Get those trainers out, it’s time to hit the gym. There is no better form of self-care than hitting the gym and having a good work out. But large-scale chain gyms can seem a little daunting, so why not give a look to the more personal independent spots around Brum? Here are some of out top picks for getting in shape without getting self-conscious.
18Y Ultimate Fitness Gym
18Y is conveniently located for anyone in Balsall Heath, Moseley, or Kings Heath. The impressive open-plan gym has a floor packed with a range of machines, free weights, and a functional training space. The upper floor is for the fighters, as it is reserved for MMA training, and is complete with a large floating cage. This gym also offers a range of classes such as Thai Boxing and MMA which is a great way of not only keeping fit but learning a new skill.
Monthly membership: £30 gym only, £70 gym and MMA classes.
Alternatively you can pay £300 for the full yearly gym membership and save yourself a few quid.
Unit 3 Lime Grove, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 8SY
Fit Box
With and combination of bespoke personal training and classes, they help to create a routine that works for you. The gym is open from 5:30 pm to 9 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 2 pm on the weekends. Alongside the open gym there are multiple classes available such as their adult boxing, womens circuit training, and a kids gym class too.
Monthly membership: £35 Premier which includes full access to the gym and one class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Or under 14’s membership is just £25.
450 Moseley Rd, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9AN
The Apollo Gym
The Apollo has been open as a hardcore bodybuilding gym for over 35 years, used by both professional athletes and everyday people just aiming to build up their strength. It has a small but well-equipped training area with a focus on weights, although it has a cardio zone too. This gym is open 7 days a week and has some great equipment on offer if you’re looking to build some muscle.
Monthly membership: £20 (or £5 day pass) which includes all their facilities.
54 College Rd, Birmingham B44 8BS
Kingdom Gym
With the grand opening only having taken place in January 2022, Kingdom is one of newest gyms in Birmingham, and it certainly feels modern. Open 24/7, you can take advantage of their various rooms – such as the strength and functional room, the cardio room, and the fitness studio – at any time of day or night. They offer online coaching as well bespoke training plans, so you get help both at the gym and at home and know exactly how you should be working out. After a good session, spend some time in their chill out area, or get beach ready with their in-house sunbeds, in case the post-workout glow just isn’t enough.
Monthly membership: £35 which gives you 24/7 access to the gym, a free induction, and comes with no joining fee (or £8 day pass)
49 Ward St, Birmingham B19 3TD
Iron Works
Opened in 1993 and run by husband and wife team, Iron Works is a hugely popular gym in the heart of Kings Norton. Due to its location, affordability, and range of equipment, it is well-loved by students, but it is open to all who want to work out. With hundreds of pieces of equipment, many bespoke to Iron Works, it caters to everyone, and the ladies only gym is perfect for when women need privacy and security while they exercise.
Monthly membership: £35 (or £32 by direct debit) they also offer student and off-peak memberships which cost slightly less per month.
Unit 2, Park View Estate Pershore Rd S, King’s Norton, Birmingham B30 3JX
MSC Performance
MSC Performance was designed for athletes by coaches, and is open to people at all levels of fitness. With highly qualified and experienced coaches, you will be in good hands if you’re a beginner, and will be pushed to be your best if you have experience with training. They have a focus on weightlifting and conditioning, and have the option of joining their Barbell Club, which provides coaching in small groups to improve movement quality, building lean muscle, and improve your strength. Consultations are free and can be booked via their website now!
Monthly coaching memberships start at £97 per month.
57 Clement St, Birmingham B1 2SW
The Pit Gym
The Pit has got to be one of the coolest gyms in the city. It was awarded Birmingham’s best body transformation facility in 2021 and for good reason. At The Pit, they specialise in body transformations and the results are insane. With a tailored nutrition plan, weekly weigh-ins, and 24-hour help via text and email, they will help you get into the best shape you can. They operate through both one-to-one and group sessions, with the entire experience feeling more like a social club than a simple gym. You’ll have to join a waiting list to get in, but that wait will be worth it.
Monthly membership: undisclosed, by application only.
