At this time of year, it is more important than ever to keep a well-designed exercise routine as part of your weekly or daily lifestyle. With darker early mornings and evenings, it does unfortunately mean that lacing up your sneakers and getting out for a run is much more difficult to plan around a busy schedule. Autumn and winter are the seasons when being an active member of a gym really comes into its own, with regular classes, group workouts and the warm downs of steam and saunas presenting an invaluable way to stay in shape and find some precious time for dedicated self-care.
South West London is fortunate to have some of the best fitness and gym facilities in all the capital. Our guide can help you decide which one is perfect for you.
The Lensbury Club, Teddington
The Lensbury Club is a premier health, fitness and leisure club located on a 25-acre site on the banks of the River Thames in Teddington. With such remarkable surroundings to inspire your fitness journey, it is sure to make even the hardest reps tick over a little more quickly. Alongside a state-of-the-art gym, it offers over 130 weekly classes of Pilates, yoga, group spin sessions, HIIT programs and Les Mills activities. This is a family-focused place with plenty of options for junior memberships and family subscriptions. All inside a wonderfully elegant Edwardian building.
The Foundry, Richmond
The Foundry has a focus on elite training for strength and conditioning within a simple and supportive environment. This is the perfect place for those who know what they want to achieve from their training and require professional programs to help them achieve it in a no-nonsense way. Group training or personal one-one sessions are available here across the Olympic lifting platforms, squat racks and deadlifting zones in an open plan space that adds to the determination and motivation of every member. Excellent recovery facilities and guidance is always offered to ensure you stay injury-free and ready to push past your training goals over time.
Fit8 Barnes
Fit8 in Barnes demonstrates an understanding of just how important an active lifestyle is to its members. Their philosophy can be easily summed up by the tagline:‘It’s not a gym. It’s life.’ The whole experience here is designed to be exclusive and intimate with small groups of 8 or fewer, alongside the one-one programs. This is boutique fitness in a studio less than 100 sq. metres, to encourage a team mentality and prioritise progress in every session. Fit 8 is ideal for those that want a modern data-driven outlook on training in a welcoming environment. Memberships can also be tailored to make the most of a mix between the small groups and individually focussed sessions.
Boom Cycle Battersea
You couldn’t wish for a more iconic fitness location than the recently repurposed Battersea Power Station Complex to get your own energy going. Decked out in a fantastic modern industrial aesthetic, this place is a celebration of everything spin and cycle with some incredible immersive workouts. Curated music-led workouts offer high intensity and rhythmic programs of around 45 minutes that are inclusive, engaging and fun. Excellent amenities for post-spin activities include a relaxation area and juice bar that help maintain a strong community too. Sessions can be booked on a pay-as-you-go or membership basis.
David Lloyd, Raynes Park
David Lloyd Fitness & Health has been synonymous with high-end gyms and active lifestyles since the former tennis player opened his first location in 1982. There is a reassuring sense of quality and family-focus to his gyms that have a calm environment of comfort and exclusivity. The gym equipment facilities are state-of-the-art with plenty of opportunities for racquet sports that include coaching, and even member tournaments. Aligned with the convenient and tranquil Raynes Park setting, this is one of the finest examples of a modern fitness provider in South West London.
F45 Training Clapham Junction
F45 Training is a sleek, modern and purpose-built training environment dedicated to making every session count. Although there is a definite focus on the more seasoned gym-goer, it remains inclusive and encouraging for those that might be at the start of their fitness journey too. Innovative strength training sessions such as the Lionsgate and Panthers incorporate resistance to build and tone muscle while Hollywood and Athletica are designed to burn fat and improve endurance. The regular 8-week challenge programs also provide an opportunity to track performance in a more competitive way.
KXU Chelsea
KXU Chelsea is the pinnacle of boutique fitness with a holistic training and wellness outlook that builds mental and physical strength. Just a stone’s throw from Kings Road and Sloane Square, this place fits right into the elegant, exclusive and sophisticated experiences of the area with a wonderful studio and accompanying facilities. A stylish on-site Nutrition Bar & Café are also available to relax and recover from the wealth of HIIT, Pilates & Yoga classes that will have you working up a real sweat. With professional body composition analysis for members, the gym staff can curate a bespoke program to help you achieve your fitness goals in style.
Third Space Wimbledon
Third Space in Wimbledon is part of the Third Space Group that has carefully created a premium health and wellness experience of world-class equipment and luxury amenities in vibrant spaces. The studio is a short walk from Wimbledon station and here you will find Technogym machines next to full training rigs and an incredible pool for aqua fitness and injury recovery sessions. The sleek interiors, ambient lighting and use of natural materials of the interior design lend a spa- feel throughout Third Space that eases you in, and out, of the sessions. The attention to detail for every element of the experience feels excellently crafted here.
The beauty of gyms and wellness spaces comes from the relationship you create with them in your lives. It feels reassuringly simple to know that the more often you visit them, the more benefits you will feel. That’s why it is so important to find the perfect one for you. It always helps to visit first, and even try some taster sessions at a few on the shortlist before making any decision. All of the above in our guide would be happy to see you and ready to help.
