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Time Business News
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Time Business News
10 Best Gyms in Sydney (2025) for Every Fitness Level
Looking for the best gyms in Sydney? Whether you're a beginner or a pro, here are the top 10 gyms in 2025 for every fitness level, goal, and budget. 10 Best Gyms in Sydney (2025) for Every Fitness Level Finding the perfect gym isn't just about the equipment it's about the vibe, the trainers, the crowd, and whether you actually want to go. Whether you're new to fitness, training for your next marathon, or trying to finally commit to those New Year's goals, this list of the best gyms Sydney has to offer in 2025 has something for you. We've included a mix of budget-friendly spots, elite performance centres, 24/7 chains, and community-style gyms so you can pick what fits you best. 1. Virgin Active – Pitt Street Best for: All-round fitness, luxury facilities, group classes Located in the heart of Sydney CBD, Virgin Active is known for its high-end facilities, top-tier equipment, and wide range of group classes from boxing and HIIT to reformer Pilates. The environment is clean, modern, and motivating. Membership: From $38/week From $38/week Bonus: Sleep pods, spa, and a smoothie bar 2. Fitness First – Bondi Platinum Best for: Group classes, premium location, variety of training styles Fitness First is a household name, and the Bondi Platinum location is one of their best. You'll find everything from free weights to yoga to small group training. Plus, the views near the beach are a mood booster in themselves. Membership: From $32/week From $32/week Bonus: Outdoor training zone & sauna 3. Plus Fitness 24/7 – Multiple Locations Best for: Convenience, affordability, beginners If you want a no-frills, accessible gym that's open 24/7, Plus Fitness is a reliable choice. It's beginner-friendly with all the essential machines, and most locations have a strong community vibe. Membership: From $14.95/week From $14.95/week Bonus: No lock-in contract 4. 98 Gym – Riley Street Best for: Strength & conditioning, serious athletes Founded by former Commando Steve from The Biggest Loser , 98 Gym is for those who want to train like professionals. It focuses on performance training, functional movement, and results-based workouts. Membership: From $65/week From $65/week Bonus: Access to expert programming & performance testing 5. F45 Training – Various Locations Best for: High-intensity group workouts, time-efficient sessions If you like a fast-paced, social workout, F45 might be your match. Each 45-minute class is a mix of cardio and strength, changing daily. With locations all over Sydney, it's super accessible. Membership: From $55/week From $55/week Bonus: Community-driven with trainer support every session 6. City Gym – Darlinghurst Best for: Bodybuilding, diversity, old-school gym lovers An iconic gym in Sydney with a strong LGBTQ+ following, City Gym has been around since 1978 and still delivers. It's especially popular among bodybuilders, fitness models, and people who love a no-BS gym vibe. Membership: From $29.95/week From $29.95/week Bonus: Open 24/7 with a café and posing room 7. 1R (OneRebel) – Martin Place Best for: Boutique fitness, music-driven workouts, stylish space Think of it as the 'nightclub of fitness.' OneRebel is a UK-born boutique fitness brand known for its intense classes, LED-lit rooms, and pumping playlists. It's all about the experience. Membership: Class-pack or pay-per-class from $30 Class-pack or pay-per-class from $30 Bonus: Luxury changerooms & cold towels 8. Snap Fitness – Suburban Locations Best for: Quiet environments, 24/7 access, local feel Snap Fitness is great for those who want a more relaxed, consistent space to train in. It's less crowded than the big chains and offers decent equipment and personalized programs. Membership: From $17.95/week From $17.95/week Bonus: Free intro PT session with most memberships 9. The Cube Gym – Zetland Best for: Functional training, CrossFit-style workouts If you love lifting, jumping, pulling, and sweating with intention, this place blends the best of CrossFit with structured strength training. The coaches are hands-on, and the programming changes often. Membership: From $55/week From $55/week Bonus: Open gym access plus coached classes 10. Barry's Bootcamp – Martin Place Best for: HIIT lovers, high-energy sessions, transformation goals Barry's is all about intensity and results. Known globally for its 'red room,' every session combines treadmill intervals with strength circuits. It's hard but it works. Membership: Class packs or unlimited options starting around $35/session Class packs or unlimited options starting around $35/session Bonus: High-end protein bar on site Things to Consider When Choosing a Gym in Sydney Location: Choose one close to home or work you're more likely to go Choose one close to home or work you're more likely to go Fitness level: Some gyms are beginner-friendly, others cater to pros Some gyms are beginner-friendly, others cater to pros Training style: Group fitness? Bodybuilding? Functional? Match the vibe Group fitness? Bodybuilding? Functional? Match the vibe Hours: 24/7 gyms offer flexibility if you have a hectic schedule 24/7 gyms offer flexibility if you have a hectic schedule Cost: Don't forget to check for joining fees or minimum contracts Large FAQs (Instead of Conclusion) Plus Fitness and Snap Fitness offer some of the lowest weekly rates, often under $20, with 24/7 access and no lock-in contracts. Yes! Virgin Active, Barry's Bootcamp, and OneRebel are premium fitness spaces with designer facilities, high-end equipment, and extra perks like saunas, sleep pods, and luxe changerooms. Snap Fitness, Plus Fitness, and some Fitness First locations are great for beginners with easy-to-use machines and optional PT guidance. Virgin Active and F45 stand out for their variety and quality of group training. If you're after a boutique feel, Barry's Bootcamp and OneRebel are top choices. Many gyms offer free trials or discounted intro weeks. It's best to visit their website or call the front desk to check availability. Yes. Plus Fitness, Snap Fitness, and City Gym are open 24/7 and are ideal for people with non-traditional schedules. City Gym and 98 Gym are two of the best spots for serious lifters, offering extensive weight racks, machines, and supportive communities. If you value experience, motivation, and design, boutique gyms like Barry's or OneRebel can be worth the higher cost especially if group training keeps you consistent. Some locations like Fitness First and Virgin Active offer student or off-peak discounts. Always ask during signup. Most mid-to-high-end gyms such as Virgin Active, Fitness First, and 98 Gym offer showers, lockers, and towel service. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Who are Oliver & Alexander Kent-Brabham? Millionaire Marshmallow car insurance CEOs who began selling golf balls aged 12
BRIT twin entrepreneurs Oliver and Alexander Kent-Braham founded Marshmallow in their 20s and initially ran it using free wi-fi out of a Virgin Active gym. The pioneering fintech insurance company was valued at around £1.5 billion in 2025 — here's everything you need to know. 2 Oliver and Alexander Kent-Braham (right) and were featured in the 2025 Rich List Credit: Getty Who are the Kent-Braham twins? Oliver and Alexander Kent-Braham co-founded Marshmallow — a pioneering car insurance fintech company that has achieved unicorn status. Fintechs are companies that rely primarily on technology and cloud services to provide financial services, rather than physical locations. And in the context of venture capital and startups, "unicorn status" refers to a private company valued at over $1 billion. Oliver and Alexander were featured in the 2025 Rich List, ranking seventh on the 40 Under 40 list with an estimated wealth of £704 million. The brothers were the biggest insurance climbers on the list, highlighting their rapid rise among the UK's wealthiest youngsters. Selling golf balls at 12 Oliver and Alexander began their entrepreneurial journey early, selling golf balls they retrieved from a lake by the age of 12. Educated at Reed's School in Surrey, where they were talented tennis players — even representing Great Britain at under-16 level — the twins eventually shifted their focus from sports to technology and finance — particularly fintech. They identified a significant gap in the UK insurance market — the difficult "riskier" groups such as young drivers, or those with low credit scores, face when trying to get affordable car insurance. In 2017, Oliver and Alexander founded Marshmallow alongside chief technology officer (CTO) David Goaté and industry veteran Tim Holliday, who's now the CEO of the company, The company was initially run from the lobby of a Virgin Active gym, where their vision of using advanced data science and technology to offer fairer pricing and coverage came to life. In 2021, Oliver told the BBC: "We were all members of Virgin Active gym. It had wi-fi, coffee and a location on The Strand!" He added: "If we were going to start again we would look to raise capital sooner, because before you raise capital you don't have the confidence to take the next step. 2 Marshmallow car insurance billboard Credit: Marshmallow car insurance "It was literally Tim Holliday, David, Alexander and myself for nine months. Tim joined our company not taking a salary." Their next step was to raise capital to grow the business. Oliver said: "Venture capitalists hold the keys to starting new companies. "You have to have a mutual acquaintance to even speak to many funders and that needs to change," Marshmallow quickly grew, attracting over 100,000 users early on and expanding its team significantly. The company has gone on to raise substantial venture capital funding, including an $85 million (£63 million) Series B round in 2021, which valued it at $1.25 billion (930 million), before a $90 million (67 million) funding round in 2025 that nearly doubled its valuation to $2 billion (£1.5 billion). The Kent-Braham twins have become notable figures not only for their business success, but also for their role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the fintech and insurtech sectors, which have been often been viewed as traditionally conservative.
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Who are Oliver & Alexander Kent-Brabham? Millionaire Marshmallow car insurance CEOs who began selling golf balls aged 12
BRIT twin entrepreneurs Oliver and Alexander Kent-Braham founded Marshmallow in their 20s and initially ran it using free wi-fi out of a Virgin Active gym. The pioneering fintech insurance company was valued at around £1.5 billion in 2025 — here's everything you need to know. Advertisement 2 Oliver and Alexander Kent-Braham (right) and were featured in the 2025 Rich List Credit: Getty Who are the Kent-Braham twins? Oliver and Alexander Kent-Braham co-founded Marshmallow — a pioneering car insurance fintech company that has achieved unicorn status. Fintechs are companies that rely primarily on technology and cloud services to provide financial services, rather than physical locations. And in the context of venture capital and startups, "unicorn status" refers to a private company valued at over $1 billion. Oliver and Alexander were featured in the 2025 Rich List, ranking seventh on the Advertisement read more UK news The brothers were the biggest insurance climbers on the list, highlighting their rapid rise among the Selling golf balls at 12 Oliver and Alexander began their entrepreneurial journey early, selling golf balls they retrieved from a lake by the age of 12. Educated at Reed's School in Surrey, where they were talented tennis players — even representing Great Britain at under-16 level — the twins eventually shifted their focus from sports to technology and finance — particularly fintech. They identified a significant gap in the UK insurance market — the difficult "riskier" groups such as young drivers, or those with low credit scores, face when trying to get affordable car insurance. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive In 2017, Oliver and Alexander founded Marshmallow alongside chief technology officer (CTO) David Goaté and industry veteran Tim Holliday, who's now the CEO of the company, The company was initially run from the lobby of a Virgin Active gym, where their vision of using advanced data science and technology to offer fairer pricing and coverage came to life. In 2021, Oliver told the BBC: "We were all members of Virgin Active gym. It had wi-fi, coffee and a location on The Strand!" He added: "If we were going to start again we would look to raise capital sooner, because before you raise capital you don't have the confidence to take the next step. Advertisement 2 Marshmallow car insurance billboard Credit: Marshmallow car insurance "It was literally Tim Holliday, David, Alexander and myself for nine months. Tim joined our company not taking a salary." Their next step was to raise capital to grow the business. Oliver said: "Venture capitalists hold the keys to starting new companies. Advertisement "You have to have a mutual acquaintance to even speak to many funders and that needs to change," Marshmallow quickly grew, attracting over 100,000 users early on and expanding its team significantly. The company has gone on to raise substantial venture capital funding, including an $85 million (£63 million) Series B round in 2021, which valued it at $1.25 billion (930 million), before a $90 million (67 million) funding round in 2025 that nearly doubled its valuation to $2 billion (£1.5 billion). The Kent-Braham twins have become notable figures not only for their business success, but also for their role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the fintech and insurtech sectors, which have been often been viewed as traditionally conservative. Advertisement
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Are gyms open on the Early May Bank Holiday 2025?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GYMS are always popular in the build-up to the summer months as Brits start working on their ideal beach bodies. However, fitness enthusiasts may have to take a break as several major chains will be adjusting their hours on the Early May Bank Holiday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Some gyms will be adjusting their hours over the bank holiday Credit: Getty Images 3 However, some clubs will remain open for hardcore fitness fanatics Credit: Getty Images The Gym Group Unlike many gym chains in the UK, the Gym Group's branches are open 24/7. This allows customers to work out at any time of their choosing. Its gyms will remain open to customers on the Early May Bank Holiday. Bannatyne's Founded by Scottish business mogul and Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne, Bannatyne Health Clubs are one of the UK's most fashionable places to work out. The chain launched in 1997, in North Yorkshire, and soon grew to have over 60 locations in the UK. Opening times vary between clubs so you'll need to check your local gym's webpage for more details. David Lloyd clubs David Lloyd Leisure was launched in 1982 by tennis legend David Lloyd and has become synonymous with the word "luxury". The chain now has over 100 gyms in the UK and offers swimming, tennis and personalised fitness classes. David Lloyd clubs normally remain open on the Early May Bank Holiday, though some clubs may have a reduced number of classes. Ask at your local gym's reception for more details. Dunnes Stores drop new seamless workout collection Pure Gym Pure Gym is the largest UK gym chain by membership and has more than 300 facilities across the UK (as of April 2025). The chain's facilities are open 24/7, similar to The Gym Group, meaning it is welcomes customers all year round. Although you may need to ask for more details at your local gym, most of the brand's clubs will be open as normal on the Early May Bank Holiday. Total Fitness Despite having just 15 locations in England and Wales, Total Fitness have a staggering 80,000 members. Total Fitness gyms generally open on bank holidays, but business hours will vary depending on the location of each gym. The only exception to this is over Easter, when Total Fitness have closed on Easter Sunday, and operated with reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday. 3 Virgin Active launched in 1999 Credit: Alarmy Virgin Active Virgin Active was first opened by Sir Richard Branson in 1999 and has quickly become one of the coolest gym chains in the UK. On weekdays, Virgin gyms normally open at 6am and close again at 10pm. Opening times are different on weekends, though, with most gyms opening at 8am and closing at 8pm. Virgin Active varies its hours on the Early May Bank Holiday depending on location, so ask at the reception of your gym for specific opening times. Bank holiday dates There are several more UK bank holidays to look forward to this year: England and Wales May 5, 2025 - Early May bank holiday May 26, 2025 - Spring bank holiday August 25, 2025 - Summer bank holiday December 25, 2025 - Christmas Day December 26, 2025 - Boxing Day Scotland May 5, 2025 - Early May bank holiday May 26, 2025 - Spring bank holiday August 4, 2025 - Summer bank holiday December 1, 2025 - St Andrew's Day December 25, 2025 - Christmas Day December 26, 2025 - Boxing Day Northern Ireland
BBC News
27-01-2025
- BBC News
Sheffield gym-goer asked to remove 'Free Palestine' T-shirt after complaint
A gym-goer claims he was asked to remove his 'Free Palestine' T-shirt during a workout after another customer said it was "offensive".Jasvinder Khosa, 64, said he had worn the T-shirt for the past five years without issue but, on 15 January, a member of staff at the Virgin Active in Nether Edge, Sheffield, asked him to take it retired teacher said it was his "right" to wear the shirt, which also calls for a boycott on Israel on the reverse, but that it was not his intention to "upset" Active has not yet responded to a BBC request for comment, but, according to its website, the company states that people may be asked to leave if their attire is not considered "suitable". As well as the words on the reverse, Mr Khosa's T-shirt also features an image of a missile over a from Ireland, Mr Khosa suffered a stroke 30 years ago which required three brain operations and left the right side of his body severely weakened. He works out regularly to build up his strength."The gym not only exercises my body but is really good for my mental health," he himself as "strongly against" Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories, he said his intention was not to "upset" people."I want people to come up to me and have an open discussion."People have stopped me before and said 'good on you'. I've gone for coffee with other people and talked about this stuff."Ultimately, it's my right to wear this T-shirt."According to Virgin Active's club rules', users "must be dressed in suitable attire at all times when on club premises" and "the Club General Manager may, at his/her/their discretion, require you to leave a Club or part of a Club premises, if your attire is not considered suitable". Israel has occupied the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank since 1967. In October 2023 gunmen from Hamas – which runs Gaza and is designated a terrorist organisation by the UK government – launched attacks on southern Israel killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 reprisal, Israel launched air strikes and a ground invasion of Gaza with the aim of eliminating Hamas. More than 45,000 people have been killed in the Israeli campaign according to the Hamas-run health ministry.A ceasefire has been in place since earlier this month, with some Israeli hostages being exchanged for Palestinian Khosa admitted that he "doesn't know" whether he will wear the T-shirt at the gym again, especially if Virgin Active threaten to take away his membership"I need to come here and do my stretching so I need to have a good think about this," he BBC has approached Virgin Active for a comment but has not yet received a to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
