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13 Best Gyms in Edinburgh

best gyms in Edinburgh

If you're searching for the best gyms in Edinburgh city centre and the surrounding areas, you're certainly in the right place.

We spent hours researching before creating our shortlist so that you could confidently choose the right club for you. Plus, this means that you don't have to put the work into researching yourself, so it's a much less time-consuming process!

Have you ever thought of pursuing a career within the fitness industry yourself? Before jumping in, check out our large Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma or download our course prospectus here to learn more. 

#1 - Nuffield Health Edinburgh - Fitness and Wellness Gym

best gyms in edinburgh city centre

Nuffield Health is bursting with facilities, so many that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Compared to other Edinburgh leisure gyms, it does offer something for everyone: from workouts to relaxation, nutritional advice to physiotherapy, and a complete health MOT.

If you’re looking for gyms in Edinburgh with swimming pool facilities, then Nuffield Health won’t disappoint because it has a 25-meter, fully heated pool. 

Those visiting the centre for the first time or looking to make positive changes to their lifestyle will benefit from the Health MOT. Members receive regular one-hour checkups, which identify potential health, fitness and lifestyle changes.

Amongst the huge array of facilities members can expect to find:

  • Nutritional therapy 
  • Physiotherapy 
  • An emotional wellness clinic
  • Beauty suite
  • Varied classes
  • Personal training

The emotional wellness clinic offers everything from cognitive behavioural therapy to online therapy. Nutritional therapy promises one-to-one consultation, functional testing, and a 12-week weight loss programme. You should check out our Level 4 qualification in Sports Nutrition if you want to learn more on this topic, especially if you can see yourself coaching others in the future!  

Better still, becoming a member of this Edinburgh gym branch entitles you to multi-level access, so you can use Nuffield Health gyms around the country. This is perfect if you travel but want to exercise on the move.

No other gym offers this level of service, and we were especially impressed with the Health MOT. This is the most encompassing fitness centre Edinburgh has to offer, and if you’re searching for a leisure centre where you can find everything under one roof, you can’t go far wrong with Nuffield Health.

Location: New Mart Rd, Edinburgh EH14 1RL

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 6am-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-9pm

Membership prices: From £62

#2 - The Gym Group - Waterloo Place

edinburgh gyms with pool

For all the obvious advantages of a gym lifestyle, there are downsides. Some gyms simply aren't flexible enough to fit around work schedules or sudden changes of circumstance. There’s nothing worse than being trapped in a contract when your life has changed and you can no longer use the gym that you’re still paying for.

There are no such problems with The Gym, as it's one of the only 24-hour gyms in Edinburgh. There’s no contract, it’s open 24/7, and prices start as low as £18.99. This convenience even extends to location, as this is one of the best gyms Edinburgh city centre has to offer. It’s a short walk from all the city centre amenities, with excellent transport links.

With over 40 free classes per week included in the membership, you’re bound to find something that suits your fitness needs. There’s also an impressive array of equipment, including a huge free weights area, weight machines, 42 cardio machines and a functional training area. This equates to 170 pieces of high-specification kit, so you’re certainly getting value for money.

To sweeten the deal even further there’s free Wi-Fi throughout, luxury changing rooms, and hundreds of lockers for storing your equipment. You even get a free sports bottle when you join. Cheap gyms in Edinburgh can sometimes be under-equipped, but that isn’t the case here. You get all the advantages of a top-of-the-range gym, with a flexible schedule to fit around your life.

Location: Waterloo Place, Waverley Gate Building, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG

Opening Hours: 24/7

Membership prices: From £15.99

#3 - EnergyGym - Meggetland Wynd

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EnergyGym is a gym with a twist. It’s run as an entirely not-for-profit organisation, and all money earned is reinvested into the gym and local community. The approach is admirable, and the gym has a commendable history of helping at-risk young people across Edinburgh. 

Their stated aim is to create an environment so friendly that the gym seems like a second home. This likely explains its high 4.5/5 rating, and why it has made such a name for itself across the city.

It’s one of the few powerlifting gyms Edinburgh can offer with a specialised Olympic Weight Lifting Club. The club runs three sessions a week with accredited trainers and is a fantastic way to get into lifting. If you’re still not convinced, it offers a free taster session, so you can get a feel for things before taking the plunge with full membership. Other classes include Circuits, Kettlebells and Spin.

The gym even offers a sports massage service, tailored to the individual and using a combination of treatments including massage, mobilisations, spinal manipulations and dry needle - perfect for taking care of yourself after a long workout! 

If you want to give the gym a try before taking out full membership, then you’re in luck because EnergyGym gives you the first month for free. We can’t fault this gym for its community-based approach, and its philanthropic efforts earn it a place well-deserved place on the list. It’s a fitness centre Edinburgh can be incredibly proud of, as well as being one of the most popular bodybuilding gyms in Edinburgh. 

Location: Meggetland Wynd, Edinburgh EH14 1AS

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:15am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday: 8am-1pm

Membership Prices: From £22

#4 - Village Gym - Crewe Road

fitness centre edinburgh

Anybody searching for Edinburgh gyms with pool and sauna facilities will not be disappointed by Village Gym. You’ll find it hard to be disappointed with this particular gym full stop. Its array of facilities is enough to entice anybody, whether you’re looking for a high-intensity workout or just to relax at the spa.

With a huge range of facilities on offer, it’s easily one of the best-equipped leisure centres on the list, offering members: 

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Whirlpool
  • Starbucks
  • Healthy bar and grill

It’s impossible to argue with such a set of features, and this is certainly the most luxurious leisure centre Edinburgh has to offer. 

When you’ve finished pampering, there are over 100+ classes per week, not to mention the 40 indoor cycling bikes available for group cycling. The gym itself is well stocked with all the equipment you would expect, including state-of-the-art cardio and resistance kit. There’s a free weight space too, and an ample stretching area.

Best of all, you can track your progress using the latest Technogym equipment. You’ll receive personalised training routines and motivation, and you can even use the tech to listen to your music while you work.

It may be a little pricier than some of the other offerings on the list, but for the level of luxury on offer, we think Village Gym is more than worth the cost, especially since it's one of the only gyms in Edinburgh with a swimming pool. 

Location: Crewe Rd S, Edinburgh EH4 2NY

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 5am-11pm, Saturday-Sunday: 6am-10pm

Membership Prices: From £46.00

#5 - LIFT Gyms Edinburgh - Gorgie Road

gyms near haymarket edinburgh

As the name suggests, LIFT Gyms Edinburgh is a bodybuilding and weights gym. Its huge number of classes, amenities and programmes make it one of the best bodybuilding gyms Edinburgh has to offer. There are classes for everyone, ranging from beginner introductions to high-intensity HIIT-style training. 

Better still, the gym takes care of every aspect of your fitness, with tailor-made nutrition programmes developed just for you by world-class coaches. There’s not much that this gym doesn’t offer, including an array of top-of-the-range equipment like rowing machines, assault bikes, prowler sleds and gymnastic rings.

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Specialist bodybuilders will be thrilled with the range on offer, including 19 lifting platforms, 6 power racks and 10,000kg of weight plates. There’s an impressive range of barbells available, too, making this one of the best-stocked gyms in town.

LIFT prides itself on the little touches that enrich the user experience and add a taste of luxury. There’s in-house barista coffee, and charging ports for your phone, and the changing rooms are spa-inspired. Of all the powerlifting gyms Edinburgh has to offer, this is the one that puts the most effort into the overall experience of their members. 

There’s even a special discount available for students, making this one of the best value gyms in Edinburgh that users will find. If you’re still not convinced, LIFT's large number of positive reviews is a testament to its quality. It currently holds an impressive 4.7/5 rating from 57 reviews. Strong praise indeed, and yet another good reason to give this gym a try.

Location: Gorgie Rd, Edinburgh EH11 3AR

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 6am-10pm, Saturday: 8am-8pm

Membership Prices: From £35

#6 - Juvenate Edinburgh - Clermiston Road

edinburgh gyms with pools

Finding cheap gyms in Edinburgh can be a struggle, which is why you may need to consider spending a little more to find a gym with the best facilities for you and your exercise plan. We think Juvenate is one of the best gyms in Edinburgh because it has a lot to offer in its comparatively reasonably priced membership.

For £41.50 a month (or £38.00 if you’re a student or Blue Light card holder) you have access to the swimming pool, gym and a wide range of classes to suit every need. To sweeten the deal even further if you sign up for their annual membership you can get 2 months free!

This Edinburgh gym has all of the classics you’d expect to supplement your workout; cardio machines, an excellent resistance area and free weights. If you want to mix things up you could try out their boxing training equipment, where you can spar with friends or another member.

Or you can choose from the wide range of classes offered as part of your membership, from AquaFit to BodyBurn we’re sure there’s something to enhance your regular exercise regime.

Juvenate also boasts one of the best pools of all the gyms in Edinburgh! This 17 by 8 metre indoor pool is heated, so it may be smaller than others but at least you’ll be nice and warm as you complete your lengths.

At the end of your workout, you can soothe your sore muscles and relax in the steam room and sauna - this Edinburgh gym has the full package!

Location: 187 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6UG

Gym Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 6am-10pm, Saturday - Sunday: 7am-8pm. 

Pool Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 6:30am-9pm, Saturday - Sunday: 7am-8pm.

Membership Prices: From £43.50

#7 - Fitness Soul - Tennant Street

cheap gyms edinburgh

Fitness Soul prides itself on taking a different approach to fitness, and even makes the bold statement that regular gyms are boring. Fortunately, they back up what they say with a gym and fitness programme radically different from anything you’re likely to have experienced before. It's safe to say that this is one of the most unique gyms in Edinburgh.

The gym places just as much importance on mental and spiritual wellbeing as it does physical fitness, and in doing so creates a gym like no other. The aim is to get fit, improve your mental health and become the best version of yourself.

To accomplish this aim the gym offers several different types of training, including dance and cardio, strength and mobility, and personal training. There’s also a heap of free materials available, including healthy eating guides, a kettlebell guide and the intriguingly titled 'Guide for Humans.

Any new mums will be pleased to hear that there’s a 'Fitmamas' class too, designed specifically to help mothers who want to improve their lifestyle and wellness.

This approach to health extends well beyond the gym itself. Fitness Soul has fostered a strong community vibe and offers retreats, experiences and workshops. This gym really can help with every aspect of your life, and no other Edinburgh gyms offer this range of support.

As you might expect from a gym that places pastoral care at the heart of its agenda, there’s no pressure or hard sell at any point. New customers can take advantage of a free session to get a feel for the gym or enrol in the “No Sweat One to One Intro,” which allows you to tour the facilities, chat with instructors and ask any questions.

If you’re after a more holistic approach to fitness, this is certainly the gym for you. 

Location: Tennant St, Edinburgh EH6 5NA

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9am-10:00pm

Membership Prices: Revealed on enquiry

#8 - Elysium - Duke Street

gyms in edinburgh with swimming pool

Elysium Gym is a colossus spanning two floors and over 11,000 square feet. It’s one of the biggest Edinburgh gyms and, as you might expect, its size means that there’s an enormous amount on offer. 

The gym houses free weights and lifting platforms, machines, stretching areas and even a dedicated CrossFit box. Everything takes place in an airy and spacious environment, ensuring maximum comfort during your workout.

Elysium prides itself on a self-styled hybrid model, which allows individuals to train the way they want, and work towards their personal fitness goals. Part of this model involves catering to users of all levels, from absolute beginners to long-term fitness enthusiasts. 

Of all the CrossFit gyms Edinburgh has to offer, Elysium is the best equipped. Its specialised Edox CrossFit area offers a CrossFit box overflowing with equipment. Better still, all Edox members are entitled to open gym access, so they can make use of all the other facilities too. As you might expect from a high-end gym, there’s also free parking and private showers.

Elysium isn’t a budget gym and claims to focus on value over volume. Fortunately, prospective members don’t need to rush into a decision as the gym offers free consultation and a free first session. This is perfect if you want to get a taste of how Elysium works without having to take the plunge into full membership.

Location: Duke St, Edinburgh EH6 8HQ

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:00am-9:00pm, Saturday: 7:00am-5:00pm, Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm

Membership prices: From £8.00

#9 - Cave Fit - St Andrew Square

pay as you go gyms edinburgh

There’s so much to like about pay-as-you-train gyms. Aside from the obvious financial benefit of only paying for what you use, this type of arrangement is just so much more flexible. It guarantees that you’re never trapped in a lengthy contract, and means that if your circumstances change you don’t have to keep paying for a gym that you no longer visit.

Cave Fit is one of the best pay-as-you-go gyms Edinburgh has to offer. Users simply turn up and train, so there’s no joining fee, no lengthy contract and zero commitment.

That’s not the only thing that sets this gym apart. Cave Fit promise to release the “inner athlete” in all of us, and they’re proud to cater to all levels, from absolute beginner to professional. They offer a variety of classes which are bound to cater to your needs:

  • Cavefit - 45 minute high-intensity strength training
  • Cavehit - 30-minute high-intensity strength training
  • Cavelifting - 45-minute group strength training
  • Cave conditioning - 45 minute group conditioning training
  • Induction - 30-minute introduction to Cave Fit
  • Personal training

With the pay-as-you-go system, users can choose as many or as few of those classes as they like, mixing and matching to determine their schedule. The gym offers all the standard equipment, including private shows and air conditioning. 

All of this takes place in a group environment, and Cave Fit is certainly one of the best community-orientated gyms in Edinburgh. If that, coupled with the allure of pay-as-you-go training, catches your attention, it’s worth a visit. It’s certainly one of the best value gyms Edinburgh can offer.

Location: St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 24 Hours

Membership prices: £105

#10 - PureGym Edinburgh West - Gorgie Road

cheap edinburgh gym

When it comes to convenience PureGym is one of the best names in the business, and this is no different for their Edinburgh gyms. PureGym has 5 different gyms in Edinburgh so you have plenty of choices depending on your local area - and even the option for a multi-gym access membership which will cover gyms across the UK.

PureGym runs some of the few 24-hour gyms in Edinburgh, meaning they can cater to whatever your lifestyle needs when it comes to fitting in your workout.

That isn’t to say that convenience is the only benefit of choosing a PureGym membership. These are also some of the best cheap gyms Edinburgh has to offer, with a monthly membership starting from just £15.99!

The no-fuss no-contract style of PureGym also means it’s easy to leave or change your membership depending on what you need from your gym. You can also easily upgrade to a Plus membership if you want, which gives you access to a whole range of added benefits.

This particular gym in Edinburgh is set over 2 floors, so there is plenty of space for you to work out and loads of options for machines or free weights. There are more than 200 machines so you’ll be sure to find one even at peak workout times.

It also has a huge range of classes available for you to choose from including a women’s weightlifting workshop, cycle, and even Zumba (for an extra £2 per class). This is one of the best gyms in Edinburgh for those of you who need extra flexibility for your schedule!

Location: 600 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 3XP

Opening Hours: 24/7

Membership Prices: From £18.99

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#11 - Ainslie Park Leisure Centre (Edinburgh Leisure) - Pilton Drive North

mma gyms edinburgh

Ainslie Park Leisure Centre is one of the best-equipped council gyms Edinburgh has to offer. Whether you want to exercise in the newly refurbished gym or hire the multi-purpose sports hall, there is something here for everyone. 

If you’re searching for gyms in Edinburgh with swimming pool facilities you won’t be disappointed by the 25m pool, and better still you’ll find sauna and steam facilities too. There’s even an onsite cafe, where you can relax after your workout. 

You’ll find all the usual equipment you would expect at a high-end gym, as well as several varied classes, including Zumba, Spin and even abseiling. You’re bound to find the right class for you, and this is a leisure centre that encourages families to exercise together.

Being a member of Edinburgh Leisure brings an array of benefits. They offer all kinds of government-backed fitness programmes within the community, including Jump In, which teaches children to swim, and the 12-month Counterweight programme that helps people lose weight through small lifestyle changes. See, there are many benefits to joining gyms with swimming pools in Edinburgh! 

Steady Steps helps adults who have had, or are at risk of having a fall. It’s helped many people regain their independence. This is a gym with a community focus and social conscience. Its Community Access Programme is especially commendable, as it encourages people from disadvantaged backgrounds to use the gym at discounted prices.

With its huge array of facilities, life-altering programmes and social conscience, Ainslie Park Leisure Centre is the perfect all-round success story. 

Location: 92 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh, EH5 2HF

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:30am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday: 8am-5pm

Membership Prices: Revealed on enquiry

#12 - CrossFit Murray Field - Russell Road

council gyms edinburgh

As you might have guessed, CrossFit Murray Field puts cross-training at the heart of its agenda, so expect varied functional movements at reasonably high intensity. CrossFit Murrayfield stresses the community aspect of their workouts, making this one of the best gyms in Edinburgh for meeting new people and making friends.

Of all the CrossFit gyms Edinburgh has to offer, this one guides you through every step of your journey, making it suitable for absolute beginners. Workouts are scaled for individuals, so it doesn’t matter if this is your first taste of CrossFit.

To get you started, the gym offers a CrossFit Fundamentals Course, which includes a 4-hour introduction. After that, you’ll be ready to move on to regular, community-based classes. Families will be pleased to hear that children are more than welcome in the family classes, so you can start them off on their path towards a healthy lifestyle. 

One of the best aspects of this gym is its progress tracking. You’ll be able to follow your progress and work towards fitness goals using the latest software. It’s a brilliant way not only to measure your goals but stay motivated in the long term.

The gym is pay-as-you-go and even offers a free trial, so you’ll never be trapped in an inescapable contract. Anyone searching for gyms near Haymarket Edinburgh will be pleased to find that this brilliant, CrossFit-focused gym is just a 6-minute drive away.

Location: Russell Road Industrial Estate, Sauchiebank, Edinburgh EH11 2NN

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 6am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-12pm

Membership Prices: Revealed On Enquiry

#13 - Krav Maga - Newhaven Road

good gyms in edinburgh

What sets this gym apart is its focus on martial arts and the fact that instructor Marcus Houston is the only professional, full-time Krav Maga coach in Scotland.

You simply won’t be able to find this level of specialisation at any other gyms in the city, making this easily one of the best MMA gyms Edinburgh has to offer. There’s a brilliant selection of classes including:

  • Krav Maga
  • N.S.I Training
  • Tactical Edge
  • MMA
  • Kickboxing
  • Hybrid fitness

With so many different options, it’s one of the more varied boxing gyms Edinburgh can offer. The gym itself is incredibly well-equipped with heavy bags, Thai pads and focus pads. Floors are fully matted and there’s even a selection of kettlebells and Olympic weights to work on conditioning. You should check out our list of the best boxing gloves available online if you're thinking of joining this gym so that you can show up feeling prepared! 

Krav Maga is of special interest, as it’s one of the rarer forms of martial arts. It focuses on self-defence tailored towards real-world situations like knife crime or fending off a group of attackers.

All their classes are taught by qualified instructors which come with a grading system to monitor progress and goals. MMA classes operate on a pay-as-your-train basis, making them excellent value for money. You don’t even need to book - you just turn up and train. 

On top of all that, the gym should be commended for its impressive outreach programme. It works with schools and further education, bringing self-defence programmes to children to boost self-esteem, combating bullying and increasing personal fitness. It’s a commendable effort, another reason to check this gym out.

Location: Newhaven Rd, Edinburgh EH6 5QG

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 4pm-8:30pm, Saturday: 9:15am-12 pm

Membership Prices: From £50.00

Before you go! 

Now that you're armed with our list of the best gyms in Edinburgh, you should have no trouble finding the right place to get in shape. After all, it's usually a tedious process, but it can be done with ease.

From gyms in Edinburgh with a swimming pool to those more focused on powerlifting or boxing, there is something for everyone on our list. 

Are you interested in pursuing a fitness career? If so, go ahead and take a look at OriGym's Level 3 Personal Diploma, or download our FREE prospectus for more information.

 

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Kickstart an exciting new career in fitness! 

Written by Chloe Twist

Fitness Content Executive, OriGym

Join Chloe on Facebook at the OriGym Facebook Group

Chloe graduated with a BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing from Liverpool John Moores University and prior to OriGym worked at J&R Digital Marketing Agency on the Liverpool 'Female Founders' series. Since joining the company, she has become a qualified Personal Trainer and advanced Sports Nutrition Specialist. Chloe’s professional interests intersect content-development and the world of online fitness, especially across social media and YouTube, and Chloe has herself contributed pieces on fitness and weight loss to sites including the Daily Star and The Express. Outside her day-to-day role, Chloe enjoys playing the guitar, gaming and kettlebell training. 

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