So you’ve just moved to Bristol and want to join the gym. But which is best for you!? Weighing up distances, prices and facilities can be difficult – but never fear! Help is at hand with our trusty guide to gyms in Bristol so you can get to working off last night’s cheesy chips in no time.
University of Bristol Indoor Sports Centre
Located just a few steps from the ASS on Tyndall Avenue, this is the University gym and offers a whole host of different membership types. Whether you want access to sports halls, the gym, the swimming pool or a combination of these and more, the university gym will have a membership to accommodate you. Prices start at £5.99 a month for the #WeAreBristol membership, including B: Active Campus sessions and club training sessions, right up to £24.99 for the active plus, entitling you to standard & premium gym and classes, swimming and discounted tennis court hire. A little known fact is that if you are entitled to the University of Bristol or Access to Bristol Bursary you’re eligible for a discounted membership, making it significantly cheaper than other gyms in Bristol.
Pros:
- On the cheaper end of the gym spectrum with a range of different memberships tailored to your needs
- Good range of equipment and facilities
Cons:
- The standard gym access (either £19.99 or £21.99 depending on if you also want classes and swimming access) only allows you entry from opening until 3:30pm.
- The distance from the majority of halls means you’ll probably need to plan your gym sessions in advance and work them around your timetable
PureGym
Cheap, cheerful and reliable, Puregym is one of the favourites on this list due to its great facilities, regular classes and budget friendly prices; membership starts from just £14.99 a month at some locations. Its biggest downside is its location – with two branches situated in Broadmead and by the harbour, it’s ideal for those with a city centre address, but less so for anyone further afield.
Pros:
- 24 hour gym access, perfect for if you feel self conscious and would prefer to exercise at non-peak times
- Great range of classes throughout the week
Cons:
-
Unless you live in the city centre the walk to the gym alone will be enough of a workout
Kingsdown Sports Centre
The council run Kingsdown Sports Centre is a great option for those living near uni or in the surrounding areas, such as Redland and Cotham. The membership includes access to the gym, group cycling studio, squash courts and sports hall, ideal if you want to get involved in sports outside of the gym. The main downside is the equipment; space inside the gym is limited so doing your own workout when it’s busy can be difficult.
Pros:
- They are currently offering a 12 month membership at £200, working out to around £16 a month (provided you go every month)
- The gym itself tends to be fairly quiet
- Very friendly staff!
Cons:
- Not as new and polished as the other gyms
- The 12 month contract means you’re committing to a whole year; monthly memberships are also available but at the cost of £27.30
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is a clean, spacious and well-equipped gym conveniently located on Queens Road. Like Puregym, it also offers 24/7 access, perfect for those late night gym sessions. However, these benefits are reflected in the price; at £350 for a yearly membership or £41 per month for 6 months, or a monthly £34.95, it’s by far the most costly gym on the list.
Pros:
- Excellent equipment and lots of space
- Don’t want to pay for the cloakroom when you go out on the Triangle? Run into the gym and pop your stuff in a locker!
Cons:
- Depending on your budget it may be far too expensive. Christmas present maybe?