The 12 Best Gyms in Guildford (2025)
Have you ever joined the gym only to be disappointed once you've started using its facilities? You're not alone. Starting a fitness journey is challenging enough without having to worry about choosing the wrong gym. That’s why we’ve updated our research for 2025 to bring you our guide to the best gyms in Guildford.
Why?
If you're feeling underwhelmed by your gym experience, you're in the right place. We know that finding the right gym can be a tough task. That’s why we've done the research for you!
We'll be sharing our updated "top picks" for the best gyms in Guildford, so you can find the perfect place to sweat it out. Seasoned gym-goer or a fitness beginner? It doesn't matter. We've got you covered with many different locations in and around the area.
So if you're ready to get fit and have fun doing it, keep reading for our roundup of the 12 best gyms in Guildford. If you’re looking for Personal Training in Guildford to go along with your gym membership, we’ve got that covered for you too.
The Reality of Gym Success
Before we dive in to this year’s list, let's address an important truth: choosing the right gym is about more than just facilities and price points.
It's about finding a fitness home that fits your real life.
Studies show that nearly 80% of New Year's fitness resolutions fail by February – not because of lack of motivation, but because of poor integration with daily life.
But a gym’s not just for Christmas either.
The same problem of integrating a workout routine into your life happens all year-round — but we might just have the solution (and it’s free!). Keep reading to find out more.
The Shortlist
We’ve mixed it up a little for 2025. Instead of a shortlist based on location, a lot of our clients are looking for different types of workout environments (depending on personal choice/circumstance).
Here are 4 of the most popular categories and our top picks:
Community & Boutique Gyms
ActivZone Guildford College (Hyrox Affiliate)
CrossFit Motion Training
The Shredquarters
CrossFit Guildford
Budget Friendly & 24/7 Gyms
The Gym Group Guildford
Pure Gym Guildford
Traditional Gyms & Health Clubs
Nuffield Health, Queen Elizabeth Park
The Guildford Spectrum
Surrey Sports Park
Bodybuilding, Performance & Strength Training Facilities
Athlete Movement
Locker 27
Studio 1
Keep reading for the full breakdowns & comparison chart...
Key Factors in Choosing the Right Gym
Our research & personal experience shows four crucial factors that contribute to a successful gym experience. Let's break down each one to help you make an informed decision.
1. Location Matters More Than You Think
Location isn't just about convenience – it's about sustainability. According to a comprehensive study by marketing firm Distillery involving 7.5 million participants, gym attendance is four times higher when the facility is within 4 miles or 15 minutes of travel time.
This makes perfect sense: if getting to your gym feels like an inconvenience, you'll likely start making excuses not to go. Unless you have a highly specialised training need, choosing a gym that fits seamlessly into your daily routine is crucial. Make your gym selection fit within your lifestyle, not the other way around.
2. Opening Hours and Peak Times
Understanding a gym's schedule is particularly crucial if you plan to train before or after work. Consider:
Weekend opening times often differ from weekdays
Peak hours can significantly impact your workout quality
Some gyms offer 24/7 access while others have restricted hours
Understanding busy periods helps you plan more effective workouts
Some people thrive in busy gym environments, finding motivation in training alongside others. Others prefer quieter times for uninterrupted workouts. The key is matching the gym's schedule and atmosphere to your preferences and routine.
3. Financial Commitment
While the monthly fee is important, there's much more to consider when evaluating gym costs:
Membership Types
Sole membership vs. class inclusion
Peak vs. off-peak access
Single location vs. multi-gym access
Contract Terms
Some require 12-month commitments
Others offer 90-day terms
Many now provide monthly rolling contracts
Understanding exit clauses is crucial as life circumstances change
Additional Benefits
Class access
Guest passes
Additional facilities (saunas, cafés, swimming pools)
Personal training options
Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the most cost-effective if it doesn't meet your needs or motivate you to attend regularly. But if you are considering personal training and how much it costs, here’s another handy article we put together.
4. Ratings and Real User Experience
Google reviews provide valuable insights into what current members think about their gym experience. However, while ratings are important, they shouldn't be your only deciding factor. We strongly recommend:
Reading recent reviews to understand current experiences
Taking advantage of day passes to experience the gym firsthand
Using trial periods (many gyms offer week passes)
Visiting during the times you plan to train
Checking out different facilities within the gym
Speaking with current members if possible
Community & Boutique Gyms
ActivZone Guildford College (Hyrox Affiliate)
★★★★☆ (4.5)
Location: Within Guildford College, Stoke Road, GU1 1EZ
Perfect for: Community-focused training
Features: Classes, personal training, Hyrox affiliate gym
Price: From £35 pcm
Hours: M-T 6am-9pm, F 6am-6pm, S/S 8am-2pm
Rating: 4.5 stars
Best for: Those seeking a more personal, community-based environment
CrossFit Motion Training
★★★★★ (5.0)
Location: 9a Woodbridge Meadows, Guildford Surrey GU1 1BA
Perfect for: CrossFit enthusiasts
Features: CrossFit classes, open gym, strength and conditioning
Price: From £125 pcm (includes 8 classes)
Hours: M-F 6am-7:55pm, S/S 8am-10:55am
Rating: 5 stars
Class drop-ins: £15-20
Best for: Those seeking structured, community-based training
The Shredquarters
★★★★★ (5.0)
Location: Unit A Perram Works, Merrow Lane, Guildford GU4 7BN
Perfect for: High-intensity training fans
Features: Group exercise focused on weight loss and physique improvement
Hours: M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-11am, Sun 9am-11am
Rating: 5 stars
Best for: Those motivated by group training and focused on body transformation
Note: 8-week contract system with various packages
CrossFit Guildford
★★★★☆ (4.9)
Location: Unit 8 Pew Corner, Old Portsmouth Road, Guildford GU3 1LP
Perfect for: CrossFit and weightlifting enthusiasts
Features: CrossFit classes, Guildford weightlifting club
Price: From £40 pcm
Hours: M-F 6am-10pm, S/S 9am-1pm
Rating: 4.9 stars
Best for: Serious athletes and those interested in Olympic weightlifting
Budget-Friendly 24/7 Gyms
The Gym Group
★★★★☆ (4.2)
Location: 3 Woodbridge Meadows, Guildford GU1 1BA
Perfect for: Flexible schedule trainers
Features: 24/7 access, multi-location options
Price: From £26.99 pcm
Hours: Open 24 hours
Rating: 4.2 stars
Best for: Students and those needing flexible training times
Note: Can get busy during peak hours
Pure Gym
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Location: 14-16 Friary Street, Guildford GU1 4EH
Perfect for: Central location seekers
Features: 24/7 access, classes included
Price: From £18.99 pcm (introductory offer)
Hours: Open 24 hours
Rating: 4.0 stars
Best for: City centre workers and those prioritising convenience
Regular price: £27.99 pcm
Traditional Gyms & Health Clubs
Nuffield Health Queen Elizabeth Park
★★★★☆ (4.1)
Location: Railton Road, Queen Elizabeth Park, Guildford GU2 9LX
Perfect for: All-round wellness enthusiasts
Features: Swimming pool, spa, café, beauty room, physiotherapy, state-of-the-art Technogym equipment
Price: From £57 pcm (12-month contract)
Hours: M-F 6:30am-10pm, S/S 8am-8pm
Parking: Large car park facility
Rating: 4.1 stars
Best for: Those seeking a complete health club experience beyond just gym facilities
The Guildford Spectrum
★★★★☆ (4.2)
Location: Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex Parkway, Guildford GU1 1UP
Perfect for: Diverse activity seekers
Features: Gym, swimming pools, ice skating, bowling, sports halls
Hours: M/W 9am-9pm, T/F 7am-9pm, S/S 8:30am-10:30pm
Rating: 4.2 stars
Best for: Families and those who enjoy mixing up their fitness routine with different activities
Surrey Sports Park
★★★★☆ (4.5)
Location: University of Surrey, Richard Meyjes Road, Guildford Surrey, GU2 7AD
Perfect for: Sport and fitness enthusiasts
Features: Olympic swimming pool, climbing wall, artificial pitches, Starbucks
Price: From £40 pcm
Hours: M-F 6am-10:30pm, Sat 7am-7pm, Sun 7am-10pm
Rating: 4.5 stars
Best for: Those seeking high-quality sports facilities and varied fitness options
Bodybuilding, Performance & Strength Training Facilities
Athlete Movement
★★★★★ (5.0)
Location: Passfield Mill Business Park, Mill Lane, Passfield, Liphook GU30 7QU
Perfect for: Athletic development
Features: 6,000 sq ft facility, weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit
Price: From £34.99 pcm
Hours: M-T 6am-10pm, F 6am-8pm, Sat 7am-6pm, Sun 6am-6pm
Rating: 5 stars
Best for: Athletes and those serious about strength training
Locker 27
★★★★☆ (4.9)
Location: Weybridge Trading Estate Hamm Moor Lane, Addlestone KT15 2SD
Perfect for: Serious training enthusiasts
Features: 10,000 sq ft facility, weightlifting, CrossFit, boxing, yoga
Price: From £50 pcm
Hours: M-T 6:30am-9:30pm, F 6am-8:30pm, Sat 7:30am-6pm, Sun 9am-4pm
Rating: 4.9 stars
Best for: Those seeking comprehensive strength and conditioning facilities
Studio 1
★★★★☆ (4.8)
Location: Unit 7, Hurlands Business Centre, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9JE
Perfect for: Bodybuilding enthusiasts
Features: Specialist bodybuilding equipment
Price: From £30 pcm
Hours: M-T 7am-9pm, F 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12pm-2pm
Rating: 4.8 stars
Best for: Dedicated bodybuilders and strength trainers
Comparison Table
| Gym | Type | Monthly Price | Key Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ActivZone Guildford College | Community | From £35 | Hyrox affiliate gym, classes, personal training | ★★★★☆ 4.5 |
| CrossFit Motion Training | CrossFit | From £125 | CrossFit classes, open gym, strength training | ★★★★★ 5.0 |
| The Shredquarters | Group Training | 8-week contracts | Group exercise, weight loss focus, body transformation | ★★★★★ 5.0 |
| CrossFit Guildford | CrossFit | From £40 | CrossFit classes, Guildford weightlifting club | ★★★★☆ 4.9 |
| The Gym Group | Budget 24/7 | From £26.99 | 24/7 access, multi-location options | ★★★★☆ 4.2 |
| Pure Gym | Budget 24/7 | From £18.99 | 24/7 access, classes included, central location | ★★★★☆ 4.0 |
| Nuffield Health | Health Club | From £57 | Pool, spa, café, physio, modern equipment | ★★★★☆ 4.1 |
| The Guildford Spectrum | Leisure Complex | Various | Gym, pools, ice skating, bowling, sports halls | ★★★★☆ 4.2 |
| Surrey Sports Park | Multi-Sport | From £40 | Olympic pool, climbing wall, sports facilities | ★★★★☆ 4.5 |
| Athlete Movement | Performance | From £34.99 | 6,000 sq ft facility, weightlifting, powerlifting | ★★★★★ 5.0 |
| Locker 27 | Performance | From £50 | 10,000 sq ft facility, weightlifting, CrossFit, boxing | ★★★★☆ 4.9 |
| Studio 1 | Bodybuilding | From £30 | Specialist bodybuilding equipment | ★★★★☆ 4.8 |
Making Your Decision: A Realistic Approach
The "best" gym in Guildford isn't necessarily the one with the most equipment or lowest price – it's the one that you'll actually use consistently. Consider these practical factors:
Location that fits your daily routine
Hours that match your natural energy levels
Commitment levels that don't create stress
Environment that motivates you
Success Strategies: Beyond Membership
Choosing the right gym is just the first step. The real key to success is having a realistic plan that integrates with your lifestyle. That's why we're building "The Realistic Restart" guide – to help you build sustainable fitness habits that last beyond the initial motivation.
Final Thoughts
Guildford offers diverse fitness options for every goal and budget. Remember, the most important factor isn't the facility itself – it's how well it fits into your life. Take time to visit your shortlisted gyms, ask questions, and envision how each option could realistically work with your schedule.
The key to success isn't just choosing a gym – it's choosing the right gym for your lifestyle and having a sustainable plan to use it. Download our free guide to ensure you're set up for long-term success, not just another short-term gym membership.
