Best gyms in Durban

The shortlist

• Best overall: Virgin Active Umhlanga. The biggest facility north of the city, pool and squash included.
• Best value: Berea Community Gym. R289 a month with free beginner inductions.
• Best for fighters: Durban Muay Thai Centre. Beginner and competitive classes six days a week.
• Best on the north coast: Ballito Beach Fit. Functional training plus beach conditioning sessions.
• Best inland: Pietermaritzburg Powerhouse. Old-school iron, honest pricing, an hour up the N3.

Training in Durban humidity

Almost everyone trains before 07:00 or after 18:00. Check that your gym has working air conditioning and that the class studio is not the hottest room in the building.

Parking and access

Umhlanga clubs have secure parking; Berea and Morningside gyms are better reached on foot or by taxi from the Musgrave and Florida Road corridors.