I'm relocatting to Zurich in the next couple of months and I'm looking for a more or a bodybuilding/powerlifting gym rather than your sterotypical fitness club. I've been informed that David Gym is popular for this.

If anyone has any other ideas, they would be greatly appreciated it.

Thanking you in advance.

A new David Gym in Altstetten...

I was reading the quarterly newsletter this morning at the gym in Letzigraben and thought I would post up some info for anyone who is looking for a new gym.

The new branch of David Gym will open on the 31 October 2010. It will be located at Mürtschenstrasse 23, 8048 Zürich. From the floorplan shown it will be a much smaller gym with more of a focus on cardio equipment and weight machines (although there will be a couple of Olympic racks in the back). I think there will also be a smaller selection of fitness classes.

The hours will be slightly expanded from the Letzigraben location: Monday to Friday from 05.30 – 22.30, and Weekends from 08.00 – 20.00.

Also, new members can get a year membership for 599 CHF.

I've really enjoyed my membeship at the Letzigraben location and will be renewing for another year, but if this new one is more up your alley, check it out.

Does anybody here can make a comparison between Westside Fitness and David's Gym? I've been going to Westside for the past two years and I'm quite satisfied (even though I miss some personal guidance), but as I'm mainly focussing on weightlifting, David's seems quite attractive. I'll check out the place myself next week, but I was wondering if I could get some opinions from long term users..

Are there any good gyms in Zurich that offer free trials? for a week, 3 days, etc. Most of the web sites are in German, hard to follow.

I am only interested in classes.

I was a member of NYSC and they told me in NY I can use the gym here and then they told me at Luxor (the Zurich NYSC) that I had to pay $25 each time I came.

screw that place, the woman at the front desk was extremely rude as well. I hated NYSC in New York as well, I only stayed for a boxing instructor. Which, if anyone is going to NY or Brooklyn and looking for an AMAZING work out I will send you to his class. He's the only reason I stayed at that filthy place with the worst customer service.

sorry, ranting...

I also work out at Holmes Place. I pay approx. 140/month, which is quite steep, but I can justify the price because it's less than a 5 minute walk from work and I usually go 4 or more times per week. I would say in general everyone is very friendly there but some of the weight lifting equipment is aged, although it still does the job. It does get busy during peak hours, but never have a problem finding equipment to use (can't vouch for the cardio equipment as I don't use it much). There are tons of classes (yoga, spinning, etc.) that are included in the monthly fee which is also nice if that's your cup of tea. It is especially nice in the summer because you can go out on the deck and lay in the sun or work out in the sun. For me personally, I don't mind it being a little crowded because I feel a little more energized vs. working out in an empty or near empty facility. In the end, I agree it's damn expensive, but the location and convenience make it easier to justify the cost.

Active offers a free trial. Just go in and make an appointment then a trainer will show you around, set up a programme for you and let you try out the equipment.

They have quite a few gyms in the city and you can use any of them with your membership. Its a pretty good price too - about 750 CHF a year I think. http://www.activfitness.ch/

I'm yet to find a local gym which has air conditioning...i think that is one single reason why I have not joined one here yet.

Hi all,

So we`re here now and i have a week to get some stuff sorted before work begins am montag...

Re the gyms in zurich question, this thread has been most useful and the comments on Holmes Place tally with my own view: we looked at it the other day and it seemed very expensive for what you get. I do accept that the location is great but there is more to it than that.

Ayway, my question is: of all the gyms mentioned (Migros, Activ, McFit etc etc), which have powerplates for free usage as part of the membership? My wife and I were quite into that in London and would be keen to find a gym which includes that in the monthly fee. Holmes Place does not. Any ideas??

Do you know any gyms with a stair climber? I used that in USA all the time and was surprised that Holmes Place did not have it.

Further info in this Thread.