Ten years back the only reason you’d lift weights was to get melon-sized biceps and a rock-solid core. Nowadays we know that aesthetic changes are just one of the effects of strength training (and for many of us, the least important).
Lifting weights improves your mood, aids weight management, protects your posture, and for women, helps safeguard against osteoporosis. It’s why the NHS recommends adults do strengthening sessions working all the major muscle groups at least two days a week.
Almost every gym in Manchester has a dedicated weights area. Here we’ve honed in on the places that go beyond just supplying the iron. All these Manchester weightlifting gyms will teach you how to lift safely and effectively, and they all have different strengths (unintentional pun) so choose the one that suits you best.
For focused one-to-one or small group training that’ll ensure your technique and form is spot-on, head to Olympus Projects near Victoria Station or Fighting Fit in the Green Quarter. For high-energy strength training in a fast-moving class environment, go to Zeno Health Club or BLOK. If it’s the competitive element of lifting that interests you try Train CrossFit Manchester.
Want more suggestions for gyms good for strength training in Manchester? Search for strength using the filters on the left.
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Manchester City CentreBLOK Manchester
More detailsBLOK is popular thanks to the variety of classes on offer at its Manchester studios (you can do strength, various forms of yoga, boxing, barre, calisthenics, HIIT, meditation, pilates, reformer pilates and more).
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Northern QuarterFederation Gym
More detailsIf bodybuilding, powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting are your thing, there’s a new gym in the Northern Quarter that you’ll want to check out. Federation Gym opened in October 2023 after its owners spotted a gap in the city centre for a luxury, pro-fitness training facility that combines competition-standard equipment with workshops, meal prep, and a posing room.
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Green QuarterFighting Fit
More detailsThe first thing you see when you step into this under-the-arches gym near Victoria Station is the long line of medals on the wall.
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Green QuarterThe Olympus Projects
More detailsThe Olympus Projects takes its inspiration from the original musclebound warriors, the Greek Gods. The motivational quote as you enter tells you to forget the constraints of your human form and embrace your inner Perseus, Hercules or Athena. And then you meet the man, AJ, who’s going to help you do it, and you start to believe it might actually be possible.
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Northern QuarterZeno Health Club
More detailsWith its stylish design and on-trend classes, boutique gym Zeno Health Club (formerly known as Hero Training Clubs) is well suited to the NOMA neighbourhood’s young, apartment-dwelling residents.
