Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness levels, get a nice hit of endorphins or simply move your body in some way, then Manchester has a host of gyms to choose from. From budget to bougie, solo or sociable fitness sessions, don’t sweat it too much as we’ve rounded up some of the best gyms in Manchester to visit if you’re looking to run, jump, lift, cycle, stretch or shake it out, whatever workout suits you.
1. V1BE
Manchester’s boutique gym group, V1BE, is exactly that – a vibe. You can choose to use the gym only but add classes like IGN1TE, ADRENAL1NE, STR1KE and BOOT1E at an additional cost per month. As much as you resist you will get competitive as during cardio sessions your heart rate is up on a giant screen for all to see. For those who fancy letting out any frustrations the STR1KE class is a must as it combines boxing drills, strength training on the floor and short bursts of speed on the treadmills, designed to improve your full body strength, endurance, and power. V1BE, 75 Mosley St, M2 3HR | 11 Blossom Street, Ancoats, M4 5BX.
2. Barry’s Bootcamp
Step into the Red Room at Barry’s the famous LA gym filled with rows of benches, dumbbells and treadmills. From classes offering a total body workout to test your fitness levels incorporating both weight training and cardio exercises to workouts focusing on specific areas like chest, back and abs or lower body, the fitness classes at this gym are great for those in Manchester looking for a challenge. After getting a sweat in the neon-lit studio, you can refuel with a protein-packed shake to aid recovery. Barry’s, 3 Lower Byrom St, M3 4AP.
3. Train CrossFit
Calling all CrossFitters, both seasoned and novices, Train CrossFit is one of the best “boxes” to visit in Manchester. For those who like to train as part of a community, CrossFit is the workout to get involved in as you clean, press, jerk and muscle up together – all exercises of which you’ll learn to perfect over time. Coaches will lead you through varied CrossFit training classes, which are kept to a good size in order to give individual advice, guide you through the movements and the WODs (workout of the day). The membership gives you access to unlimited CrossFit Classes, the Rehab gym at T3, Open Gym sessions, plus access to speciality classes: Conditioning Classes, Weightlifting Club & Gymnastics. Train CrossFit, 6 Arundel St, M15 4JZ | Longstone Rd, Wythenshawe, M22 5LB.
4. BLOK
Housed within Ducie Street Warehouse, BLOK is an aesthetic from the studios to the changing rooms. Offering multiple studios to choose from – you can do pilates and yoga, take on full-body strength-focused or boxing workouts, or try out cardio exercises. Discover over 20 classes at BLOK Manchester including barre, which is great for those who hate the intensity of a HIIT class, with each session focusing on mobility, flexibility and strength. There’s also BLOKSound, a sound relaxation and recovery session using a multitude of frequencies to sooth the mind and heal the body. BLOK Manchester, Ducie St, Warehouse, M1 2TP.
5. F45
Instead of dreading your fitness classes or workouts, it’s very much a team-effort and social affair at F45. You can look forward to your session as you and fellow F45 Manchester goers motivate one another to complete the session – as a team, the endorphin rush is even better. To discover exactly what fitness studio F45 is all about try their Hollywood class. Featuring a DJ pumping, an electric atmosphere, 60 minutes of focus combining the best of strength, cardio, agility, speed, power, it’s quite the all-round workout. Plus there’s high fives galore as you celebrate your fitness wins, no matter how big or small. F45, 77 Piccadilly, M1 2BU | Chapel Walks, 112 Chapel St, Salford M3 5DW.
6. PureGym
If you’re after a 24-hour gym at a budget-friendly price, PureGym is a good option whether you’re an early-riser, midday-mover or a night-owl when it comes to exercising. You can choose from multiple different gyms in Manchester to get your workout on. They’re currently also offering a no joining fee at selected gyms, and some of the Manchester venues offer memberships as low as £12.99 per month with no contract – meaning you can leave or freeze your account any time you like. Alongside friendly personal trainers, there are also various classes available and an app that gives you access to over 600 workouts and personalised training plans. PureGym, 90-100 Market St, M1 1PD | Urban Exchange, Great Ancoats St, M4 6DE | 3 Hardman St, Spinningfields, M3 3HF | Unit C, Cheetham Hill Retail Park, Cheetham Hill Rd, M8 8BB | Unit 1B-C, 8 First St, M15 4RP | 208-218 Bury New Rd, M8 8DY.