McFit (throughout Berlin)
The gym chain has two main advantages: The 20 branches in Berlin are open round the clock, so you can lift weights to your heart’s content whenever you fancy it. And it’s not only a favourite with night owls, but also with bargain hunters. The only drawbacks are that at peak times McFit gets pretty packed, and also it doesn’t have a wellness area. Not many people know that members can also train for free in the daughter chain High 5. There you can benefit from dedicated personal trainers. All in all: McFit offers a great deal without all the fuss.
more information about McFit
Superfit (throughout Berlin)
Top fitness at rock-bottom prices: The monthly fee at this chain is even lower than at McFit. Likewise, the studios are always open and offer a wide range of strength and endurance classes to really make you sweat. Group fitness, dance workouts, personal trainers, nutritional advice are all available. What’s more, Superfit has spacious training rooms, free drinks and a sauna and wellness area to relax and unwind. Obviously that draws in the younger generation, but the chain also explicitly markets itself at the over 50s. The only slight drawback: If you’re looking for super modern equipment, you should maybe go elsewhere. Otherwise: brilliant cost-effectiveness.
more information about Superfit
Holmes Place (throughout Berlin)
This first-class gym has six different locations in Berlin: at Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdamer Platz, Ostkreuz, Hermannplatz, Bismarckstraße and in Schlossstraße. The programme of courses is varied, with the latest addition being AntiGravity: Yoga in the air. There are opportunities for coaching and also for nutritional advice. In the wellness and beauty area, you can really relax, with Turina Massage, acupuncture and permanent make-up all on offer. An organic sauna, steam room, vitality pool, ice chamber and spacious lounge areas round off the wellness programme nicely. The prices and services vary from location to location, but in many of the clubs you can pay a monthly rate as part of your membership.
more information about Holmes Place
Fitness First (throughout Berlin)
Fitness First is the absolute all-rounder out of all the gyms in Berlin. There’s something for everyone here. Your choice between the Lifestyle-, Platinum-, Women- or Black Label-Club determines whether you train exclusively with women, work out in style on an outdoor treadmill on the rooftop, or sweat it out as usual. Depending on your budget, you can also book add-ons like a ticket for the pool, or a wellness treatment. Alongside Zumba, aqua, jogging and fat-burn courses, the fitness chain also provides the opportunity to train outside. In every studio there is a relaxation area with saunas, a steam room and a quiet room. A particular win for parents is the childcare that the club offers.
more information about Fitness First
Kieser Training (throughout Berlin)
Kieser Training is all about building up muscle, by using particular machines. The main idea: „stripping it back to the basics“. So there’s no sauna, protein-shake bars, yoga courses or free weights area in the nine different Berlin studios. The health-orientated concept of the Swiss company is nonetheless still pretty popular with Berliners. And you can even find one of their gyms outside the Circle Line in Marzahn or Reinickendorf. After a medical check, you get your own personalised training plan, which is focused on building up the muscles in your back. Ideal for relieving or preventing injuries to the back and joints.
more information about Kieser Training
Crossfit Grenzgänger (Mitte)
Get a kick out of pushing your body to the limit? Wellness isn’t really your cup of tea? Then Crossfit is the one for you. Seven days a week, you can train here in small groups according to your individual requirements. Urban flair describes this place well: All the staff are English-speaking, and the whole place is brick-walled. This place really has its finger on the pulse: Crossfit is mega-popular, after all. On offer is a mix of yoga, running, boxing and weights. Also, you can also enlist a personal trainer to help you really stretch yourself.
more information about Crossfit Grenzgänger
Mrs.Sporty (berlinweit)
The concept of Mrs.Sporty is tailor-made especially for women – of any age and any level of fitness. Fun fact for you: Tennis legend Steffi Graf was actually one of the founders. The franchise claims that their targeted circuit training can help customers get fit in just 30 minutes. All of the main muscle groups are targeted, and there’s a mix of strength and endurance training. Unfortunately, you’ll have to do without a shower after your workout and ask about the fee directly on site, because the prices vary from location to location. There’s a good chance that you’ll find one of the chain’s studios in your neighbourhood.
more information about Mrs.Sporty
Aspria (Charlottenburg)
Lifestyle from the treadmill to the lounge: Aspria stands for sophisticated fitness culture. It’s definitely one of Berlin’s luxury gyms, with its large wellness area, spa and a 25-metre pool. Whether you want to train hard or simply relax, there’s something for you here. The in-house restaurant provides the opportunity to get to know the other members. The club is also particularly family friendly. Here you’re spoilt for choice: You can choose from a selection of over 180 courses like indoor soccer, basketball, after work sport and dance events. Not to miss: the various different yoga courses on offer, from Heat to Antigravity.
more information about Aspria
Fitbox (berlinweit)
The company Fitbox, with eleven locations in Berlin, offers EMS training. For this, customers wear special clothing with electrodes on. Electrical impulses then stimulate the muscles to move. The main advantage: short, but effective, training sessions. Around 90% of the body’s muscles are used. Fitbox has personal trainers who will accompany your workout. For technology fans who are short on time but still want individual training, this gym is definitely worth a visit.
more information on Fitbox
Elixia (Wilmersdorf, Lichterfelde, Hellersdorf)
Elixia offers a wide selection of courses. Fans of watersports will particularly love this place: You can enjoy swimming training and aqua fitness in the in-house pool. But we shouldn’t forget to mention the beauty and wellness area, which is well kitted-out with a space for massages and make-up. And Mum and Dad are free to do their cardio training and use the high-tech machines, because there’s free childcare for the little ones. The clubs are fully accessible for every user, meaning that everyone can train there. All in all: An ideal gym for those looking for service, fitness and wellness.
more information about Elixia
This article was originally published in German.
