The 5 best gyms in Johannesburg

Location: Bedfordview

Vibe: Luxe, lively, and larger than life.

Body Action Gym isn't just a gym, it's a statement. This gym is where fitness meets glamour. From the moment you walk through the doors, you'll encounter sleek design, glowing lights, and the kind of energy that makes you want to push a little harder. The massive space is home to everything from world-class strength and cardio zones to a spray tan studio and even a smoothie bar that looks straight out of a wellness influencer's feed.

Whether you're into weightlifting, boxing, functional training, or yoga, there's something here for everyone, all delivered with top-notch equipment and some of the most qualified trainers in the city. The attention to detail is what sets Body Action apart. Every corner feels curated, every class designed to inspire.

Time Out Tip: Try the Body Action Pilates class with Rhona Manack, a full-body, high-energy workout that combines strength and endurance with killer playlists. You'll walk out drenched but grinning. Sign up with Mike; he will go out of his way to make you comfortable.

Location: Sandton

Vibe: Corporate chic meets cardio couture.

If there were a "boardroom-to-barbell" lifestyle in Joburg, it would live here. Virgin Active Alice Lane is Sandton's crown jewel, an urban wellness hub that caters to executives, entrepreneurs, and anyone who likes their workouts with a side of luxury. Expect sleek architecture, panoramic city views, and a calm, minimalist interior that makes even your cooldown feel sophisticated.

With a rooftop training area, Olympic-sized swimming pool, private Pilates studios, and a Nu restaurant, Virgin Active Alice Lane blurs the line between work and wellness. Many members come in before sunrise or squeeze in a session between meetings, and let's be real, there's a good chance you'll bump into someone from your LinkedIn feed.

Time Out Tip: Head up to the rooftop for a sunset workout. It’s pure endorphin meets skyline magic, proof that the grind can look good. Also, try the unisex jacuzzi; it's Instagram-worthy. If you're looking for a personal trainer, Tebogo Dikgale is one of the nicest people you will meet at Alice Lane.

Location: Melrose Arch

Vibe: Trendy, social, and seriously stylish.

If gyms had personalities, this one would be the effortlessly cool influencer of the group. Virgin Active Melrose Arch is more than a fitness centre; it's a social hub. The crowd is young, ambitious, and buzzing, and the vibe is all about balance: train hard, recover well, and enjoy the process.

Inside, you'll find state-of-the-art equipment, boutique-style studios for yoga, Pilates, and cycling, as well as a coworking space on the ground floor. Post-workout, the café becomes the perfect spot to grab a smoothie, scroll through Instagram, or even network. It's the perfect blend of fitness and lifestyle, a space that lets you sweat in style and socialise at the same time.

Time Out Tip: The coworking space creates an excellent opportunity for like-minded people to network. With music that rivals a club set and instructors who bring pure fire, it's the most fun you'll ever have doing cardio. Personal trainer Andrew Rukudzo Madyara is the person to see if you're after that summer body.

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Location: Sandton

Vibe: Old-school grit meets modern glory.

Gold's Gym is where serious training meets serious results. This global icon, the birthplace of bodybuilding legends, brings its muscle to Joburg with a facility that's all about performance and passion. Expect an environment that's high-energy, supportive, and serious about pushing limits.

The Sandton location boasts a complete functional training zone, free weights that range up to pro-level, and group classes that keep motivation sky-high. However, it's not all sweat and strain; Gold's has evolved into a well-rounded fitness club that also prioritises recovery, offering amenities like stretch zones and expert-led personal training.

If you want the best of both worlds - the intensity of classic training and the luxury of modern facilities - Gold's Gym hits that sweet spot perfectly.

Time Out Tip: Try one of their class sessions, Switch Playground, Hiithouse, The Dungeon, and Raise the Bar for the ladies. They're brutal, effective, and weirdly addictive. Bring water and maybe your sense of humour.

Location: Melrose Arch

Vibe: Sleek, social, and seriously addictive.

Moove Melrose is the new kid on the block, and it's making major waves. This fitness studio has quickly become Joburg's go-to for immersive, design-driven workouts that blend high energy with community spirit.

Time Out Tip: The location is everything; it's pretty affordable but still has that expensive aesthetic. Mika Stefano's Strong classes are a must-try; he is one of the best in the game.