Urban Reform
This Hyrox-affiliated gym is five minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Station, in the direction of Mayfield Park.
As the name suggests, Urban Reform’s ethos is all about helping city folks to transform their health for the better. It does this through strength and conditioning classes, workplace wellbeing programmes, and personal training packages, with an emphasis on educating and empowering clients. You can also go there just for gym time if that’s all you’re after.
Many city centre gyms describe themselves as “inclusive” but Urban Reform stands out for being truly welcoming to people of all ages and abilities. The coaches will happily work with anyone from iron man contenders to people who haven’t exercised in decades – they know their stuff and will put you at ease.
The facilities are basic (there are no showers or lockers) but the coaching standards make up for that. It’s a good place to go if you want to sort yourself out and aren’t sure where to start, or if you want a friendly, no-fuss gym with more personality than the big chains.