There’s a gym for every budget and fitness goal in Battersea, whether you’re looking for competitive MMA classes or a simple gym-spa experience. Here are the best spots to get your sweat on. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right gym, but more often than not, it boils down to location. An average gym that’s five minutes from the office is usually a more sensible choice than the lavish steam-sauna-spa gym that’s three underground changes away. If you do have the luxury of choice and time though, London’s Battersea delivers.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) training has become one of the most popular ways to stay in shape in recent years, particularly since the meteoric rise of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Stars Gym has an excellent combat zone with classes, training and general space for various mixed martial arts including jiu jitsu (with gi), muay thai, kickboxing and boxing. If you’re a lover not a fighter, you can attend a range of yoga-based classes at this trendy gym including Vinyasa flow, yogasana and power yoga.
Nuffield Health
Nuffield is a well-known corporate health giant that has a chain of gyms across the UK. The Battersea site has all of the facilities you’d expect from a city gym, such as olympic barbels, cardio machines, benches with free weights, and group classes. What sets Nuffield aside from other gyms in Battersea is its range of professional health and wellness services, such as on-site physiotherapists, who can guide you through any aches and pains that may be getting in the way of your workout.
To decompress after your workout and sweat out any toxins, Nuffield has a lovely sauna and steam room, in addition to a classic squash court that will channel your more competitive side. Although this gym doesn’t have the aesthetic appeal of more modern gyms like Stars, it excels in providing an all-round health and wellness experience.
Energie Fitness
On the more affordable side of the spectrum in Battersea is Energie Fitness. This locally-owned gym is modern, simple and unpretentious, but it has everything you need to have a killer workout. In the cardio area of the gym you’ll find brand new treadmills, elliptic machines and glute-lifting stairmasters, alongside plenty of free weights and other resistance gear that can help you strengthen, tone and build muscle.
Gym on London
This independent Battersea gym has more of a luxe community feel than most. Spread across two rustic, industrial-style floors, Gym on London is sleek, modern and visibly different from the corporate, budget chains dotted around the city. Here, you’ll find everything you need for a stellar gym session, from olympic barbells and benches to assault bikes and curved treadmills. This London gym also has a great selection of small classes and bootcamps with both indoor and outdoor options, as well as experienced and enthusiastic personal trainers, if you want that extra push.
Motion Health and Fitness
Technically speaking, Motion Health and Fitness has a SW10 postcode rather than SW11, but it’s too close (and too good) not to include. This health club and spa is one of the few spots in the city where you can step into your swimsuit and burn the calories in a 17m swimming pool, rather than plodding away on the treadmill. Although the gym area is small compared with larger spaces like Gym on London, the team at Motion Health offers training programmes tailored to your specific goals, and these are regularly reviewed to ensure that you’re on track and consistently motivated.
F45 Battersea Park
If you struggle to find the motivation to sustain or enjoy solo workouts, F45 is an excellent choice. This global fitness studio puts community at the heart of its group workouts, and it’s garnered a strong reputation for delivering serious results. Every F45 class is different, but each session combines elements of HIIT, cardio and strength training to keep you engaged, fit and strong. You can expect to burn up to 750 calories in a 45 minute workout at this gym, if you really put in the work.