With the gym fast replacing bars as the new social space to meet people, and nightclub-esque workout classes now the norm, it’s no surprise that former party district Kings Cross/Potts Point has evolved into Sydney’s newest health & fitness hub. As the second most population-dense area in Australia (after Pyrmont), the demand for 24/7 fitness options in the area doesn’t look like it’s slowing down any time soon. All within walking distance of the eponymous Coke sign, here’s URBANSWEAT’s ultimate roundup of where to sweat in the hood!
Orangetheory Fitness
Lower Ground, 83 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point
(the site of the former Tunnel nightclub, behind Kings Cross station on Earl Place)
A one-hour heart-rate monitored group work out, designed to keep you continuously working within a target zone that’s optimised to stimulate metabolism and increase energy. They promise you’ll keep burning calories for up to 36 hours afterwards (!)
The dimly-lit ‘Red Room’ at Barry’s is famous
Barry’s Bootcamp
16-18 Bayswater Road, Potts Point
(the site of the former Mansions Hotel pub)
Kings Cross is the latest location slated to open soon for this popular US-gone-global chain. The original boutique fitness experience, Barry’s is known for their combined cardio and strength workouts held in the infamous immersive ‘Red Room’. Read more about the Barry’s experience here and here.
Fitness First Platinum
Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Level 8/82-94 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point
Located directly beneath the iconic Coca Cola sign, just steps from Kings Cross station. Spread over 3 levels, boasting a wide selection of over 80 group classes/week, a dedicated freestyle training area, 7 lifting platforms and a matrix lifting cage, plus steam rooms, and a Members Lounge.
Anytime Fitness is open 24/7 to members
Anytime Fitness
Lower Ground Level, 14 Kings Cross Rd, Potts Point
Just around the corner from the Coca Cola sign, membership offers 24/7 access to over 500 studios nationwide and over 1,100 virtual workouts on their Anytime Fitness app. For Potts Point members, there are also free HIIT Cardio, Strength & Boxing small group classes on offer. Safety is a priority with 24-hour security monitoring and secure swipe key member-only access.
F45 Training
20 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point (right next to World Bar)
High-intensity group circuit workouts with a family-stye atmosphere. This cult functional fitness chain (all workouts are 45 mins long) is known for their intense 8-Week Challenges (complete with nutritionist meal plans) which deliver fast transformations. Click here for the URBANSWEAT review.
The tranquil reception at BodyMindLife
BodyMindLife
Mezzanine Level, 14 Kings Cross Rd, Potts Point
Boutique yoga and Pilates chain located right next to the Larmont Hotel, just around the corner and up the hill from the iconic Coca Cola sign. Offering mat and reformer classes for all fitness and experience levels, as well as world-class Yoga Teacher Training.
One Hot Yoga & Pilates
34 Kellett St, Potts Point
A great example of the the old & new faces of the Cross: this premium studio designed by award-winning architect Robert Mills is nestled in cosy Kellett Street right alongside massage parlours and brothels. The gorgeous serene space uses raw & recycled building materials, and has state-of-the-art hydronic heating and air filtration systems which ensure rooms stay fresh during hot yoga sweat sessions.
Industrial chic at A Squad Called Savage
A Squad Called Savage
11/23-31 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point
Located right next to Harris Farm, the intimate industrial interior faces onto the street beckoning passers-by with floor-to-ceiling glimpses of urban concrete and flashes of neon signage. Offering both group-classes, bootcamps, 6-week programs and personalised one-on-one sessions, Savage Training uses a bespoke mix of all the latest equipment and techniques including TRX, strength training, kickboxing, calisthenics, yoga and cardio.
Emergy Pilates Moves
Shop 3, 50 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay
Offering private and group classes in Pilates (both reformer and matwork), pre- & post-natal circuits, Pilates on the Ball, Xtend Barre and AntiGravity trapeze & gymnastic fitness. All 55-minute classes incorporate all the principles and movements of classic Pilates.
RE:UNION’s slick space on Macleay Street
RE:UNION Training
6A Macleay St, Potts Point
Founded by Luke Istomin, one of the original founders of F45, RE:UNION is a small-group, yoga-inspired strength and conditioning gym. Known as the guy who transformed Hugh Jackman for the Wolverine movies, Luke is the ‘go-to’ PT for some of the world’s biggest celebrities and now he’s developed a new type of training for people of all ages and abilities.
Inpuls Studio
Shop 5 / 127-133 Macleay Street, Potts Point
INPULS uses Electro Muscular Stimulation (EMS) technology for a whole body workout that reaches deep into muscles in just 20 minutes. Clients wear a vest fitted with electrodes as well as arm and leg straps, whilst doing basic fitness training moves. It’s said that the deep activation stabilises muscles, improving posture and overall strength.
P.E. Dept
15 Orwell St, Potts Point
A multidisciplinary space offering a functional training studio (for both freestyle and group classes), a dedicated wellness studio with Pilates, barre, TRX and yoga classes as well as a well-equipped gym floor with classic cardio, free weights and strength machines. They pride themselves on offering a boutique experience, without the overcrowding you find in many gyms – including exclusive hours where P.E. Dept is only open to existing members.
Up!Cycle is a full-body workout to the beat
Up!Cycle
30 Orwell Street, Potts Point
A full-body aerobic spin workout, classes focus on having fun with selection of the right music to make you forget how hard you’re working. Featuring heavy isolation moves for strength and weighted upper body training, while the pace can be fast Up!Cycle is for all fitness levels with adjustable resistance on the bikes.
Boxing Works
83-97 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross
Offering group and one-on-one boxing, kickboxing, jiu jitsu, MMA, weights, cardio and personal training. Their expert instructors are not just personal trainers teaching boxing, they have all previously competed professionally making them masters of correct technique. Catering to all levels and abilities, whether you want to be a professional fighter, get fit, learn to defend yourself or just have fun. Read our URBANSWEAT review here.
LIFT Gym Club
318-320 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst
A friendly low-key local space with colourful graffiti-adorned walls, and well-equipped cardio, strength and weight areas. Owner Joseph Ralph is ex-British Armed Forces and experienced at coaching people at all fitness levels.
Yoga Village
Level 2, 20 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point
A welcoming space offering small close-knit classes for all levels from beginners to advanced. In line with their ethos of being an inclusive space, students can apply to donate their time or skills in exchange for attending classes. They also have regular courses, workshops, retreats and yoga teacher training.
Lord Of The Rig offers group circuit training
Lord of the Rig
191/205 William St, Darlinghurst
Not for the shy, this fishbowl-style studio features floor-to-ceiling windows facing onto busy William Street. A community atmosphere with small group classes offering personalised attention, nutritional and lifestyle guidance, as well as one-on-one sessions and online training via Skype.
The Workout Club
171 William St, Darlinghurst
Just down the hill on William St, this community fitness studio offers personal one-on-one and small group training classes in cardio, HIIT and boxing. A friendly environment for all fitness levels, group classes are affordable and can be booked casually without the need for lock-in contracts, joining fees or long-term commitments.
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