The best gyms in London

West London's best gyms and fitness centres

• 

  Iyengar Yoga Institute

  223a Randolph Avenue, London, W9 1NL

  A light and airy design characterises the two studios at this leafy Maida Vale venue. Around 50 classes take place weekly with a maximum of 35 people in each class. All teachers are certified by the BKS Iyengar Yoga Teachers' Association.
• Alan Herdman Pilates

  The Victory Services Club, 63-79 Seymour St, London, W2 2HF

  A former dancer and teacher with the London School of Contemporary Dance, Herdman set up Britain's first Pilates studio in 1970 and continues to be one of the key figures in the development of the discipline.
• Body Conditioning Studio

  3a Ladbroke Rd, London, W11 3PA

  Ex-Rambert dancer Dreas Reyneke has long been one of London's most highly regarded Pilates teachers and he is joined at this luminous studio by an extra instructor, Jane Burn – an ex-ballet dancer.
• 

  Westway Sports Centre

  1 Crowthorne Road, London, W10 6RP

  The main attraction here is Britain's largest climbing centre, which extends up inside the White City roundabout. However, Westway is also home to eight indoor tennis courts plus London's only public clay courts, while the six artificial football pitches are heavily used. If you fancy something different try Eton Fives, an arcane game played on a three-walled court (there are four here, again the only ones in London), in which you strike a small ball with gloved hands. The courts have various hazards and the unpredictable bounce demands quick reactions.
• The Life Centre

  15 Edge Street, London, W8 7PN

  This is one of London's original yoga centres, having occupied a former church on a quiet street near Notting Hill Gate for more than 18 years. Elizabeth Stanley and Christine Letter have ensured that this smart, welcoming centre remains at the top of its game with over 60 classes a week including pregnancy yoga, mother-and-baby yoga and baby massage. A second branch opened in Islington in 2011.
• Portobello Green Fitness Club

  3-5 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

  The Westway Development Trust owns this friendly, bustling place, which has retained a strong community-focused feel in the face of the bland corporate image of the chains. Capoeira and zumba are popular, along with courses (which cost extra) ranging from kung fu to belly dancing. If you just want to use the gym, a recent refurbishment has brought in new Kettlebell and ViPR equipment – and there's a decent free weights room as well.
• Jivamukti Yoga

  Unit 136-137, 300 Kensal Rd, London, W10 5BE

  Jivamukti yoga is Ashtanga-based yoga which incorporates spiritual elements such as chanting. The centre has a smart feel with a hippy edge – represented by altars in each of the two studios complete with photos of Indian gurus.
• Seymour Leisure Centre

  Seymour Place, London, W1H 5TJ

  The main hall at Seymour used to house one of the most attractive swimming pools in London which measured, bizarrely, 44 yards. Now a floor seems destined to cover it permanently, giving over the space to racquet sports and five-a-side football. Swimmers are still catered for in a bright but narrow 30-metre pool that's also used for sub-aqua. There's a large GLL gym here, an extensive programme of classes, a physio practice and a beauty salon in the basement. Good value considering its location.
• Fitrooms

  254-258 North End Rd, London, SW6 1NJ

  Every aspect of this open-plan gym is inspirational and cutting-edge, from the smart Life Fitness cardiovascular machines and well-equipped weights area, to the clean metal lines and pumping dance music. Courses include Absolution – 30 minutes of intense abs training with a Swiss ball (ouch!), Power Yoga, a beginners' boxing class and a ViPR class. There's also a beauty salon upstairs, incorporating three treatment rooms.