Sports are for everyone, no matter where you're from. The French couple lifting weights in the corner, the Dutch听woman on the treadmill and the elderly Iranian man听in the Zumba class听鈥斕齛听melting pot of different cultures and languages makes it crystal-clear that everyone is welcome in Hamburg's many gyms. And staying in shape even has great side-effects beyond improving health听鈥斕齭weating together can be a great听way to meet new people, Germans and fellow foreigners alike.
In order to get an overview of the most popular gyms in Hamburg, there are a few things听you should know. Most important among them is that听you鈥檒l be hard-pressed to work out at a German 骋测尘苍补蝉颈耻尘听鈥斕齮he word means 'grammar school' or 'high school'. Rather, you should be on the lookout for a 'Fitness Studio'!
Choosing a Gym
Choosing from such a wide range听of very different fitness studios can be hard. But there are some criteria to go by.听True gym rats will assure you that the closer you live to your gym of choice, the more often you鈥檒l actually go. Avoid reasons for staying听on your couch and look in your immediate area. Also, temporary residents of Hamburg should keep in mind that they must usually sign half-year or one-year contract, and that these听are extended automatically. Read contracts carefully before signing, especially when it comes to听the cheaper gyms. However, most gyms can also be entered at a daily rate.听If in doubt, ask people at the gym for details.
Popular gym chains in Germany are , and . Registering with one of them means full access to every one of their locations in Germany or even worldwide. All of these chains operate several gyms across the city, just like the Hamburg-based chains听听补苍诲 . 听听
The atmosphere is often a little more friendly听at one of the smaller gyms. in Ottensen has affordable rates, whereas the exclusive facilities听of in Eimsb眉ttel or 听(see photo)听come at a significantly higher price. 听offers high-end fitness centres at three locations in Hamburg.听 in Altona is women only, while students are well-advised to look for 听offers at their university. People who are interested in many different sports can look at and sign one听contract for dozens of different sports providers.