When it comes to keeping our New Year’s fitness and exercise resolutions it helps if we actually enjoy our surroundings.
From state of the art classes, to the most luxury changing rooms these are the London based gyms that are the crème de la crème for working out in style. Best of all? We tried and tested the finest classes from each one.
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So want to know what exclusive gyms are the go-to for London’s glitterati?
Here’s our round up of the very best luxury gyms and fitness classes:
Bodyism
Want to rub shoulders with models, celebrities and the occasional royal? Bodyism is the gym for you, located in London’s fashionable enclave of Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill the gym features Instagrammable interiors, an incredible smoothie bar and members only classes and private training sessions. Don’t miss out on the treatments either.
Which class to try: Bodyism signature – the class has been carefully designed to strengthen and tone your whole body through a dynamic fusion of interval training, pilates and yoga, meditation and stretching. The classes are kept small for maximum coaching. bodyism.com
Rowbots
For those of you who are bored of all the bike-based exercise classes there’s a new player in town. Rowbots does what it says on the tin, rowing machines but in an elevated high-tech setting and the best part is they mix interval training with the machines for maximum results, expect rowing, burpees and bum-lifting squats. If you thought this was just another fitness fad, you’d be wrong. They collaborate with Curate Beauty’s founder to ensure that all the beauty products found in the changing rooms are everything you’d need post workout,“We work closely with Samantha Freedman to ensure we continually have the best and most well aligned brands in our changing rooms,” explains Rowbots.
Which class to try: Recharge – the Sunday classes with Nickol will push you to your limit but are still bearable for beginners. The class combines Rowbot’s signature Switch On class with a 15 minute mobility flow session. rowbots.co.uk
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Equinox
Not only are the gym facilities absolutely elite. All classes at Equinox are created and developed by the industry’s best minds and taught by talented fitness instructors who test your limits and inspire results. Plus there are tons of member benefits for joining, it’s more of a private members club than a gym and it doesn’t get more luxury than that.
Which class to try: Sculpt – If a long and lean body is your goal, their challenging conditioning classes will push you to sculpt, tone, and burn toward your transformation. equinox.com
Circuit Society
Circuit Society just opened its newest outpost in Bayswater (joining the Camden and St. Albans sites) and if you’ve never tried one of their high-intensity classes, we seriously recommend booking in ASAP!
No two classes are ever the same, with each bespoke 45-minute session combining cardio and weights for an ultra-challenging class that flies by. The session comprises six high-tech stations with six minutes spent at each, so there’s no chance of getting bored – plus the trainers are super-encouraging if you start to get tired. One thing we particularly loved is that there are videos demonstrating the bodyweight moves, so alongside the IRL trainer, you can watch the clips for extra guidance.
Circuit Society also offers 45-minute boxing and TRX classes, to mix up your training. We also need to mention the luxe surroundings, with changing rooms kitted out with rose gold GHD hair tools, plus the inviting reception which was home to a very cute spaniel when we called in. What’s not to love?
Which class to try: Lower Body Circuit – if you want to work out your legs and glutes, this is the session to book into. Book here.
Roar Fitness
If you want dramatic results fast, you need to try Roar. Their ethos is all about producing results. Classes and intense personal training is held at their state-of-the-art Kensington studio and their small group sessions are never more than 10 people in every class with your own personal workout station and no equipment sharing. “Now is the time to get fitter, get stronger and get in your best shape. What are you waiting for?” says Roar.
Which class to try: The Mosh – Roar’s signature class is a 45 minute weight training session, targeting all the major muscle groups. The Mosh will get you working harder, lifting heavier and becoming a stronger version of yourself. roar-fitness.com
Nobu Portman Square Gym
Easily one of the most stylish in London, Nobu Portman Square in Marylebone boasts a comprehensive range of both traditional and cutting-edge treatments, as well as a state-of-the-art gym, pilates studio and juice bar. They even have their own customised workout-tracking app to help you reach your goals. Stay fit, focussed and relaxed over 140 square meters of state-of-the-art Technogym equipment is available 24 hours a day.
Which class to try: Power Pilates – Curated by Creative Director Marsha Lindsay, guests can book from three signature pilates classes, each with a different focus: Power, Precision and Pure. Power is a high-energy HIIT-style Pilates class and the first of its kind to deliver fast-flow fusion Pilates incorporating innovative jump-board choreography and up-tempo moves designed to build strength, length and endurance. nobuhotels.com
Barry’s
Barry’s workouts are not for the weak. Instructors will push you to your limits as you tackle a 50/50 HIIT split of treadmill and floor work, alternating muscle focus to ensure the body gets a balanced workout and proper time to recover. You’ll have to hustle for that muscle in Barry’s classes, which encourage you to run faster and lift heavier. The fully-equipped red room promises pumping music and premium weights, while the ultra-luxe changing rooms are akin to a five-star hotel.
Which class to try: Total Body – Go hard or go home, right? Rotate between killer sprints and ab-n-ass burning weights, while also tackling your core, back and arms. There’s a reason why Barry’s classes can burn up to 1000 calories in an hour. We’ll meet you in the red room. barrys.com
Lanesborough Spa
Boasting one of London’s best hidden gems, an art deco pool which will make you feel as though you’ve just entered a scene from The Great Gatsby, the Lanesborough gym is one of the most discerning health clubs in London. Once you use their hotel-grade changing rooms you might never want to go back to a regular gym again.
Which class to try: Personal training – Want a fully tailored PT service? This is the gym for you. Members are supplied with their own dedicated plan to further their fitness, nutrition and energy levels and after each session, you get a bespoke nutritional shake to re-nourish the body and mind. lanesboroughclubandspa.com
Lanserhof at The Arts Club
The Arts Club in London is a private members club which is also home to an elegant gym, where members can enjoy unlimited studio classes, book personal training sessions. The best part is you don’t actually need to be an Arts Club member to get access to the gym as it offers a separate ‘Active’ membership for the exclusive facilities. The innovative Lanserhof Concept combines holistic medicine with regeneration and prevention and focused on a personalised, holistic approach to fitness optimisation.
Which class to try: Reformer Pilates – Instructor Barry Jung will guide you on the reformer machine making sure you get a more dynamic and intensive work out than mat based Pilates. The exercises usually work muscles through a large range of motion, and is ideal for its ability to improve an individual’s core strength. lhtac.com
KX
The borough of Chelsea is home to one of London’s most sought after gyms, KX. A membership is an investment in every aspect of your health. Founded in 2002, the gym boasts spa facilities as well as industry-leading wellness technology. They also have a members only restaurant and club room that can be booked for private hire.
Which class to try: Dance Burn – KX’s fun filled dance classes include simple choreography and high energy cardio moves paired with barre style exercises that will sculpt your limbs. Based on class participation, it’s how all the top influencers and London models keep fit. kxlife.co.uk
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