We all love doing things our own way, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some of the fantastic facilities out there. Imagine working out while cruising down the Amazon or lifting weights on the beach. How about using a treadmill while overlooking the River Nile, or exercising in the same spaces Olympic athletes train in daily? Sounds amazing, right?
Here’s the thing, a gym doesn’t have to be a typical building. It doesn’t have to be one of those well-known gyms either. Your gym could be anywhere—like hitting the road with your favorite heart rate monitor, or even your own living room being the best gym around.
Thinking about saving some money and earning more while staying fit? Consider becoming a fitness instructor at a local gym. With health becoming more important to people, there’s a growing demand for qualified fitness instructors.
If you run a gym, offering unique giveaways can make your place more appealing. Custom stickers and pins with your gym’s logo not only look cool but also serve as great rewards for those hitting their fitness goals. You could even get creative by giving away vegan pre-workout powder. It’s a healthy option and fits the conscious consumer trend, boosting your gym’s appeal and showing you’re in tune with your community’s values.
A great gym isn’t just about equipment and technology. It’s also about the atmosphere, the view, innovation, tradition, uniqueness, and whether it simply feels cool. Here are some of the coolest gyms around the world, in our humble opinion:
In Kyiv, Ukraine, there’s a fantastic outdoor gym by the Dnieper River. This park offers beaches, boating, and rustic weight-lifting stations.
In Dumaguete, Philippines, you’ll find a low-tech beach gym with basic equipment but an incredible view. Living in the Florida Keys has made me appreciate places like this.
Tokyo, Japan has a gym that’s all about rock climbing, using mirrors, windows, and even deer heads for challenging grips.
Venice, CA, USA, is the ultimate spot for bodybuilding and weightlifting, known as the Mecca with Arnold Schwarzenegger having lifted weights there.
Santa Clarita, CA, USA, features an impressive rock climbing gym in a massive 11,500 sq ft building, with over 6,500 sq ft of climbing walls and even a pool table.
Columbia, MO, USA, has a gym dear to my heart at MU, my alma mater, with a lazy river, swimming area, and top-of-the-line fitness and cardio training facilities.
In London, UK, you’ll find an expansive gym with a “beats room” for listening to music and a gaming center.
Phoenix, AZ, USA, houses top-notch athletes and the site of the NFL Combine Program, though it’s pricey at $16,500 a year.
In Peru, you can exercise on a bike while cruising the Amazon River—an incredible way to see the scenic beauty while staying fit.
Beaverton, OR, USA, hosts Nike’s 190-acre complex with the best training equipment and technology, although it’s invite-only.
Miami Beach, FL, USA, boasts a 45,000 sq ft gym that feels more like a nightclub, with top-notch equipment, a private beach, and valet parking.
Hong Kong offers a brand-new hotel gym with a rooftop pool and stunning city views.
New York, NY, USA, features a top CrossFit facility in Manhattan with 10,000 sq ft of space and endless classes.
Phuket, Thailand, offers a beach resort gym with a pool and breathtaking views, making it the perfect workout spot.
In Uganda, there’s a gym overlooking the Nile River at a lodge within the country’s largest National Park, combining fitness with wildlife exploration.
Seattle, WA, USA, has a gym that includes two pools, 24/5 access, and monthly childcare.
Milan, Italy, stands out with its spa and pool area, providing a perfect blend of fitness and relaxation.
Edinburgh, Scotland, features a new outdoor gym aiming to encourage locals to be more active, with diverse strength and cardio equipment.
New York City, NY, USA, offers a gym with 6,000 sq ft of cardio area, a huge pool, indoor sand volleyball, and 140 fitness classes per week.
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, offers a beachfront gym with stunning views, showcasing how people make do with available resources to stay fit.
Lastly, a shout-out to my former home gym in Jefferson City, MO, USA. It’s friendly, convenient, and has everything one could need.