The 12 Best Gyms in Guildford (2023)
If you’re looking for the best gyms in Guildford to join, keep on reading!
We've used our expertise to handpick the top fitness establishments in the area, just for you! Find and connect with a gym that suits your needs.
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.
What to consider?
Some of the biggest factors that contribute to having a great time using the gym are:
Location
Opening times alongside busy periods
How much a gym membership costs around Guildford
Reviews, ratings & if they sound like they could fit your needs.
Let’s begin:
The Shortlist
ActivZone
The Gym
Guildford Lido
The Guildford Spectrum
Mavericks
Athlete Movement
Surrey Sports Park
Nuffield Health
Crossfit Guildford
The Shredquarters
Studio 1
Locker 27
Keep reading for the full breakdowns & comparison chart...
4 things to consider when looking for the best gyms in Guildford
Before we get into the details, some context.
We've tried to cover Guildford and the surrounding areas as thoroughly as we can. In order to do this, we've based it upon our own criteria.
In other words, how would we select a positive & enjoyable training environment? One that would give us the best chance of long term results. One that ticks our own personal boxes.
Never forget, your journey is your own. These are only some friendly tips on what you could look out for, to help frame your decisions.
1. Location
Personally, one of the first things I look at when choosing a gym is the location. Make sure your gym selection fits within your lifestyle.
If it’s miles away, I'm pretty sure I'll find more excuses not to go instead of actually going. So, unless you have an uber-specialised reason, location and travel time is going to be very important.
There's a study in the US where 7.5 million people took part to explore the effects of distance on gym attendance. Anything more than 4 miles or more than 15 minutes travel time, affected users attendance. Presence in the gym was 4 times greater if people considered those aspects.
The next 3 things I look for when selecting my gym are equally as important.
Once I narrow down the travel time I consider my finances, the gym’s opening times and what sort of reviews they’re getting.
2. How much is it going to cost me?
Finances are obviously important.
I have to be able to afford my membership but also, I need to understand what I’m getting for my commitment.
Some gyms will provide you with a sole membership and you can use the gym at your pleasure, so long as it’s open.
Others will require usage at certain times, for example peak and off peak.
Often memberships may come with added benefits such as classes, guest passes for friends, facilities around the gym like saunas, cafés and swimming pools.
One of the things I tend to check is what the exit clause may look like if I wanted to leave.
Some gyms require you to have a 12-month contract, others need 90 days but many gyms in 2023 are offering flexibility through a one month notice period (so it’s worth checking). For me, this is important to find out because life often changes, and my commitment may need to also.
Now, you might also be considering a personal trainer. We've got a handy article to help you break down the options here.
3. Opening times
Next on the list is their opening and closing times.
This is particularly important if you train before work or after work. It’s often a key factor in my decision for committing, because it has to fit around my work and home life.
For example, check the weekend opening times. These can often differ and so if you plan to use the gym at the weekends this may affect your timings. That said, getting familiar with opening times will help you make decisions on when is the best time for you.
Understanding the busy times at the gym and planning around that could serve as a useful tool. You can get your workouts done without any disruptions. And, you can have a more enjoyable experience.
On the other hand, you may like going at busier times for the social aspect.
Training alongside likeminded individuals might be your thing.
Even better, it may motivate you to train harder.
Bonus!
The important thing is to understand what the gym offers and select the best options for you.
4. Google Reviews
Finally, I always look at the Google reviews & rating.
You can get a good, 'real user' feel for the gym this way. As you know, the reviews tend to paint a pretty thorough picture with common themes. It’s good to use these for awareness but it's important that you still go see for yourself. Everyone is different!
Most gyms offer day passes so try before you commit.
It's definitely something I'd encourage you to do. Take a few weeks. Get about the gyms. See which one gives you the best feeling, and if it meets the needs of your training & exercise regime. This is often be the best way to do it. Some gyms even offer week-long passes which is great to help you make your decision!
So without further ado, let's take a look at the breakdown...
Gyms near GU1
1. ActivZone
Location: Within Guildford College, Stoke Rd, GU1 1EZ
ActivZone follows a more bespoke offering based in the grounds of Guildford college. This independent little gym is a friendly environment. It offers a range of classes with its flagship membership.
The gym is also full of independent personal trainers - such as the More Than Muscle team! So if a more personable approach is what you're looking for, then this gym may be right up your street.
The ActivZone membership starts at £35pcm, and it has a growing community of friendly gym goers.
2. The Gym Guildford
Location: 3 Woodbridge Meadows, Guildford GU1 1BA
A fantastic reason to go to this gym is that it has 24-hour access, and its price point is reasonable at £26.99pcm.
The Gym group are known for having many locations. So some membership options allow you to use multiple sites. This may be useful particularly if you work in London during the week!
The Gym is often seen as a student hotspot and can get busy during peak hours. Be sure to take that into consideration when selecting your gym.
If just going to the gym to train or using a class is your motive, then this style of gym may be the one for you.
3. Guildford Lido
Location: Stoke Road, Guildford, GU1 1HB
Associated with freedom leisure and the Guildford Spectrum, the Guildford Lido has been around for a long time. Asides from what it’s known for, the outdoor swimming pool, there's a little gym tucked away on its grounds.
If the spectrum gym isn't your cup of tea, then the Lido gym is often more quiet and very well equipped.
The only downside however, is that its hours of opening aren’t as flexible. But if this works for you, then this hidden gem can be a great place to get a workout done!
4. Guildford Spectrum
Location: Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex Parkway, Guildford, GU1 1UP
Guildford’s oldest health complex!
Like Surrey Sports Park this leisure centre offers a variety of usages. The gym is run by freedom leisure, and is fully equipped with resistance and cardio kit.
You can go bowling or ice skating. Or even enjoy the swimming pools and sports halls for different classes. If your fitness needs go beyond the gym, then the Spectrum can be a good choice with a lot of variety for you.
5. Mavericks
Location: Park St One, Guildford, GU1 4XB
If martial arts are your passion or you want to learn something new, then Maverick’s gym may be perfect for you.
Not everyone craves the gym for their fitness and so learning a code of BJJ or Jujitsu may be what you’re after. Group classes and 1-1 coaching is offered for all levels.
Gyms near GU30
(*wildcard but worth it)
6. Athlete Movement
Location: Passfield Mill Business Park, Mill Lane, Passfield, Liphook GU30 7QU
If you're prepared to travel just outside of Guildford, then Athlete Movement is a great gym to consider!
Situated in Liphook with an offering that has a community feel to it. Over 6,000 square feet of kit designed for athletic style training. If you are a weightlifter, powerlifter, cross fitter or play sort then this is a great gym for you.
Even if you are someone who likes to train athletically but doesn’t compete in a sport then again this is a great gym for you.
Gyms near GU2
7. Surrey Sports Park
Location: Surrey Sports Park, University of Surrey, Richard Meyjes Road, Guildford Surrey, GU2 7AD
A complex that has many things going on within it and was used for the London 2012 Olympics as an athlete village. Situated near the University of Surrey, it offers a variety of options for fitness fans. From a fully-equipped gym, sports teams and rock-climbing wall. To Olympic swimming pools, artificial football pitches and Starbucks coffee. There is a lot of options on offer.
The use of this complex is incredible and memberships to the gym start at £40pcm.
Depending on your fitness needs, Surrey Sports Park has a diverse offering for all.
8. Nuffield Health
Location: Railton Road, Queen Elizabeth Park, Guildford GU2 9LX
Nuffield is one of the biggest health clubs in the UK. Fortunately, we have one on our doorstep.
The health club is more than a gym. Comprising of a swimming pool, spa, café, beauty room, physiotherapy and class studios. The gym has state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and a large car parking facility at the front.
Memberships start at around £57 pcm, but you are required to commit to a 12-month contract. If you're looking for the full experience, not just the use of a gym, Nuffield Health Guildford is a great shout!
Gyms near GU3
9. Crossfit Guildford
Location: Unit 8 Pew Corner, Old Portsmouth Road, Guildford GU3 1LP
Situated on the old Portsmouth Road near the park and ride, CrossFit Guildford offers a range of CrossFit style workouts.
The gym is also home to Guildford weightlifting club and so if this is what you’re looking for then this gym may be for you.
With a variety of memberships and classes this is another gym with a close community.
Gyms near GU4
10. The Shredquarters
Location: Unit A Perram Works, Merrow Lane, Guildford GU4 7BN
If you’re after group exercise classes with a direction towards losing weight and bettering your physique, then this type of gym may be ideal.
The Shredquarters is based in Merrow and focuses on high intensity workouts that mix cardio with strength training.
If you want to train like this and be amongst a community of people whilst training, then this might just be the place for you.
Gyms near Guildford (GU9, KT15)
11. Studio 1 Aldershot
Location: Unit 7, Hurlands Business Centre, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9JE
Again, depending where you are, Studio 1 is slightly further out from the centre of Guildford.
However, if bodybuilding's your passion, then the journey is well worth it.
Situated in Aldershot, this gym is kitted out with specialist bodybuilding equipment. The sort of bodybuilding environment that's often craved by dedicated trainees.
Memberships start at £30 pcm.
12. Locker 27 Weybridge
Location: Weybridge Trading Estate Hamm Moor Lane, Addlestone KT15 2SD
Last but not least, is Locker 27.
Slightly further out than Guildford but I have put it in as it’s still within close reach for some of our readers.
Based in Weybridge, if athletic development is up your street, then this gym is for you. Specialised equipment, gym use, coaching and classes are available at this 10,000 square foot unit. With Weightlifting, CrossFit, boxing, yoga, youth development and strength and conditioning services all available too.
Memberships starting at around £50pcm.
Comparison Table
| Gym | Price | Opening Times | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| ActivZone | From £35pcm | M-T 6am-9pm F - 6am-6pm S/S - 8am-2pm |
★★★★☆ 4.6 stars |
| The Gym | From £26.99pcm | 24 hrs | ★★★★☆ 4.1 stars |
| Guildford Lido | - | M/W 7.30am-5pm T/F 7.30am-2pm S/S 8am-4pm |
★★★★☆ 4.3 stars |
| The Guildford Spectrum | - | M/W 9am-9pm T/F 7am-9pm S/S 8.30am-10.30pm |
★★★★☆ 4.2 stars |
| Athlete Movement | From £34.99pcm | M/T 6am-10pm F 6am-8pm S 7am-6pm S 6am-6pm |
★★★★★ 5.0 stars |
| Mavericks | - | M/T 12pm-2pm/4.30pm-9.30pm F 12pm-2pm/ 6-8pm S 10am-4pm S Closed |
★★★★★ 5.0 stars |
| Surrey Sports Park | From £40pcm | M-F 6am-10.30pm S 7am-7pm S 7am-10pm |
★★★★☆ 4.5 stars |
| Nuffield Health | From £57pcm 12 month contract | M-F 6.30am-10pm S/S 8am-8pm |
★★★★☆ 4.7 stars |
| Crossfit Guildford | From £40pcm | M/F 6am-10pm S/S 9am-1pm |
★★★★★ 5.0 stars |
| The Shredquarters | 8 week contracts with a variety of packs. Fees undisclosed on website. | 8 week contracts with a variety of packs. Fees undisclosed on website. | ★★★★★ 5.0 stars |
| Studio 1 | From £30pcm | M/T 7am-9pm F 7am-8pm S 9am-6pm S 12pm-2pm |
★★★★☆ 4.8 stars |
| Locker 27 | From £50pcm | M/W 7.30am-5pm T/F 7.30am-2pm S/S 8am-4pm |
★★★★★ 5.0 stars |
Summary
Guildford and the surrounding areas has quite an offering when it comes to fitness and gyms. When I select a gym, I look for 4 areas:
location
costs
timings
reviews.
In this article I hope I’ve broken that down for you, illustrating my opinion for the 12 best gyms in Guildford.
