Whether you’ve just moved to the city, you’ve been here a while, or you’re only planning a short stint, it’s easy to put your fitness journey on hold when you’re in a new place. Finding a gym that accommodates your plans can be tedious, and combined with cultural differences and language barriers, joining a gym can feel stressful and intimidating. This short guide will help you get started because whether you’ve been in the city for a few weeks a few years, there’s a gym for you.
One important thing to note before trying to get a gym membership in Italy is that all gyms will require a medical certification. Typically, this will be a non-competitive athletic certificate, or Certificato Sportivo Non-Agonistico, issued by a sports medicine center or a doctor, but you should check with the gym of your choice to verify their requirements.
House of Nine
For a boutique gym & SPA with all the bells and whistles, House of Nine (via dei Conti 7) is the way to go. Attached to Hotel Number Nine, this gym contains the latest equipment technology, fitness and reformer classes, and a fully renovated spa to enhance your experience.
Florence Fitness
Just off piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence Fitness (via dei Fossi 56R) is equipped with Technogym machines, including the latest Kinesis stations for a complete functional workout. Opt for one of the well-attended courses, which vary from Pilates to Body Sculpt, yoga and circuit training.
Anytime Fitness
Innovative by Florence standards, Anytime Fitness (via Cavour 86) is open 24 hours a day, meaning there’s no excuse for not making it to the gym! From cardio to functional training and weights, personal trainers are on hand during daytime hours.
Virgin Active
With two locations in the city, Virgin Active (via di Novoli 10 / via Generale C. A. dalla Chiesa 11) is a good option wherever you are. The San Donato location is easily accessed by tram and offers a gym with added extras, including a yoga studio, 25-metre pool, and relaxation area with sauna and hydromassage. There are also plenty of classes to choose from. The Rovezzano location is a larger complex that offers similar options, plus five-a-side football and tennis course, but at the opposite side of the city.
Swan Gymnastics Center
For those who prefer a simpler setup, Swan Gymnastics Center (via dei Pepi 28) is a good start. Having opened in 1985, this well-established gym is more affordable whilst still having plenty on offer. Aside from the basic strength training and cardio machines, there is also the option to join a variety of fitness courses that run through the day, so you can get your heart pumping with HIIT workouts, tone with a body sculpt class or let loose with some Zumba. Swan Gymnastics Center is also fairly accessible from the city center and conveniently offers varying lengths of membership such as weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly memberships. There is also the option of tailored memberships upon request.
Palestra Ricciardi
Another option is Palestra Ricciardi (borgo Pinti 75), which is the oldest and largest gym in the historic center of Florence. A 15-minute walk from the Duomo, this gym provides several areas providing a range of equipment, including a cardio-fitness zone, a body-building area and rooms for isotonic equipment. There are also two rooms for classes and a spinning room, so you can get fit with others in classes like yoga, postural training, and “Cardio Kombat”. Membership includes access to all their equipment and fitness classes as well as, if desired, customized training programs from the instructors.
Palextra H2O
Palextra H2O (via La Farina 50) is a gym, swimming pool and fitness center. With good prices and functionality, it can be found just outside city centre and is ideal for students as it’s close to the University. Fitness and aquafitness courses are offered, including pilates, yoga, and water aerobics, and there also activities like swimming lessons for children and courses for pregnant women. There are different types of memberships available to suit different needs, with plans for 1, 2, 3, 6 or 9 months.
Olympus
Olympus (via di Ripoli 88) is a gym with a comfortable feel, offering a well-equipped fitness area and lots of fitness courses. There are also two relaxation areas (one for men and one for women) complete with sauna and turkish baths, and a heavy-duty area for high intensity training. You can try it out with one day’s free admission, with the gym being open 6am-11:30pm on weekdays and 9am-8pm on weekends.
Evolution
Evolution (via Giambattista Lulli 62/A) is easily accessible by tram and has versatile options available for every level of fitness. From holistic, freestyle and spinning courses to the innovative Les Mills and Crossfit courses, as well as access to the wellness area, it has plenty to offer. Monthly, quarterly and annual memberships are available, with no allocated time slots, and there is private parking if you travel by car.
Palestra San Niccolò
Palestra San Niccolò (via San Miniato 6) is a multifunctional center offering sporting, social and cultural activities for fitness and wellbeing. With options for all ages, their packed schedule of courses and classes includes samba, karate for both adults and children, and self-defense for women. Conveniently located by the Arno, San Niccolò is open 7am-11pm on weekdays, with some events also running on weekends.
Other options
If the traditional gym setting isn’t what you’re looking for, there are other options that might suit your interests. Movement IQ is a strength lab that combines functional strength training and pilates, and is located at via dei Coverelli 13. Similarly, The22 (via dei Ginori 22) provides a more modern and holistic approach to wellness, offering circuit and functional strength training, yoga, meditation and massages. Klab Marignolle in the Florence hills, just south of Porta Romana, is open with a full range of services.
