Manchester is a place of excellence when it comes to sports and fitness. Not to mention music, food and business.

As a city, Manchester has a diverse range of gyms. This includes local independents, high-class boutiques, specialist studios and well-known national brands. With such a wide range on offer, Manchester has a gym for every preference, budget and goal.

We also think that looking for the best gym around is important. In a world that is increasingly digitalised, we need to prioritise our physical and mental well-being. Stepping away from our screens and hitting the gym provides a much-needed break and an opportunity to focus on our health. Regular gym visits have been proven to benefit both our physical and mental health. And with such a wide variety of options available in Manchester, there’s no excuse not to take advantage of them.

This article will guide you through the best gyms in Manchester, highlighting their unique features, facilities and offerings to help you find the perfect fit for your fitness journey.

10 Best Gyms in Manchester

Here are 10 of the best gyms in Manchester city centre. The gyms cover a range of fitness offerings, from general gyms and those open for 24 hours, to specialist facilities, health clubs and boutique gyms.

Ultimate Performance Manchester

In the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields quarter, Ultimate Performance (UP) Manchester has established itself as a premier destination for those seeking unrivalled personal training and life-changing body transformations. 

Founded in 2016, this exceptional gym boasts a perfect 5-star rating from over 500 reviews on Google – ultimate performance indeed. This Manchester gym is part of a small but global Ultimate Performance network, which originated in London in 2009 under the leadership of Nick Mitchell. 

At UP Manchester, clients are paired with dedicated, world-class personal trainers who possess expertise in various areas, including fat loss, muscle gain and overall body composition improvement. The highly skilled PTs craft bespoke training and nutrition plans based on a comprehensive analysis of over 150 data points, ensuring that each client receives a tailored approach designed to maximise their results in the shortest possible time.

The gym’s state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology set it apart from the competition. But due to the UP Manchester’s stellar reputation and high demand, securing a spot for personal training sessions can be challenging as there’s limited availability. 

With a proven track record of success and a training model refined over years of working with thousands of clients, training at UP Manchester comes at an undisclosed cost. This is down to the bespoke nature and depends on preferred training time, session frequency and package duration. However, for those who manage to secure a place, the investment in their health and well-being at Ultimate Performance Manchester is sure to yield fantastic results.

Federation Gym

Despite only being established in October 2023, Federation Gym has quickly become a go-to spot for bodybuilding, powerlifting and weightlifting. Located in the Northern Quarter, this 5,000 square foot facility is like three gyms with a well-thought out structure and plenty of space. The result is a perfect 5-star rating from 40 Google reviews.

Federation’s facility features an impressive range of equipment, including over 45 top class resistance machines, Eleiko barbells, bumper plates, five deadlift platforms, three squat racks and dumbbells up to 60kg. 

There are a number of membership options too, which is great for attracting a range of gym goers of all abilities. Options include day passes (£15), weekly passes and a £65 monthly peak access subscription, amongst others. Due to its popularity, there’s already a waiting list for the powerlifting section.

Federation Gym also offers additional services, such as locally-sourced meal prep, on-site treatments and physiotherapy, making it a one-stop-shop for strength and wellness needs. A great gym in Manchester. 

JD Gyms Manchester

JD Gyms is an excellent gym in Manchester for those seeking a well-maintained and affordable place in a central location. Situated on Whitworth Street, close to Oxford Road train station and St. Peter’s Square, this gym offers convenience and accessibility for all members.

With a 4.2 rating from 423 reviews, JD Gyms Manchester is well-equipped with machines, dumbbells, barbells and benches. There’s also a wide range of gym instructor classes on throughout the week.

It’s earned a good reputation for cleanliness and providing a great overall workout experience. The changing rooms are generally very nice too, with each location even featuring a sauna. This is a great touch and with prices starting from £21.99, you can hardly complain.

It’s worth noting that because of the affordable price and location, JD Gyms can get quite busy, especially during peak hours between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Morning slots are less busy if you can get in for these.

JD Gyms offers two membership options: Standard and Plus+. Both options provide access to classes and facilities without the commitment of a contract. The plus membership gives you access to other JD Gym locations.

I’ve tried many of these out including Bury, Wythenshawe, which are both very highly rated. You also have JD Gyms Salford just on the outskirts of Manchester, a place where I trained for many years. Overall, JD Gyms Manchester is a very solid choice.

Zeno Health Club

Zeno Health Club, formerly known as Hero Training Clubs, has quickly become a favourite with gym goers in Manchester looking for a little bit of luxury. With an impressive 4.9 rating from 108 Google reviews, this gym offers state-of-the-art facilities, a variety of classes, as well as open gym time where you can train yourself. All fitness levels and interests catered for.

Located in the growing Angel Gardens area, Zeno Health Club is just a two-minute walk from Shudehill and easily accessible from the Northern Quarter. Despite its proximity to the ring road, the gym’s location is becoming increasingly central as the city expands.

Zeno Health Club offers an open gym and a diverse selection of classes, including strength and conditioning, circuits, cycling, calisthenics, boxing, mobility and vinyasa yoga. The Stronger studio, designed for strength and conditioning training, features Olympic lifting platforms, squat racks and a range of weights and plates, including Rogue and Primal equipment.

The smaller class sizes in this studio ensure that members receive personalised attention and feedback. Each class caters to all levels in a group personal training style setting. In addition to its fitness facilities, Zeno Health Club also features a Wellness Hub, offering physiotherapy, health assessments and massage services to support members’ overall well-being. 

You can get a day pass for £9, or full membership for £59 a month. If you already PT at the gym, the full membership is cheaper. 

Gym 72

Gym 72 is a well-established personal training studio located on Sackville Street in the heart of Manchester city centre. Members love this place and have rated it 4.8 out of 5 from over 50 reviews. 

The gym has a modern industrial look and premium equipment, creating a stylish and motivating training environment. Clients can enjoy a high-quality training experience whilst working out in a well-equipped facility – it’s a high class space!

One of the standout features of Gym 72 is its experienced personal trainers who provide guidance in goal setting to help clients achieve life-changing results. This Manchester gym offers comprehensive programmes, such as the 12-week fitness transformation course and weight management course. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle or adopt a healthier lifestyle, the trainers at Gym 72 know how to help with personalised strategies and ongoing support to achieve lasting results.

As an addition, Gym 72 has a treatment room where they offer a range of massage services such as sports massage, deep tissue and Swedish massage which are delivered by one of our experienced massage therapists.

It’s important to note that private personal training studios like Gym 72 generally have higher membership fees compared to standard gym memberships. However, for those seeking personalised attention and tailored fitness solutions, the investment may be well worth it.

King Street Gym Manchester

Tucked away just off King Street, this brilliant and independent Manchester gym offers a top-class fitness experience at an affordable price. Starting at just £29.95 per month, this gym provides excellent value for money with its wide range of facilities and services.

What sets King Street Gym apart is its combination of gym equipment, a pool, sauna and steam room. With everything under one roof, it’s created a mini wellness retreat in the city. Alongside the pool and relaxation facilities, the gym offers group functional training, a range of classes and yoga. 

This gym is a great all-rounder, and with a 4.6 Google rating from 102 reviews, members agree that it’s one of the best gyms in Manchester. It’s worth noting that the gym can get a bit busy after 5:00 pm on certain days, although it’s not as overcrowded as some other gyms.

P1 Fitness Personal Training

Established in 2018, P1 Fitness Personal Training is located bang in the centre of Manchester, very close to the town hall. It’s found on Kennedy Street next to the City Arms and Vine pubs, which are great spots in their own rights, although for different reasons than the gym! 

P1 Fitness is a PT and class-focused gym. It’s a high calibre gym too, winning the best strength and conditioning gym in the North West at the 2023 National Fitness Awards.

It’s a place designed for anyone who wants to work out in a welcoming and judgment-free environment. With a 4.9 rating from 151 reviews, this Manchester gym has earned a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere and dedicated coaching staff.

The gym runs small group personal training sessions every hour from 6:30am to 9:30am, 12pm, 1pm and from 4pm to 8pm. There are always fellow trainers and a team of coaches on hand to motivate and engage with you. P1 has a range of plans available, such as their 360 Plan to help you get fitter, stronger, leaner and happier with your life.

The 30 day trial is the most popular gym membership here, giving you full access with no ongoing commitments. Just to note, there’s no open gym sessions here or generic gym memberships. 

P1 has fantastic changing facilities, complimentary towels and toiletries for all members – a little treat for after your workout. 

One XPS Fitness

One XPS Fitness is a state-of-the-art boutique gym offering open gym access and personal training. Found in Ancoats, One XPS has a perfect 5/5 rating from 119 Google reviews, making it a top choice for the best gym in Manchester.

With its lovely interior, One XPS has a country club feel to it. The gym features the latest, high-end exercise equipment to suit all needs, including a large range of cardio, strength and mobility equipment.

One XPS Fitness also boasts a separate fitness studio offering various classes such as spin, HIIT and mind and body classes. Personal training and support are available from experienced and highly qualified trainers.

You can get all of this with memberships starting from just £35 per month with no joining fee – all classes are included too. We think this is excellent value for money. 

Frontline Fit Performance Centre

Conveniently located near Piccadilly train station and Mayfield depot, Frontline Fit is a top class gym in Manchester offering open gym access, personal training and a 9-week strength camp. With a 4.7 rating from 163 reviews, this gym is a highly popular and well thought of gym.

As a gym, they specialise in helping you with various goals – whether it’s gaining muscle, losing fat or a full on body transformation, Frontline Fit has the coaching and kit to support you. Equipment includes that from Atlantis, Prime and Watson. 

To be eligible for a monthly membership (£50/month), you must commit to two PT sessions per week. This membership grants you access to the facility for solo training and cardio sessions. The 9-week Strength Camp programme allows you to work with world-class personal trainers to become the strongest version of yourself.

To try out Frontline Fit, you can get a day pass for £20, which is expensive, or two for £30 if you’re coming as a pair. This facility offers free secure parking for clients – quite rare in Manchester City Centre. The gym also provides toilets, showers and changing room facilities.

F45 Manchester

Located on Piccadilly, just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Garden’s, F45 Manchester is a haven amongst the hustle and bustle. Members at F45 rave about the gym’s strong sense of community, friendly trainers and challenging workouts that deliver results, earning this Manchester gym a superb 5 star rating on Google.

The concept behind F45 first started in Australia. It revolves around class-based functional training, combining elements of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training and resistance work. They also have ‘recovery’ sessions, focussing on mobility and flexibility to help you stay balanced and injury-free. Each workout is just 45 minutes long, making it an efficient and effective session for those with busy schedules.

With its prime location, welcoming community and expert workouts, F45 Manchester is a great choice for those seeking a dynamic and supportive fitness experience in the heart of Manchester.

Best of the Rest of Manchester City Centre Gyms

The 10 gyms above should give you plenty of top-tier choice when it comes to gyms in Manchester. 

However, with so much good choice, it’d be remiss of us to exclude some of the other offerings in the city centre. Here’s what we’re calling the best of the rest of Manchester gyms. 

The Y Club

Found on Liverpool Road in the Castlefield area of the city, The Y Club is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s actually a community-focused non-profit established all the way back in 1844.

The Y Club offers a bit of everything. The gym itself has a range of dumbbells, barbells, machines, racks and benches, plus 40 instructor-led classes per week. But the Y Club is more than this. It’s a fitness community with opportunities to play badminton, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, football and even wrestle! The 18-metre pool, steam room and sauna complete the all-round experience.

Barry’s Manchester

If you’ve not heard of Barry’s, you’ve probably been living under a rock! 

Barry’s Manchester is the first Barry’s studio to open in the UK outside of London. The well-known red room hosts a range of classes, including running-focused, muscle group-focused and strength training sessions. With a 4.9 rating out of 62 reviews, Barry’s Manchester offers an intense and varied workout experience. The studio’s emphasis on community and energy reflects the values that Barry’s holds in high regard.

Crossfit Gyms

There are a number of CrossFit gyms located in and around Manchester, including CrossFit Central Manchester, CrossFit Ancoats and Train CrossFit Manchester. 

CrossFit is a programme that can work for every level of training experience. Each CrossFit gym aims to provide a fun and engaging environment where anyone can learn to move and feel better through daily workouts and tailored programming. With these gyms you’re paying for the workouts, the lifestyle and the community.

Pure Gym

With several locations in and around Manchester, including Market Street, Urban Exchange, Spinningfields, First Street and Exchange Quay, we couldn’t not mention Pure Gym. Well, if they were terrible we wouldn’t but Pure Gyms offer convenience, consistency and a reliable experience. 

Open 24 hours and with memberships available at a very reasonable price, you know what you’re getting yourself into with Pure Gym. In particular, the Urban Exchange branch has received positive reviews making it a solid choice for Manchester gym-goers.

The Gym Group

One of the major fitness chains, The Gym Group has no less than five branches in Manchester. The Portland Street location, with a 4.3 rating from 550 reviews, is arguably the most popular. With open gym and classes, this facility is well-maintained and well-equipped, never feeling too busy. It’s also open 24 hours a day. 

The Gym Group offers excellent value for money with a no-contract membership for just £20.99 a month. With its convenient location, flexible hours and affordable pricing, it’s hard to argue with The Gym Group’s offering.

Best Gyms In and Around Manchester

Now, if you’re looking for a top-class gym just outside Manchester, there are tonnes of excellent options to choose from. Whether you’re looking to mix things up with a day pass, experience different environments, meet new people or use new equipment, these are some of the best gyms in Greater Manchester. These are either gyms that I’ve trained at or are on my list to experience. Check them out if you get the chance.

Flex and Tone (Salford)

Flex and Tone is a bodybuider’s paradise with top-class kit rammed into their upstairs facility. With an impressive 4.9 rating from 144 reviews, it’s a must visit gym for the muscle builders out there. 

This is an old-school, spit and sawdust gym, but once you get through the doors it offers a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of expert guidance on hand. They’re always investing in new lifting kit to keep the regulars happy – just don’t expect too much from the limited number of cardio machines. You can give it a try with a day pass for just £5.

Kings Gym (Bury and Farnworth)

With locations near Manchester in Farnworth and Bury, Kings Gym is known for its friendly community and comprehensive range of equipment. With dumbbells up to 70kg, platforms, machines and rigs, it’s a lifter’s dream.

They tend to be a bit like a nightclub inside, dark and moody, but these gyms cater to all fitness levels and provide a supportive environment for you to push your limits. 

J13 (Worsley)

J13 is a private, independent gym located in Worsley. With expert coaching from Rob and Michelle, J13 focusses on functional fitness and personal training. It’s recently become a Hyrox training affiliate too.

Since establishing in 2020, J13 has a loyal group of clients, plus has new clients joining all of the time. And you can see why. The gym is inclusive, welcoming, challenging and has a strong sense of community. 

My Gym (Hazel Grove)

My Gym is a gem of an independent gym in Hazel Grove, Stockport. It’s a good-sized facility full of equipment and weights for trainers of all abilities. It specialises in strength and conditioning but offers something for everyone. There’s a welcoming atmosphere and thriving community here. 

At £26.99 a month with no contracts or joining fees, it’s also excellent value for money. More or less the same price as a mass-market gym but with tonnes more benefits. 

EP Iron Jungle (Stockport)

EP Iron Jungle, also known as Elite, is one of the best gyms in Greater Manchester for bodybuilding and physique training. The 4,000 sq ft facility in Bredbury, Stockport, is top class, packed full of Prime, Hammer Strength and Nautilus equipment. There’s also a fully equipped cardio section. 

It was visited recently by Mr Olympia physique champion Ryan Terry. If you get the chance, give Elite a whirl. 

What to look out for to find a gym you love in Manchester

When searching for the perfect gym in Manchester, you need to consider several important factors. Let’s take a look.

Opening hours

Gym operating hours can vary significantly. Some gyms offer 24-hour access with scan-in or pincode memberships, allowing you to train whenever it suits you. Other private gyms may have more limited hours, often centred around the working day, with classes in the early morning, lunchtime and evening. Semi-private gyms sometimes provide a combination of open gym access and small group training sessions. When choosing a gym, take your schedule into account and ensure that the gym’s hours align with your availability.

Location

Although Manchester isn’t an enormous city, its size is significant enough for location to play a role in your gym choice. From the south-west corner at Castlefield, to the north-west part in Ancoats and to the south-west near the universities, it’s essential to select a gym that’s convenient for you. Consider factors such as proximity to your home, work and transport links, as well as your working hours, to ensure that the gym’s location fits easily into your daily routine.

Type of gym

Manchester offers a wide range of gym types, so it’s crucial to determine what kind of experience you’re looking for. Are you interested in personal training, group sessions, or prefer to train independently in an open gym setting? Do you require specialist weightlifting equipment or are you more focused on cardio? Answering these questions will help narrow down your options and guide you towards the most suitable gym for your needs.

Facilities and equipment

The quality and variety of facilities and equipment can greatly impact your gym experience. Some people seek out top-class machines and barbells from renowned brands like Eleiko, Cybex and Hammer Strength, whilst others prioritise nice added extras like saunas, well-maintained changing facilities and swimming pools. Before making a decision, consider what you want from a gym and the goals you have. Day passes can be incredibly useful for experiencing a gym’s facilities firsthand before committing to a membership.

Atmosphere and staff

The atmosphere and staff at a gym can make a significant difference in your overall experience. If you plan to visit the gym several times a week, it’s important to feel comfortable and welcome. Friendly faces, whether in the open gym or during classes and personal training sessions, can greatly contribute to your motivation and enjoyment. A positive atmosphere can also enhance the social aspect of training, making your gym visits something to look forward to.

Membership and cost

Gym memberships come in various forms, such as fixed contracts, weekly passes, rolling monthly memberships or bespoke agreements. It’s important to understand what your membership includes, such as the number of sessions or classes you can attend. Costs can vary widely, ranging from £20 per month for basic memberships to £20 per session for top-class private facilities. Your budget will likely be a key factor in your decision-making process, so be sure to consider the value you’re getting for your money when comparing gym memberships.

Becoming a Personal Trainer in Manchester?

Are you considering a career as a personal trainer in Manchester? If you’re passionate about fitness and helping others achieve their health and wellness goals, becoming a personal trainer might be a great path to take for you.

Becoming a PT is a fulfilling career choice, but it can also be a financially rewarding one. In fact, personal training can be one the highest-paid jobs in the UK without a degree, with average salaries ranging from £40,000 to £50,000 per year. Learn how much personal trainers earn here to see the potential for growth and success.

To start your journey, the first step is to obtain a Level 2 Fitness Instructor Course qualification, before you go on to complete a Level 3 Personal Training course.

At The Fitness Group, we offer a combined Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. This comprehensive course is perfect for most people and will eventually see you graduate as a fully qualified personal trainer. Our program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience necessary to succeed in this rewarding industry.

If you’re based in the city, we offer a face-to-face Manchester Personal Training Course, which might be ideal for you. If not, don’t worry. We also offer a range of online learning options that will still see you become fully qualified. 

All of our courses come with expert guidance and full support throughout. We also have affordable 0% finance options on both our online and face-to-face study options.