Written by: Saira Lortan
With all the gyms and fitness studios around these days, we know choosing the right one can be daunting. That’s why we’ve taken a look at Joburg’s fitness scene. From well-known franchises to new, chic boutique studios, here is a rundown of all things fitness in the city.
Battle Of The Fitness Locations In The City
There are many reasons why someone would choose to train at a specific gym — pricing, location, facilities, and more. We all know that Virgin Active has been the MVP of gyms in South Africa for a long time, but the fitness landscape is finally changing. Now we have more independent and niche studios offering activity-focused training and often fewer crowds. Keep reading to learn more about these fitness locations and who they are for.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness prides itself on being a value-focused gym with an emphasis on accessibility and modern training spaces. It recently reached a major milestone with the opening of its 50th club in the country, and plans to open even more in the coming years. The vibe leans more toward weight training, so this is the spot for you if you’re planning on doing some serious iron pumping. There are also group classes available, but not many luxury features like pools and saunas.
Membership fees are generally affordable — good news for those looking to get fit on a budget. Fees range from R400 to R900 per month, while access to all gyms across the country costs R1,500 per month. For those on even tighter budgets, there is the “Just Gym” membership option, which costs around R200 to R300 monthly and offers limited facilities.
Discovery Vitality and Momentum Multiply members can take advantage of discounts of up to 75%, making this no-nonsense gym even more affordable.
Virgin Active
Virgin Active is one of South Africa’s most established and popular gyms, with over 130 clubs. It is well known as a premium fitness space, so this is the place to be for all you bougie fitness baddies. The vibe is upscale and energetic, with a wide range of group classes and high-end facilities. Most clubs offer luxury amenities like pools, saunas, steam rooms, and dedicated kids’ areas, making it the ultimate spot for fitness-obsessed families.
You’re going to have to have deep pockets to join this gym, because standard memberships generally range from R600 to over R1,000 per month, depending on the club. The Premier plan costs around R1,670 and allows access to most clubs across the country, while the Collection clubs can cost more than R3,200 per month. There are also slightly more affordable off-peak options, which start at around R540.
If those prices scared you as much as they scared us, Discovery Vitality and Momentum Multiply are here to save the day, offering members up to 75% off on Virgin Active fees.
Independent/Boutique Gyms
Joburg’s boutique fitness scene has been booming lately, especially in places like Sandton and Melrose Arch. These spots cater to those wanting a more personalised and/or activity-specific workout experience. Smaller boutique studios typically charge between R800 and R2,500 per month, depending on the services offered.
Prepare for a completely different vibe at these gyms, because their focus is not on the typical “one-size-fits-all” workout space. They specialise in targeted training styles such as HIIT, Pilates, yoga, CrossFit, and so much more. If you value community and a more intimate training environment, then these are the kind of training spaces for you.
Here are some boutique studios you can check out if you’re looking for a tailored, immersive experience, but have no idea where to start:
We know that choosing a gym can be hard, especially when high fees and an abundance of locations are involved, but one thing is for sure: Joburg has no shortage of options when it comes to places to get your sweat on. So, get your list of fitness goals ready and put on your favourite gym outfit to train your heart out at one of these facilities!
