The Best Gyms in Brighton and Hove

Written By Dynamo Gym

Finding the right gym in Brighton and Hove isn't straightforward. The city has everything from budget chains to specialist studios, and the best option depends entirely on what you're actually trying to achieve.

This guide breaks down the main types of gym available in Brighton and Hove, what they're good for, and who they suit best — so you can make a decision you won't regret.

Budget gym chains

Brighton and Hove has several large-format budget gyms, typically priced between £20–£35 per month. They offer a lot of equipment, long opening hours, and low commitment. If you're self-motivated, know what you're doing, and just need access to weights and machines, these do the job.

The downsides: they're busy, impersonal, and there's no coaching or accountability built in. If you've ever joined one and stopped going after six weeks, you'll know the feeling.

Mid-range and independent gyms

There are a number of independent gyms across Brighton and Hove offering a step up in environment and, often, community. These tend to attract more committed members and have a stronger culture. Prices vary widely.

Boutique fitness studios

Cycling, yoga, Pilates, boxing — Brighton and Hove has a strong boutique fitness scene. These work well for people who want a specific format and enjoy the class experience. The cost per session is usually higher than a standard membership, and the strength training element is generally limited.

Small group training

A newer model that's become increasingly popular: small-group classes with a coach present. It’s your typical class model, but on a much smaller scale. This is what most small independent gyms offer around Brighton and Hove.

Dynamo Gym

This is the model we use at Dynamo, and it’s our unique model. This isn’t a class where everyone is doing the same thing, every member has a bespoke programme written by Ben and Cat, our head coaches. This meets the needs of the individual; their goals, their abilities, their injury history, and their preferences. Sessions are capped at 6 people, and every session is supervised by an expert coach. The result is something close to personal training — but at a much lower cost.

Membership is £125 per month for three sessions per week. Add-on sessions are £2.50 each if you wish to attend more frequently.

It's not for everyone — it's more structured and more coached than a standard gym. But if you want results, accountability, and to actually enjoy coming to the gym, it's worth a look.

Personal training

One-to-one personal training in Brighton ranges from around £50–£80 per session. If budget isn't a concern and you want maximum individual attention, it's the gold standard.

Which type of gym is right for you?

  • You're self-motivated and experienced: a well-equipped independent or budget gym works fine.

  • You want to lose weight, build strength, or genuinely change your fitness: you need coaching and accountability. A semi-private gym or PT is worth the investment.

  • You want to enjoy exercise and meet people: community matters — look for gyms with a strong culture, not just good equipment.

  • You're recovering from injury: look for somewhere with access to a physiotherapist or a rehab-literate coach.

At Dynamo, we offer all of the above — including on-site physiotherapy with our head coach Ben, who is also a qualified physiotherapist. We're based in Hove and welcome members from across Brighton and Hove.

If you're not sure if we're the right fit, come and try a session for free. No commitment, no sales pitch.

Dynamo Gym