Some people spring out of bed just gagging to go to the gym. Others need the hammer of Thor to force them out from under the doona. Either way, finding the right gym environment can make that commitment to exercise a little bit easier, resulting in a happier, healthier you.
Whether you love the luxury spa vibe or prefer a straight-up sweat-fest, we’ve rounded up some of the best gyms in Sydney/Eora to help you smash all your fitness goals. Keep scrolling for Urban List's take on the best gyms in Sydney in 2024.
BFT
Various Locations
Image credit: BFT Newtown | Instagram
If you like fuss-free group training, you’ll love Body Fit Training (BFT). In a carefully curated program of 14 classes, you’ll explore cardio, strength and conditioning, resistance training, and more. Each week is designed to work every energy system so that you burn fat and build muscle. They have a big focus on progress monitoring and pride themselves on offering “personal training in a group setting”.
If you’re new to serious training—this a fun environment to dip your toe in the water. They also have intro offers so you can try it out and see how you go. If body transformation is your thing, they run multi-week challenges complete with meal plans and body scans. BFT also offers a scientific edge, monitoring your heart rate throughout each session with a fun medal system for punters that stay in the zone.
THE DETAILS
- Membership price: Prices vary per location. Unlimited classes in Town Hall are $67/week
- Best for: Serious training with real results for any skill or strength
- Why we love it: The community vibes are unmatched. Plus no mirrors means straight-up training, and no egos.
One Playground
429 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills | Level 1, 258-272 Illawarra Road, Marrickville | Level 1, 672 King Street, Newtown
Image credit: One Playground | Supplied
Whether you enjoy a bit of luxury or love Insta-worthy workouts, One Playground is a gym experience like no other. Classes include HIIT and strength circuits, yoga, and pilates as well as calisthenics, mobility, dance, and CircusFit. There are also individual coaching options if you want that extra bit of attention and accountability.
From 1920s-inspired weightlifting stations to illuminated running tracks, each space is designed to instill a sense of playfulness and get you excited about your workout. And, when you’re done, you can enjoy saunas with Bluetooth connectivity for music and streaming as well as luxe bathrooms with self-contained showers. Your membership also gives access to the luxe wellness facilities (including traditional and infrared saunas, mineral showers and a relaxation space) at their Urban Oasis in Surry Hills.
THE DETAILS
- Membership price: Starting from $25.95/week. You can also book a Free Pass to check it all out.
- Best for: Variety of classes
- Why we love it: These could be Sydney's prettiest gyms.
Boutique Boxing
Woolloomoolo
Fun, high-energy, and led by former Australian Middleweight Champion, Nate Carroll, Boutique Boxing is great for boxing lovers and circuit trainers. Classes include 99HIITBOX, Women's Class, Boxing Tech & Fundamentals, and Pilates. And, if you want some one-on-one attention, there’s a variety of Personal Training options too.
Nate aims to make boxing-based fitness training accessible to everyone. But, if you also fancy challenging yourself to an actual boxing match, there’s a program here for that too.
THE DETAILS
- Membership price: $49.99 - $99.90/week
- Best for: Boxing curious and boxing devotees, plus anyone looking for an epic cardio and strong workout
- Why we love it: A super fun way to switch up your sweat sessions.
FoxFit
17 Eveleigh Street, Redfern
Image credit: FoxFit | Supplied
FoxFit is a female-only gym with luxe equipment, a cool cherry red warehouse aesthetic, and a neat lineup of tailored group training classes like HIIT, floor-based Pilates, and strength. Originally from Melbourne, FoxFit Redfern is the first FoxFit outpost to arrive in Sydney. The gym is loved by Melbourne's most glamorous, like Rozalia Russian, Bec Harding, and Abbey Gelmi.
The Redfern studio features two purpose-built training rooms. There's also a hydration station with filtered water, complimentary towel service, and luxurious shower facilities decked out with the full suite of Dyson hair stylers.
The Details
- Membership price: $65/week for unlimited weekly access with no minimum term contract. Class packs are also available
- Best for: Chic female-focussed HIIT and strength training
- Why we love it: Getting to use the luxe Technogym equipment
Soma Collection
Chifley Tower 2, Chifley Square Ground Floor, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Soma Collection | Instagram
Want to train in the lap of luxury with state-of-the-art facilities? Soma Collection offers everything from Reformer Pilates and Yoga Barre to HIIT and Boxing, all in a relaxing environment that feels more like a wellness retreat than a gym. Group classes are capped for a small and personalised feel in each studio. There are also plenty of options for personal training and nutritional services.
There are excellent shower facilities and infrared saunas for relaxation as well as Dyson hair dryers and GHD straighteners for post-workout glam. There’s even an add-on service for overnight lockers and clothes washing which can be a real game-changer for city office workers.
THE DETAILS
- Membership price: $76/week or $60.40/week with a six-month upfront saver package
- Best for: Strength, conditioning, with wellness
- Why we love it: Who says your sweat session can't be ultra luxe?
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Beachouse Gym
180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Image credit: Beachouse | Website
Strength and fitness hub Beachouse could have the best gym views... ever. This premium fitness destination overlooks Bondi Beach, and is kitted out with techno gym equipment, pin-loaded weight machines, free weights and all the cardio equipment you could dream of—and it's completely dog friendly.
While membership is currently at capacity (it's that popular) they occasionally release day passes and you can join the waitlist to be notified if a chance pops up to become a member. Don't forget to check out their sister venue, Slow House—an incredible underground bathhouse with saunas, magnesium pools, private infrared sauna suites and a menu of therapeutic spa treatments.
THE DETAILS
- Access cost: Weekly memberships from $45, day passes from $35
- Best for: Strength, conditioning
- Why we love it: A gym session followed by a swim at Bondi? Sign us up.
Flow Athletic
Level 1/134 Oxford Street, Paddington
Flow Athletic has four studios and 180+ weekly classes including yoga, strength, spin, reformer Pilates, HIIT, barre, and boxing. They’ve also recently added infrared yoga heating, interactive cycle experiences, and immersive strength training. And, for those who also love exercising outdoors, they have a Run Club offering three sessions per week.
If you’re serious about improving your health and fitness, check out their PT offerings as well as their Bodymetrix Ultrasound Composition Testing for personalised nutrition and training guidance.
THE DETAILS
- Membership price: $59.95/week - $69.95/week
- Best for: Improving all-round fitness
- Why we love it: An excellent mix of classes for Eastern Suburbs locals.
Bang Bang Muay Thai
Various Locations
Image credit: Bang Bang | Instagram
For women looking for a motivating environment where they can kick butt (literally), Bang Bang Muay Thai is worth a try. Combining specific Muay Thai training with strength sessions and meal plans, this high-intensity program is designed to make you feel strong, powerful, and ready to rumble, with the added element of self-defence.
With a welcoming community, super friendly trainers, and customised sessions to suit all abilities, this is a great place to get started or level up your fitness.
THE DETAILS
- Membership Price: Joining fee from $49, membership from $44/week
- Best for: Strength, fitness, and general badassery
- Why we love it: The girl power vibes are on point
Gym 707
707 Darling Street, Rozelle
Image credit: Gym 707 | Instagram
Fun, friendly, and down-to-earth, Gym 707 offers a gym-only membership for full access to their weights, cardio machinery, and gym equipment as well as an All Access membership for unlimited classes, nutritional advice, and weekly check-ins.
Weekly classes include Rise, Surge, Elevate, and Vitality, with each designed to build strength, endurance, and resilience as well as tone the muscles, reduce body fat, and prevent injuries.
THE DETAILS
- Membership Price: Pricing is available at hello@gym707.com.au or (02) 8033 7786
- Best for: Strength and conditioning
- Why we love it: Wouldn’t it be nice if your gym had a doggy daycare? At Gym 707, you can work out in peace knowing that your pooch is well taken care of.
Maneema Muay Thai
Level 1, 105 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown
Maneema Muay Thai offers authentic Muay Thai training for complete beginners through to advanced fighters. The fundamentals class covers the basic punches and kicks—and you’ll get a great workout without even realising it. If you’ve caught the Muay Thai bug and want to improve or test your skills, they also offer intermediate classes, private sessions, and sparring classes. And, if you have little ones who want to get involved, they do kids’ classes on the weekend.
Training is led by Pong, who is a highly experienced Muay Thai and Muay Kao fighter from Thailand. He’ll make you laugh and feel 100% comfortable while still giving you personalised feedback to improve your skills and technique. Most of the work is done in pairs, so this is a great one to try with one of your besties.
The Details
- Membership price: Free trial session, Unlimited classes $60/week, 2 classes $49/week, drop-in class $30
- Best for: Building all-round strength and fitness while mastering Muay Thai techniques
- Why we love it: The supportive vibes and a free pass to repeatedly punch your mates make working out very fun!
For even more of Sydney's best, check out:
Main image credit: One Playground | Facebook
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