The best gyms aren’t necessarily the flashiest. I’ve trained in a lot of places over the years, from concrete military gyms with rusty barbells to hotel basements on tour, and what I’ve realised is that the equipment almost never makes the difference – it’s the energy. For me, Third Space in London is one of the best examples. The first time I trained there, it felt more like walking into a performance institute than a city gym. Altitude chambers, testing labs, recovery areas – it’s all there. It’s the kind of place where CEOs and athletes can train side by side. 

Crossing the Atlantic brings a different kind of vibe. I’ll never forget stepping into Soho House in Chicago – there’s was a full-size boxing ring in the middle of the floor, with a proper 1930s fight-club vibe. You could almost hear the echoes of old-school sparring sessions.

Equinox Hudson Yards in New York sets the benchmark for luxury fitness. Think biomechanics testing, elite recovery options and rooftop sessions overlooking Manhattan. Korrect Fitness in Austin has also flipped the script: maces, clubs, kettlebells and movement flows – it forces you to think differently about your body.

Elite Atoll Fitness in Phuket is the definition of training in paradise. Open air, ocean breeze, tropical heat – but far from a casual beach gym. It’s got world-class kit, smart programming and serious energy.

There are a few places still on my bucket list. First is the Altitude Training Centre in Colorado – the idea of combining nature with cutting-edge science is powerful. I’d also love to join the Mile High Run Club in NYC. I’ve heard great things about how they’ve created a community-driven space built entirely around running, with an energy that pushes you beyond limits.

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America has the best gym culture right now. There’s a real embrace of all aspects of wellness – strength and conditioning gyms, Pilates and yoga studios, and recovery clinics all in the same neighbourhood. It makes it easy to train seriously while balancing recovery. I travel frequently to LA and always head to Lobos Boxing Club. It’s a brilliant boxing gym with a great atmosphere and vibe. Boxing has always been my go-to when I travel – it forces focus and builds energy in a way nothing else does.

Away from the city buzz, my favourite place to train is Albany in the Bahamas. It has an amazing indoor gym and outdoor space for Hyrox or CrossFit-style sessions. In a single day, I can do a morning gym session, breakfast, golf, padel or tennis before dinner, then yoga on the beach. That balance of variety and environment is rare.

When I’m back in the US, I love trying local classes. Rise Nation is a standout, especially because I love the Versa-Climber. In LA, I always return to the original Barry’s Bootcamp in West Hollywood.

One place I’d love to train at is Nimmo Bay in British Columbia. Being from the West Coast, it looks like the perfect environment to recharge from the daily stress of London living.

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When choosing a gym, I look for kit that goes beyond the basics – think racks, sleds, free weights and space to move – as well as the vibe. Is it a place where people are pushing each other? Recovery options – ice baths, saunas or even just a well-designed stretch area – also matter when you’re training hard away from home.

One of the most impressive examples is Train Beach Club in Dubai. It combines elite-level equipment with an outdoor performance vibe, right next to the sea. You can hit a serious strength session, then step straight into recovery mode on the beach.

On the other side of the world, 1 Hotel West Hollywood is my favourite hotel gym. It’s beautifully designed, fully equipped and overlooks the Hollywood Hills. The whole space is built so performance and recovery feel like part of the stay, not an afterthought.

There are studios every fitness fan should try. Gold’s Gym Venice in LA is a must – it’s the mecca of bodybuilding with electric energy – as is Body Factory Bali. Third Space in London is also the benchmark for premium training and recovery.

SIRO One Za’abeel in Dubai is a place I’m keen to visit. It’s a full fitness and recovery ecosystem built around training, nutrition, sleep and mindfulness. I’d also love to get to the Sanctuary in Mykonos – a hybrid space where movement, wellness, music and community come together – as well as Amanpuri in Thailand, for the integration of training, wellness and recovery in a five-star setting.

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I look for spaces that feel like social clubs. A studio should be more than somewhere you just spend an hour – I need somewhere I can work out, recover and hang out afterwards. That’s why The Campus in Quinta do Lago, Portugal, tops my list. It has everything you could want from a getaway fitness facility – top-class facilities, tennis and padel courts, hot and cold recovery, and some of the world’s best athletes training on its pitches.

Ireland has a hidden gem. The Dean hotel group has locations in Dublin, Cork and Galway – the facilities are top notch, including a couple of boutique studios with full class schedules, fantastic gym facilities and recovery suites. Pound for pound, it’s hard to beat.

Bucket list gyms? Oxygen Gym in Dubai – even just to admire its sheer scale – and the Continuum Club in New York. At $10k per month, it must be something extraordinary.

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The BodyHoliday in St Lucia is an all-time favourite. Don’t be fooled by the name – while it has all the elements of a luxury retreat, it also boasts a jam-packed schedule of activities. Guests can try everything from golf to kayaking, cycling to beach volleyball. Each morning, a fresh schedule is posted on a blackboard, and a daily massage is included too.

New York is a playground for cool studios. The Equinox Hotel is next level, as is Remedy Place with its ice baths, saunas and guided breathwork sessions. Yoga in Central Park is also an experience I’d recommend – it captures the city’s energy in a way no studio can replicate.

For something closer to home, Marbella is always a strong choice. Head to Puente Romano – a world-class facility complete with a cycle studio, boxing ring and top-of-the-line Technogym equipment. Estelle Manor has also caught my eye with its Roman-inspired spa and wellness centre. I’m also planning a trip to San Pietro di Positano on the Amalfi Coast, which has Technogym equipment set on decks overlooking the ocean – that’s the kind of experience that sticks with you.

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