Proper Gym

Proper Gym is a substance-over-style option for people who prioritise good equipment and a welcoming attitude over slick branding and glossy decor. 

Situated in an old Ancoats mill, it has an extensive range of cardio, resistance and functional training machines, plus free weights, boxing bags, an MMA cage, sled track, and space for PT sessions and classes. There’s also a steam room, a sun bed, changing rooms with showers and lockers, and a reception area where you can make your own protein shakes.

In other words, it’s everything you need to train and recover, and although it doesn’t look fancy, it gets plenty of fitness fans through the door. You might imagine it’d be mainly guys training here but then you’d be forgetting that the Pretty Little Thing and Boo Hoo headquarters are just across the road. Forget the boutique city centre gyms – if you want to know where Manchester’s real fashion crowd train, head here.

It’s also a popular gym for boxers. Former Commonwealth welterweight title holder Denton Vassell offers PT sessions and one-to-one coaching here. The cage is available for MMA sparring, and you don’t have to be member to use it. Just pay the £9 day rate.

Membership is £35 a month for a six month contract which includes the daily early bird class (6am-7am). Or you can get a weekly pass for £20.