thewharf

5 Canary Wharf gyms and what they have to offer

We weigh up Body Reform, Virgin Active, Canary Wharf Health Club, Pure and Third Space to see what deals they're offering

Laura Enfield

By Laura Enfield

Fitness is big business in Canary Wharf.

Whether you are training for a half marathon or shaping up for the beach there are plenty of gyms to choose from within walking distance of the main estate.

But if you are going to be shelling out your hard-earned cash you want to know you are getting your money’s worth.

We have done the hard work for you to find out the all important facts and figures on the main fitness centres in the area.

The rest is up to you.

1) Body Reform

BODY-REFORM

Where: Cabot Place.

Size: 3,000sq ft.

Equipment: More than

30 pieces.

Stand-out kit Cardiovascular tool, the Jacobs ladder.

Classes: None – just one-to-one personal training.

Best feature: Trainers tailor sessions to make them interesting and effective, apparently.

What else? There’s a good open space to allow for sports specific training.

What’s special? Eight personal trainers selected from hundreds of applicants to deliver unrivalled quality that won’t be found elsewhere on the Wharf, or so they say.

Best thing: No waiting around for equipment so sessions can be carried out as planned.

Worst thing: Fairly small.

What they say: “By joining here we’ll get people to their goals in the fastest, safest way.”

Best deal: There are no membership costs. Sessions are £78 per hour. Block booking available.

Details here

2) Canary Wharf Health Club

canary-wharf-health-club

Where: Cabot Square.

Size: 35,951sq ft.

Equipment: 120 machines, 10 Olympic bars, three fully equipped studios with Les Mills and Matrix training equipment.

Stand-out kit: Technogym Skillmills – self powered treadmills that allow you to walk, sprint or uphill sledge push. They’re better for joint health, apparently.

Classes: 85 per week.

Best in class: MMA workout – a high intensity total body session using a combination of mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing and Muay Thai.

What else? There’s a 25m pool, on-site physiotherapist and shiatsu therapist and a refurbished beauty suite offering Elemis treatments (re-opening August 1).

What’s special? Aside from the Synrgy 360 multi-functional training rig there are three glass-backed full-size squash courts and free 12-point health checks for every member every three months.

Best thing: Its floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the water.

Worst thing: Existing corporate members of Nuffield gyms can’t top up to use it.

What they say: “We’re not just a fitness centre but a wellbeing centre. Top-up membership allows you to use 112 sites across the UK.”

Cheapest deal: £68 a month.

Details here

3) Virgin Active

virgin-active

Where: Westferry Circus.

Size: 11,000sq ft.

Equipment: 130 pieces.

Stand-out kit Skillmill Connect (everybody loves these).

Classes: 120 per week.

Best in class: Barre powered by Bootybarre.

What else? Three relaxing spas and steam, sauna and sanarium facilities.

What’s special? It’s got an outdoor tennis court.

Best thing: The 20m infinity pool with waterfront views of the Thames and City. James Bond swam in it so it’s ideal for anyone planning on joining MI6 under Boris.

Worst thing: Expensive.

What they say: “We offer a stylish, spacious, and truly dynamic exercise environment. Whatever your exercise goals, we can help you get there with world-class facilities and fitness professionals to assist you reaching your goals. We offer a variety of memberships and also offer memberships with access to all our clubs worldwide.”

Best deal: £109 a month, no really.

Details here

4) Pure

pure-gym

Where: Hertsmere Road.

Size: No exact figure but it’s pretty big.

Equipment: 220 pieces.

Stand-out kit An Olympic lifting platform.

Classes: 75 a week.

Best in class: Cycle is the most popular. Perhaps that makes it the best.

What else? There are new launches happening soon, but Pure won’t tell us what they are. Very mysterious.

What’s special? Low price and no contract. Perfect for commitment phobes.

Best thing: Affordable.

Worst thing: Hard to get hold of.

What they say: “We offer great Value for money, a wide range of equipment and classes for £34.99 and some great personal trainers. We have a great team that will help you stay motivated.”

Best deal: It’s £34.99 a month. Pretty decent.

Details here

5) Third Space

3rd-space

Where: Canada Square.

Size: 100,000sq ft – the biggest club in Europe, they say.

Equipment: Over 500 pieces. You’ll be spoilt.

Stand-out kit: The bespoke Rig can be used for everything from calisthenics to TRX to battle ropes.

Classes: 200 a week.

Best in class: Meta Burn – a high intensity metabolic conditioning full body workout.

What else? There’s an indoor sports hall complete with full size basketball court, Woodway treadmill classes and spa complete with sports medicine services.

What’s special? It has a climbing wall.

Best thing: The extensive timetable of classes means you can choose from Pilates, Yoga, Barre, spinning, Bars And Bells Dance and Speed Fiends interval training without even breaking an organisational sweat.

Worst thing: The towels are modest in size.

What they say: “Third Space is all about becoming your personal best. The club offers a 360 approach to health and wellbeing, a total fitness sanctuary. Everything you need is under one roof. You could spend the day working out, trying new classes, have a swim in the pool flooded with natural light, then refuel with a protein shake.”

Cheapest deal: Weekend membership for £84 a month.

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