From London to LA: the top gyms and fitness studios in the biggest cities around the globe
Whether you’re a globetrotting fitness buff or just someone who likes to work out while travelling abroad, maintaining an active lifestyle while on the go is easier now than ever.
For one, fitness studios and gyms are more flexible in giving access to facilities, with pay-as-you-go options now available at most clubs for non-members looking for a one-off visit. What’s more, apps like Classpass and GymPass have simplified the process even further, ensuring you don’t have to sign up for a monthly membership or pay extortionate entry prices to work up a sweat.
So, if you're a jet-setter with a penchant for wellness but not sure where to work out, we’ve got you covered. This is a guide to the world's finest gyms and fitness studios in the biggest and best cities in the world, all carefully curated for all your on-the-go fitness needs.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a member to visit them…
London: Lanserhof at the Arts Club
If it’s bespoke you’re after, look no further. Lanserhof at the Arts Club is one of London’s most exclusive fitness clubs. Dubbed "the world’s first medical gym", this six-storey private wellness clinic turns traditional fitness on its head thanks to some top-notch innovation, boasting a sleek backdrop complemented by world-class amenities. With an elevated approach to health and fitness, you can expect to find some of the country’s top medical professionals, therapists and trainers alongside state-of-the-art health equipment. Why go anywhere else?
Treatments and activities start at £25 for non-members.
theartsclub.co.uk
New York: Tone House
Offering workouts based on the training principles of professional athletes, Tone House gives fitness-hungry visitors a unique opportunity to train like a pro in sports conditioning sessions. Designed for teams, these classes are not only competitive but also fun and supportive, helping you to hit your goals without your workout feeling like a chore. They also cater to various needs and fitness levels, offering a range of options such as conditioning, full-body workouts, upper-body, core, lower-body, and total-body workouts.
Expect challenging workouts, including dynamic warm-ups and resistance training performed with agility and speed over hurdles - all with a super swish backdrop.
Single classes can be booked in advance and without a membership for around £37.
tonehouse.com
Sydney: SOMA Collection
Nestled within the bustling centre of Sydney's CBD, this boutique fitness studio redefines the workout experience. Hailed as Australia's most luxurious gym, SOMA Collection has it all: in- house masseurs, valets who dispense towels and even a concierge who organises dry cleaning and dinner plans while you work up a sweat. Ideal for travellers with a busy schedule.
Located at the base of Chifley Tower - one of the city’s biggest skyscrapers - there’s plenty of opportunity for fitness, too, from HIIT and boxing to the lower impact barre and yoga. What’s more, you can finish off with a detoxifying infrared sauna to kick-start your post- workout recovery.
Day passes or individual classes are available to book via MindBody or ClassPass.
somacollection.com.au
Tokyo: The Peninsula Spa
Tokyo's Peninsula Spa hits differently from your bog standard fitness studio. Taking a more holistic approach to fitness, this club integrates Japanese wellness traditions with more modern forms of exercise. Take a Tai Chi class on the rooftop helipad overlooking the bustling metropolis, for example, or turn your well-being up a notch by booking a wellness therapy session hosted by seasoned trainers. The fusion of East and West is what really makes this gym stand out, serving up a much-needed slice of tranquillity in the heart of Japan's chaotic capital.
Free access to the fitness centre with any spa treatment. PT sessions are available for as little as £45.
peninsula.com
Paris: Klay Club
Complementing the French capital’s romantic backdrop is Klay Club, an elegant and sophisticated fitness collective housed in a 19th-century mansion. Offering a blend of fitness and wellness with a focus on socialising, this designer gym offers up everything from intimate group classes to one-on-one personal training sessions tailored to your preferences. After your workout, you can indulge in a luxury spa session or - if you’re feeling social - head over to the club’s very own restaurant and terrace Drôle d’Endroit Pour Un Rencontre, which roughly translates as “Strange Place To Bump Into Someone”. Dishing up healthy grub for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this place is more than just a gym, it’s like a members club that could land you a bunch of new travel buddies.
Day passes are available to non-members for £250, which includes a 1h15 treatment, lunch and access to all Ken Club fitness facilities.
klay.fr
Belgrade: Sky Wellness
Widely known as one of the world's most luxurious gyms, Wellness Sky in Belgrade, Serbia, is famed for its unique triangular structure and top-notch facilities to boot. Spanning an impressive 1100 sqm, this exclusive space is elevated 15 metres above ground level and boasts uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Danube River below. With all the best strength, cardio and mobility equipment you’ll ever need, Sky Wellness is one of the most beautiful yet exclusive fitness studios on the planet.
Fitness passes can be purchased for around £18 a pop and include unlimited use of the fitness area and sauna.
skyexperience.rs
Los Angeles: Dogpound
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Dogpound is the A-listers' hidden gem of fitness and is renowned for sculpting Hollywood's elite. As with most boutique fitness studios, there are PT sessions and group fitness classes on offer. However, if you’re wanting to go all-out LA-style, you can request a personalised session with a celebrity trainer and be guided through a bespoke workout based on your fitness goals. And if you’re one for a bit of celeb spotting, this might just be the place. It’s not uncommon to spot Hollywood's glitterati sweating it out alongside you. How very LA!
A la carte training, semi-private training sessions and group classes are available to non-members, pay-as-you-go.
thedogpound.com
Wherever in the world you hit up the gym, don’t forget to take your La Pochette sweat bag or La Pochette Kit Bag with you. Designed specifically for your gym kit, this travel-friendly and washable bag is antimicrobial and deodorising and can be thrown inside your cabin bag, handbag or gym bag without damping your other belongings. There’s also a pocket on the front for pre and post-workout essentials.