From large franchises to small independents, finding a gym with the right perks and equipment can be a tricky task. Now-a-days, with health and fitness being more important than ever, people are seeing new gyms opening all the time, meaning competition is fierce!

In Bermondsey itself, there are over 5 gyms, with excess of 30 more within a 10 mile radius. Today we explore our top three gyms within the Bermondsey location.

Muscle Bull Gym – Arches, 64-66 Gedling Place, SE1 2JS

Of course I can’t NOT talk about Muscle Bull Gym, since I operate from here, but not from being biased as such. Open 7 days a week, this gym is well known for its professional and friendly team and offer a vast amount of gym equipment.

They recognise that achieving your fitness goals are always a challenge and so they offer the support and functionality to help you get there! Speaking of functionality… If you want to book a class right there at the gym, as a member, you have the additional benefit of having access (did I hear VIP?!) to an exclusive app to do just that, as well as track your fitness goals and successes. Great right?!

What’s more, they also include an in-house aesthetic therapist to hep with multiple skin queries and concerns. Ever heard of a plasma skin tightening pen? Neither did I until I met Nicky, but apparently she is a ‘wiz’ with it and has helped many people in removing stubborn pockets of fat.

So lets talk membership and prices… Muscle Bull Gym caters for all in all honesty. Just fancy a taster day or a single class?… that will be £10…. Looking for a monthly direct debit? Prices start from just £44. Or, perhaps you want to pay for an annual fee and look for a saving by two months…. That will cost you £440. Considering the average gym membership costs around £40 per month un the UK, this is a fantastic and very affordable rate!

So what do their members say about them?:

“Fantastic communication and adaptation  to new safety standards during lockdown. Staff are exceptionally nice and helpful. Wide selection of strength and functional training machines that are well maintained and constantly cleaned. My personal trainer – Connor – is second to none and has really helped me enjoy working out again. Highly recommend this gym.” – CAMERON . M

Seriously the best gym I have ever been a member of. Well equipped, friendly staff, everyone is respectful to each other, and very clean. The owners listen to suggestions from clients and so they are regularly getting new equipment and making changes based on feedback. My only regret is that it took me 2 years of living in the neighbourhood before I found muscle bull gym!” – JENNIFER . B

The Circle Gym and Spa – Queen Elizabeth St. SE1 2JE

Another private business, The Circle Gym and Spa is situated just a few minutes walk away from the iconic Tower Bridge and has been a part of the community for over 20 years.

They offer a full fitness experience to include a weights room, two cardio roomer, experienced trainers and a studio with a full programme of free daily classes for its members.

If you haven’t guessed already, this business comes hand in hand with a blissful spa, complete with a full size pool, jacuzzi, steam room and a sauna. So once you have finished in the gym, you can treat those well worked muscles to a soak off in the spa…. Bliss right!?

On top of these luxuries and spa treatments, they also host their own fully qualified Physiotherapist on site! Plus for those ladies that prefer it, they offer a ladies night too.

Lets get down to the prices… Prices start from just £44. Or, perhaps you want to pay for an annual fee and look for a saving by two months…. That will cost you £440. Considering the average gym membership costs around £40 per month un the UK, this is a fantastic and very affordable rate!

So what do their members say about them?:

“Best gym ever!!!!!!!!! Clean, amazing swimming pool but most importantly lovely staff and the lady who owns the place is one of the most friendly people I have ever met with an amazing and vibrant personality. Plus they don’t try to tie you into contracts forever and they easily freeze your membership if you want to. This really shows me that they value their clients and their needs! I love this gym!” – ALE

“Fantastic gym and spa with a great range of classes and equipment, as well as friendly and accommodating staff. The spa area feels like a cosy sanctuary away from the bustle of the city; a great place to unwind, relax and let your worries float away in the jacuzzi! The pool is the perfect temperature to swim in or cool off after a work out, with the added benefit of looking great with the surrounding plants and plenty of daylight. I also love that they offer ladies’ nights once a month; a safe environment for women to come together and promote female businesses. There is also the option to bring guests along for the experience! Overall I would highly recommend the Circle Gym and Spa, especially for the upcoming winter months!” – KATY . L

The Hidden Gym – 28 Magdalen St. SE1 2EN

It may be a little hidden, but it is a gem if you find it! Placed just off Tooley Street, this gym can offer a sense of wellbeing that you have never experienced before, so they say. Alongside their four personal trainers, they also offer online and in person fitness classes for all abilities.

As well as their classes and PT’s, they can also provide a number of therapies to include physiotherapy, osteopathy and pain and mobility treatments on site. All aimed at helping you with the stresses and strains of modern living, these therapies provide you with rapid relief and a swift return to a normal lifestyle

They have a unique membership with the promise of no contracts, admin or joining fees. Prices start from as little as £10 for a one off day session and from £35 for limited access, all the way up to £75 for full membership.

So what do their members say about them?:

“Thanks for a f…….g awesome gym” DOMINIC . W

“Great classes, fantastic trainers and best atmosphere” – PAOLA

So there you have it! Three fantastic gyms all with their own unique features. Of course the choice is yours, but the question remains…. Which one?

*Prices and further information are correct as of the time of publication but may have altered since.