Nuffield Health

Now called Nuffield Health and wellness centre, by far the best and most unique health club in the city, just under Cannon Street station and on the banks of the Thames. A true hidden gem and escape! The place is built under the railway arches under Cannon Street station. This is what gives it such a unique atmosphere instead of a warehouse which many health clubs now feel. The staff are always polite and welcoming on arrival, once swiped in you pick up a towel and sweat towel from the towel desk (how many health clubs have one of these?)
They now have brand new CV equipment with personal TV screens that include Sky Sports 1,2,3, Sky News, BBC News, T4 music and the 5 analogue channels. There is a upstairs CV studio which has 4 Plasma screens. Only the CV studio has piped in Music (KISS FM /​Capital) which is so good having to listen to the rubbish LA fitness play in there gyms. There are 4 studios which accomdate one of the most comprehensive class timetables of any gym I have been to, one of these is a very large Spin studio which has new spin bikes. There is also a studio with fixed weights, boxing ring and power plates which are free to use (unlike LA Fitness). It can get busy at peak times but the size of the place and variety of equipment means you never have to wait long. There is also a female only gym and 2 squash courts.
The changing rooms are clean and very modern with free shampoo, shower gel and conditioner. There are a total of 3 male changing rooms and 2 female one They are cleaned very frequently unlike LA Fitness who can’t be bothered to clean there changing rooms and look like something live the local tip. The men’s also includes a trouser press, iron and tumble dryer. There is also a steam room in the upper male changing rooms.
The 2 swimming pools look stunning under the arches, a little on the small size but the venue makes up more than enough for that. At the side there is the 8 Hydro Spa beds, these are great as your whole body floats!
There is more, walk past the spa reception and down the stairs and you have found the retreat, you would never think that you are in the middle of the city now, there is a very nice new steam room, old style sauna with the coals which can get very hot and a huge spa pool which is total chill out zone. Plus there is a relaxation area which has been refurbished with overlooks the Thames and now has feature lighting.
There is also an outlet of the Bagel Factory and Sweetshop as well. The lounge are also has free wifi now! The whole place is pure quality and has a very middle class feel to it. The facilities are all well maintained and clean unlike LA fitness. In my view LA Fitness, Virgin Active, Fitness First all are miles behind this health club.
It is also next to a really good Fullers riverside pub for a post workout drink!
The main negative I can think is the guest pass price of 15GBP which is steep, but quality never comes cheap! One way around this is to use 500 nectar points to get a free day pass, see the nectar website. The membership fees can be high, but one way around this is to get a policy with Pru Health private medical cover, once you reach Platinum status its only 25GBP a month, what a bargain!!! They do loads of corporate deals, my employer’s one is 55GBP a month which also allows usage of all other Nuffield Health clubs, I hear the new Nottingham one is a bit special!

This is the gym that ate all the other gyms! Known as the jewel in the crown of the Cannons group (now Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellbeing) it is huge, so huge I’ve gotten a bit lost a few times. The facilities include several work-​out areas, including one women only, a dedicated Pilates studio, spinning studio, squash courts, pool, lap pool, health spa area, café and Jacuzzi relaxation area. The changing rooms are massive, spread over two floors with steam room and GHDs.
Folks, this place is bloody amazing, but unfortunately they still don’t exercise for you. The only downside is they use a token system for some classes which can be pain if you get there late and are kicked out of class for not having one.

Surely this is the most beautiful gym in London, even more characterful that the very modern and exclusive 3^rd Space Gym in Soho. Situated by the river is this vast gym with it’s tremendous architecture — the whole place is like a renovated warehouse sculpted from brick with lots of space and character. There are multipe changing rooms with steam and sauna, studios offering every class you may desire, a decent sized swimming pool and adjoining café. In the foyer area there is also a small sports shop for those that have fogotten kit or fancy splurging. Only criticism is that a day pass for non members is extreemely expensive but if you;re in the city and looking to get fit, this is by far the best gym available.