7 Dublin gyms: Get in shape before summer comes

Looking for somewhere to work out after work, or just somewhere that fits your budget? Dublin hides numerous fitness centres and gyms to choose from.

Some people, and not just in Dublin, are determined to take up exercising in a gym twice a year: at the beginning of each year as part of the New Year’s resolutions and before summer holidays. Their determination may end in a few weeks time, however.

Whether you belong to this group or to people for whom a work-out has become a lifestyle or even a way to keep active and help to improve mental health issues, check out a list of some popular gyms in Dublin. The list is based on Google and other reviews, but gyms are listed in no particular order.

FLYEfit

The Irish chain is one of the most popular gym providers in Dublin for its cheap membership fee and availability, whether it regards numerous locations or long opening hours.

Where: Baggot Street, Blanchardstown, CHQ, Drumcondra, Dundrum, Georges Street, Liffey Valley, Macken Street, Portobello, Ranelagh, Sallynoggin, Stillorgan, Swords, Tallaght, Jervis Street (planned) Facilities: gym facility only Membership: €29 (gym of your choice) or €32 (all gyms) Notice period: cancel your membership before next due monthly payment Advantages: access to all gyms, long opening hours, 24h gyms (George’s Street, Macken Street, Portobello and Swords), no contract, online registration for free classes, intro class for free, vending machines

• FLYEfit: an exercise in low cost gym operation that works out for gym goers and owners alike

Disadvantages: lack of gyms in the Dublin city centre, joining fee of €25, fee of €5 for pausing your membership, no free trials, dirty changing rooms, turnstiles do not sometimes let you in after swiping a gym access card, no WiFi Website: https://www.flyefit.ie/

Ben Dunne Gyms

Another Irish chain, which launched in 1997, when it opened its first gym in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Together with FLYEfit, these two chains are the most popular, accessible and affordable gyms in the city.

Where: Blanchardstown, Terenure (Dublin 12), Santry (Dublin 19), Lucan, Jervis St., Sandyford, Cherrywood, Navan, Waterford, Portloaise Facilities: gym facility, swimming pool, hair salon, steam room, jacuzzi (depends on a gym) Membership: €23 Notice period: To cancel your direct debit membership you have to email the Harland’s Group at bendunnegyms@harlandsgroup.co.uk. Cancellation requests must be sent at least two weeks prior to the Direct Debit collection date and you must also inform your bank. Cancellations cannot be requested or facilitated at the gym reception.

Advantages: free classes (first come, first served), no contract Disadvantages: joining fee of €22, complicated membership cancellation, requirement to have a bank account at an Irish bank to be able to pay for your membership, no free trials, no possibility of using all gyms, membership suspension not allowed, no WiFi, no 24h gyms Website: https://www.bendunnegyms.com/

Raw Gyms

The firm, established in 2008, owns two gyms in Dublin. One of them is said to be the largest single space gym floor in Dublin. A personal training plan and body fat measurement are included in all memberships.

Where: Portobello, Sandyford Facilities: gym facility, sauna, yoga studio Membership: n/a Notice period: n/a Advantages: free trials Disadvantages: lack of information on the website Website: www.rawgyms.com

1escape Health Club

The four-floor club opened its door on Smithfield Market in December 2008. It provides the largest private swimming pool in Dublin with several classes held in the water.

Where: Smithfield Market in Dublin 7 Facilities: pool, jacuzzi, scented steam room, sauna, gym facility, studios Membership: from €65 a month (classes included) Notice period: 3 month notice Advantages: classes booking online (via a mobile app), free classes, diverse facilities, open until 24h from Monday to Thursday, kind staff Disadvantages: club tours and trials by appointment, lack of relevant information online, a minimum 3 month contract Website: www.oneescape.ie

Perpetua Fitness

Founded in 2009, the gym was nominated as one of Men’s Health “Best Gyms” of 2015-`16.

Where: Windmill Quarter, Dublin 2 Facilities: gym facility, health bar, treatment rooms, crossfit Membership: €79 (a 3-month contract that allows you to enter the JUSTGYM area only) or €179 (8 studio credits as a bonus to enter classes) including an enrollment fee. A monthly JUSTGYM contract costs €39.50, and a monthly JUSTGYM + 8 Studio Credits costs €89.50. A possibility to purchase credits for classes (1 CREDIT for €23).

Notice period: 30 days (outside the three-month contract)

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Advantages: mobile app, crossfit section, no need to buy a membership if you want to join just a class, sign up for 3 months but pay for 2 months Disadvantages: no free classes Website: www.perpetua.ie

West Wood Clubs

Probably the best health club in the whole of Dublin. There are six clubs in the city with a range of activities, including swimming and playing tennis. Besides, a network of six clubs operates kids zones, beauty salons and luxury spas for an affordable price.  Clontarf Gym is said to be the biggest gym in Ireland.

Where: Clontarf, Leopardstown, Sandymount, Westmanstown, Aston Quay, Dún Laoghaire Facilities: workout zones, studios, pools, tennis courts, kids zones, café, jacuzzi, sauna, squash room Membership: from €1.73 a day; different types (student, junior, adult, family, over 60s, etc.) Notice period: cancel before another payment Advantages: free classes, no need to book beforehand for some of the classes, possibility to use all six clubs, you can bring a guest for free on the last Friday of each month, teen gyms (Clontarf Rd., Leopardstown, Westmanstown), free trial offers now and then

Disadvantages: membership set-up only by appointment Website: www.westwood.ie

énergie FITNESS

The gym network, which operates in the UK and Ireland, runs a number of gyms in different parts of Dublin. If you happen to join this gym group, do not miss out on trying THÉ YARD zone (open to WOW! Members only) where high-intensity full body workouts take place.

Where: Smithfield, Santry, Artane, Clarehall, Dun Laoghaire, Citywest, Stepaside Facilities: gym facility Membership: depends on a gym. For example, you can pay €29.99 – €37.99 (+ admin fee of €30) at a Smithfield gym. At Dun Laoghaire, you can choose between classic (€26.99 + admin fee) and WOW! Membership (€31.99 + admin fee). Notice period: commitment period requiring 30 days notice to terminate from your next scheduled payment date Advantages: free WiFi, refreshments, énergie app, free 1-day pass, free classes Disadvantages: different owners with different prices etc. Website: www.energiefitness.com