Women-only gyms, gyms with DJs, gyms for people who hate gyms…
Gyms are peculiar places. Think about it...
People gather together in an air-conditioned room to lift heavy things and run miles to nowhere whilst facing the wall.
Regardless, for many of us gyms are a weekly necessity and some may go as far to say they are a firm fixture in their social life. Others may disagree. With so many major commercial gyms available - from your budget to your glamorous health clubs - it can be difficult to decide which gym is best to commit to in the city. So why not go independent? In Manchester, we've found gyms run by Manchester-based personal trainers who go the extra mile when it comes to body transformations.
TRAIN
Crossfit is still considered one of the hardest workouts around (trust us, we’ve tried it), yet it is also known for building comradery as well as muscles. With centres in Castlefied and Herald Green, Train is one of Manchester’s devoted Crossfit gyms. With a focus in strength and conditioning, classes incorporate weight lifiting, calisthenics, gymnastics, HIIT, strongman and other exercises. Those new to CrossFit can take part in foundation sessions.
Membership cost: £80, with unlimited access to classes
6 Arundel Street, Castlefield, M15 4JZ, Manchester
V1BE
A great music playlist is crucial to a successful gym session as, let’s be honest, you’re unlikely to reach your personal best lifting to Adele. With this in mind, V1BE is a boutique gym with a live DJ set. New to the Northern Quarter, if it wasn’t for the equipment and the sweaty people in gym kits, the purpose-built gym could be Manchester’s hot new bar. Specialising in high intensity classes, V1BE have introduced a range of workouts designed to blast fat and boost metabolism. Whether a novice or athlete, chose between Box and Burn, Cardio and other full body workouts weekly. What’s more, with the gym’s in-house DJ you can leave your headphones at home.
Prices start at £15 per class
35 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HF
GYM & JUICE
Gym & Juice - great work on the name, guys. The Oldham Street boutique gym and yoga studio is a best-kept secret in the Northern Quarter. With a devoted team of personal trainers, Gym & Juice offer a range of high intensity circuit and power yoga classes designed to help shred body fat and build better glutes. Gym & Juice say they are ‘functional yet fun,’ with an array of high-grade fitness equipment, UV lights and music from techno to rap. Classes are small, limited to fourteen people per session.
Single class prices start at £5/ 20 gym classes (inc yoga) £110
64 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE
UP FITNESS
UP Fitness’ body transformations are like no other. Walk in a lethargic lump and leave with washboard abs and a bum that defies gravity. Of course, it takes hard work and commitment and UP’s personal trainers are tough and committed to getting results. Unlike other commercial gyms, UP Fitness strictly offer personal training and group sessions. Actress Gemma Atkinson is one of their best-known brand ambassadors, transforming her body under their watchful eye. With gyms across the world and a modern gym in Manchester, the brand has become a major chain in recent years. Choose targeted programmes, ranging from six to twelve weeks, to burn fat and get the body of your dreams.
Prices vary
XYZ Building, 2 Hardman Boulevard, Manchester, M3 3AQ
SIREN ASYLUM
Women-only gyms have become an exercise sanctuary for women who find mainstream gyms intimidating. Lead by an experienced team of female athletes, Siren Asylum is an all-new studio that aims to empower women as well as promote a healthy attitude to body and health. As fitness isn’t just about lugging KGs and treadmils, Siren Aslyum offer a range of classes from body conditioning to twerking. Sign us up.
30 day memberships range from £32 – £39.99
24 Missouri Ave, Salford, M50 2NP
THE GYM WORKS
New premium personal training gym, The Gym Works has recently opened at The Foundry in Salford Quays. Lead by trainer and former UP Fitness mentor, Matt Warner, this new gym is said to be attracting business leaders, media figures and professional athletes. It’s a shiny new 7,000 square foot gym-facility, split over two levels with a spa and is in close proximity to clean-eaters Kettlebell Kitchen. What’s more, serious fitness professionals can take advantage of on-site physiotherapy from ‘world-renowned health professionals' whose clientele includes Red Bull, Team GB and Premier League footballers'.
Unit 7, The Foundry 325 Ordsall Lane, Salford, M5 3LW
LITTLE BOX GYM
Maybe you haven’t joined the gym before. Maybe you hate gyms but want a better body. There’s a whole host of reasons why major commercial gyms aren’t for everyone. Little Box Gym in Chorlton promise workouts for people don’t like gyms at all. Small, functional and affordable, it’s a neighbourhood gym that caters for those ready to invest in their health.
Drop in to classes (£4) or sign up to a monthly membership from just £17.50
136 St. Werburghs Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8UQ
FORM MCR
'You don't have to be fit' and 'you don’t have to be young' to start your body transformation say Form Manchester (so no excuses). Form are an encouraging team of Manchester-based personal trainers committed to helping clients through their journey of self-improvement with one-on-one training. With a holistic approach to fitness and nutrition, Form believe they can encourage sustainable, lifelong transformations (and yes, they get you ripped). The gym facility is based within Delphian House and features high grade equipment including a hammer strength kit, free weights and racks conditioning equipment as well as an outdoor courtyard, physiotherapy and treatment room.
Delphian House, Riverside, New Bailey Street, Manchester, M3 5FS
