German culture is deep into fitness and wellness of all kinds, so finding options for workouts in Berlin won’t be a problem. (A good thing, considering all the options there are for food in Berlin!) With everything from hula-hooping to spin classes to personal training programs, there’s something for everyone in this diverse city.
Popular Ways to Work Out in Berlin
Gyms
Gyms are a great way to work out in Berlin. They offer different types of workouts, including strength training, cardio, and group fitness classes. Whether you want top-of-the-line facilities or something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of options. If you’re thinking of joining a gym, many offer a free trial period, so you can see how you like the facilities.
- McFIT
- FitX
- Fitness First
- Holmes Place
- Urban Sports Club
What is a challenge are contracts. Typical gym contracts run for 24-months, and they can be a huge pain to break if you wind up moving to a different part of the city, or want to cancel because you don’t use it enough. Luckily, there are some great alternatives!
Fitness classes
Classpass
For those familiar with it, YES, it’s here! For those not familiar with, Classpass is a platform that lets you use a number of class and training providers for a flat fee every month. Classpass uses a credit system to make it super easy to work out in Berlin. Your flat fee covers a set number of credits, and classes vary in credit “cost” pending how popular the activity is. A spin class is typically 9-11 credits, yoga varies from 3-9. I highly recommend it, especially if you also want to meet some new people.
Urban Sports Club
Prior to Classpass, Berlin used Urban Sports Club. Urban Sports Club, or USC, is basically a competitor to Classpass, offering many of the same benefits. Their approach, however, is based on tiers, and priced accordingly. And unlike Classpass, USC also includes actual gyms, in case classes aren’t really your thing. It offers great flexibility, and, even though it was created in Germany, everything you need to know is in English.
Outdoor workouts
The capital is known for its green spaces, so you’ll find plenty of options to work out in Berlin outdoors. Beautiful running trails (paved and unpaved), calisthetic set-ups, and even full-on outdoor gyms offer everyone the chance to get fit in the sun (or snow!). Some popular outdoor workout spots in Berlin are:
- Tiergarten Park
- Mauerpark
- Volkspark Friedrichshain
- Treptower Park
And of course, don’t forget Tempelhoferfeld, the abandoned airport-turned-city-park. Here you can amp up your outdoor work out to include kite surfing, roller skating, rollerblading, cycling, and everything in between. Many long-distance runners use the former runways as an ideal track to practice their tempos—also for the Berlin marathon!
Yoga and Pilates studios
Berlin has a thriving yoga and Pilates scene, with many studios offering different styles of yoga and Pilates classes. Some popular studios include:
- Jivamukti Yoga Berlin
- Spirit Yoga
- Yoga Sky Berlin
- Pilates Berlin
- Yoga School Berlin
Dance classes
Berlin is also known for its vibrant dance scene, with many dance studios offering classes in various styles, including hip hop, salsa, and tango. Some popular dance studios in Berlin include:
- Flying Steps Academy
- Tanzschule Traumtänzer
- Salsa Company
- Danza y Movimiento
- Tanzschule Friedrichshain
Biking
An easy option for workouts in Berlin is biking. Berlin is an extremely bike-able city, with designated bike lanes through most of the city. The most challenging part is the cobblestones in the older part of the city—otherwise, cycling is a breeze. Purchase your own bicycle, or take advantage of one Berlin’s bike sharing programs.
Swimming
Berlin has numerous indoor and outdoor swimming pools, which are a popular way to work out and relax. Here are some of the most popular swimming pools in Berlin:
- Stadtbad Mitte
- Prinzenbad
- Schwimmhalle Fischerinsel
- Sommerbad Neukölln
- Olympiastadion Schwimmstadion
- Stadtbad Lichtenberg
Other ways to work out in Berlin
La La Sports
Into sports that are a little more unconventional? La La Sports was created by expats here in Berlin who wanted to stay fit but weren’t into the big trends. They’ve curated organizations that provide sweet alternatives to staying fit: activities like fencing, (high)diving, archery, canoeing, hula-hooping, or paddle board yoga. Many of the classes are free or low-cost, and it’s a great way to experiment with something new in your new city.
Adidas Runbase
Adidas is the king fitness brand in Germany, and they’ve put their mark on Berlin with a gorgeous run and training hub—Adidas Runbase—right on the Spree. It offers run clubs, trainers, physiotherapy, and different types of classes. When you’re done with your workout, grab a healthy meal or shake from their in-house restaurant.
Overall, there are a ton of ways to work out in Berlin, catering to different interests and fitness levels. We hope you enjoy the exploration—and if you have your own recommendations, let us know in the comments! 🔵
