The Y Club

If you want a gym with a pool in the city centre, The Y Club is one of just a handful of options. And if you want it to also have a sports hall, indoor running track, and a whole range of associated sports clubs, it’s your only one. The facilities at this long-standing health club in Castlefield out-do pretty much all the competition, yet it’s far from the busiest or most expensive gym in Manchester city centre (in fact, its day passes and one-off classes are a bit of a bargain at £10 and £5 respectively).

If you’re wondering why that might be, understand that Manchester’s YMCA has been around for over 175 years – and the Y Club itself for 30 years at least. Even with a recent refurb, it’s not got the sheen of luxury and cutting-edge style you get at the new crop of boutique gyms. But if those things aren’t that important to you, it’ll do you nicely.

Highlights include the city centre’s only Rugby Fives courts, the new expanded gym floor (75+ fitness machines plus free weights, cardio area and functional fitness), and the variety of classes available – ranging from martial arts to strength to yoga. 

Also check out their sports hall timetable for volleyball, basketball, netball, wrestling, running clubs and more. As you might expect with all these team sports, it’s got a community feel to it – enhanced by the fact that it’s a registered charity. Membership payments help support YMCA projects in Manchester meaning it’s not just the exercise that’ll leave you feeling good.