutrition, not just chasing aesthetics.
Insider tip: Drop into one of BCB’s new Learn to Lift workshops, which span disciplines such as powerlifting, Olympic lifting and bodybuilding.
Bermondsey, London
From recreational boxers to competitive amateurs and aspiring pros, the boxing scene is punching hard right now. This recently launched site is part of the Rathbone and Camden Boxing Club family. The Bermondsey Club prides itself on the calibre of its coaches, with a curriculum crafted by sought-after British trainer Adam Booth and masterclasses with talent such as Johnny Nelson and George Groves. First-timers are welcome, but this isn’t Boxercise… although the on-site smoothie bar and organic toiletries certainly help to soften the blows.
Insider tip: The Clubs also host live fight screenings, so you can watch the pros compete from a more dynamic setting than the sofa in your front room.
Huntingdon Street, Nottingham
The first UK site under the global UFC Gym franchise opened in 2019 with a goal to turn fitness lovers into fighters. UFC Gym-accredited coaches teach a range of disciplines spanning MMA, boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, kickboxing and muay Thai. Those who don’t fancy getting jabbed can benefit from less pugilistic group fitness classes such as HIIT, yoga and spin, and there are well-stocked free weights and cardio areas, too. Chill out with a snack and a shake in the Armbar Café when you’re done.
Insider tip: Bring the kids. Youth classes start from age six, with a focus on coordination, speed, agility and strength. That is, if you don’t mind getting taken down by your tweenager…
Bishopsgate, London
‘The highest gym in London’ can be found on the 25th floor of the 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper – and the city views don’t disappoint. Should you want to get a little higher than that, BXR also boasts a climbing wall, along with free weights, punch bags and cardio machines. And if you really want to dial up your metabolic burn, sign up for SweatCon: a gritty class created and led by MH Squad coach Faisal Abdalla, blending strength moves (split into push, pull, legs and core days) with lung-torching cardio blasts.
Insider tip: If you’re in search of an alternative burn, try BXR’s popular VersaClimber class, a full-body calorie torcher. But make sure you move quickly: the class sells out every week.
The Castle Climbing Centre
Stoke Newington, London
Over the past decade, climbing has ascended from niche sport to global obsession. Situated between north London’s Clissold Park and Woodbury Wetlands, The Castle is the UK’s largest climbing centre, based in a converted Grade II listed Victorian water pumping station, complete with turrets. It offers more than 400 routes for bouldering, top-roping, lead-climbing and autobelay, and runs social events such as Coffee & Climb and LGBTQ+ evenings.
Insider tip: If you’re keen to fine-tune that climber’s body, The Castle also hosts complementary classes, such as kinstretch and
yoga, to bolster strength and mobility.
Paddington, London
Grndhouse began as an online training platform, as its founders looked for a way to coach clients remotely during the pandemic using little more than bands and heavy dumbbells. The IRL studio launched last year, offering 40-minute workouts based on high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) – essentially bouts of weightlifting at a challenging but sustainable pace, for maximum muscle-building effect. If you’re fond of the basics but lack the motivation for solo training, this is the place for you.
Insider tip: If you only drop in for one class, make it Saturday’s Grndhouse Hustle, a serious test of strength and stamina. You’ll need to dig deep.
Ducie Street, Manchester; Clapton and Shoreditch, London
At Blok, form is just as important as function, and the Manchester studio’s zen aesthetic and arty light installations have been shortlisted for a design award. The boutique studio chain also has a broad range of classes: everything from breathwork and yoga to TRX training, HIIT and boxing. There’s a focus on core, flexibility and balance work, helping office workers unwind and iron out those kinks.
Insider tip: Don’t miss conscious breathing class BlokBreath with head of yoga Leo Oppenheim, one of the Manchester venue’s most popular sessions.
Seafield Lane, Birmingham
Forder’s is one of the first UK gyms to become an affiliate of Hyrox, a gruelling global endurance competition that blends functional fitness challenges with an 8km run. Head coach Darren Forder has previously qualified for the Hyrox World Championships – and he’s on hand to help you boost your own rankings, too. The indoor and outdoor training spaces are kitted out with all the sleds, sandbags and ergs you could ever need, as well as a 1.2km track to help you build up some serious speed. The Forder’s team coached 80 people to the most recent Hyrox event in Birmingham.
Insider tip: Not quite ready for Hyrox, but still fancy putting your legs and lungs to the test? Forder’s also runs its own team comp, Strive. Just remember, it’s the winning, not the taking part, that counts…
Bournemouth, Dorset
Beach workouts aren’t just for your annual fortnight in Corfu. Open from April (well, you might want a little sun, after all), this well-stocked functional fitness space on the south coast is operated with military efficiency by former special forces soldiers, including SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Jason Fox. Enlist in the Commando Bootcamp and test your mettle with everything from tyre flips and sandbag drills to barbell work and SkiErg sprints. Your cool-down swim is free
of charge, naturally…
Insider tip: It’s not just your muscles that benefit from a little strengthening. Last year, the team ran accompanying mindset training sessions, exploring goal-setting, resilience and emotional regulation.
Hammersmith, London
Named for its founder, a 10-time jiu-jitsu world champion and grandson of the OG Carlos Gracie, this is the place to perfect your armbars and chokeholds. With more than 100 classes a week, you’ll have a chance to learn under Roger himself. The gym also runs classes for kids and teens, plus kickboxing lessons.
Insider tip: Want to watch the elite in action? Black belts and coaches battle it out in comp classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Various, London
Like yoga before it, Pilates is shaking off its ‘one for the girls’ image and belatedly gaining recognition for its benefits to core strength, posture and performance. In fact, one survey by fitness training provider HFE found 70% of Brits would pick it over yoga. And you’d struggle to find a better venue: Heartcore, which has seven London studios, blends abs-torching reformer-style sessions via its unique ‘Coreformer’ with mat work and a pinch of yoga for good measure (well, why not?).
Insider tip: Want to try before you travel? Sign up for a trial of Heartcore’s on-demand virtual classes to stretch, bend and flow your way to a better-moving body.
Paddington, London
Set up by three friends – Cory, Jules and Jeggi – TrackMafia started off as an informal meet-up between like-minded runners who wanted to get used to the discomfort of speedwork. Today, the club runs free sessions at Paddington Rec every Thursday at 6.30pm, and this summer marks its 10-year anniversary. Inclusivity is the club’s MO, and it strives to create a welcoming environment for women, people of colour and anyone intimidated by track running. If building power, speed and new friendships is on your wish list for 2023, this is the place to do it.
Insider tip: If you’ve no trips to London planned, catch coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm on Apple Fitness+, where he’ll motivate you on the toughest of runs.
Pimlico, London
Based in a former car park, this subterranean gym was conceived as an antidote to the ‘safe, soft, easy’ convenience of modern city living. (Unofficial hashtag: #BeAFuckingMonster.) Workouts incorporate classic strongman moves utilising kegs, logs, sledgehammers and tyres, while its Gas Tank class goes heavy on the cardio to really ramp up the metabolic demands. Need a spot to work as well as work out? The gym sits below Thomas House co-working space.
Insider tip: Even beasts need R&R. Manor’s new Recover class focuses on mobility work and lower-intensity efforts, while it also hosts ice-bath and breath-control workshops.
Various, London
It’s no secret that personal trainers are expensive – particularly so in the bigger cities like London. But one-on-one tuition can transform your performance and accelerate your skill acquisition in a way that no HIIT class can. Bridging the gap, Foundry is leading the way in small-group personal training (SGPT) sessions, which can be booked through the gym’s app alongside regular classes,
for tailored training at a nicer price point. There are five sites – including newly opened Richmond and North Kensington – but 4,000 sq ft Vauxhall is the standout.
Insider tip: Try the Foundry’s signature Strong class, which blends moves such as prowler pushes, log presses and axle bar zerchers. Don’t know ’em? You’ll soon be acquainted…
Lambeth, Tower Hamlets and Haringey, London
This outdoor gym was founded by an anti-knife crime charity, which melts weapons taken off the streets and recycles the steel to build calisthenics rigs – then offers young people a place to train and socialise, safely. Ruskin Park – one of three locations, all intentionally positioned in gang neutral zones to boost participation – has become an iconic spot, known for its freestyle displays and talented attendees. Next up, Steel Warriors is looking
at ways to offer free PT qualifications to members of its community.
Insider tip: A brand-new initiative from the SW team, Calisseum is a non-profit set up to allow people of all abilities to take part in calisthenics tournaments throughout the year. What’s your excuse?
Hertford, Hertfordshire
The location of many a Men’s Health fitness shoot, Huntsman is a team favourite for good reason. An inclusive, community-focused gym – with a second location in Bishop’s Stortford – the 5,000 sq ft facility is based in a converted industrial barn, so you’ll never be short of space to swing a kettlebell, snatch a bar or flop a muscle-up. Its key selling point is the on-site Monday Muscle coffee house and nutrition hub, which offers personalised eating plans to help you meet your goals, as well as the best bagels you’ll ever eat in a CrossFit box.
Insider tip: Want to become a clean-and-jerk master? Sign up for Barbell Engineering, a small- group class run by British Weightlifting-certified coaches ‘Thorny’ and ‘Saff’.
Various, London
The newly launched Moorgate site is the eighth location of the high-end chain. Stand-out features include a combat cage for martial arts training and a top-end spin studio with ICG tech, which integrates your real-time stats into on-screen race displays. Or head to the Canary Wharf site – ‘Europe’s largest luxury health club’ – which boasts a 13m climbing wall with 25 routes to tackle. You won’t miss your other spaces.
Insider tip: You can throw a kettlebell around anywhere. Third Space’s real selling point is its luxury, including such touches as a backlit ‘Himalayan salt wall’ sauna, a menthol-infused steam room and a hydrotherapy pool
St Alban’s, Hertfordshire; Camden, London
The newly launched ‘microstudio’ franchise (there are more sites to come) has ambitions to cater to remote workers in underserved residential areas, who want a fast, effective workout without having to schlep into a city. Class sizes are small and each session is 45 minutes long, with circuits combining staple strength-building moves and cardio kit such as SkiErgs and echo bikes. Not fully confident about your form? A video screen in front of each station will show you how it’s done.
Insider tip: Pick up a post-workout shake from the NUA (Nothing Unnecessary Added) health bar and supp it on the mezzanine while you browse your emails and pretend to your boss that you’re sat at your desk.
Dunmow, Essex
The open-air gym installed on founder Tom Kemp’s family farm is a long-time MH favourite, with pastoral views that’ll almost distract you from your burning quads. But its latest feature qualifies it for a fresh spot on our list: installed in one of the site’s vast derelict farm buildings, Farm Fitness Urban is a sprawling indoor gym with six Eleiko weightlifting platforms, hoards of functional kit and cardio machines, plus a fancy shakes station.
Insider tip: Competitive types can sign up for the Farm Games, a unique event that makes use of the yard, indoor gym and surrounding woodland. Harvest those gains!
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