A Guide To The Best Gyms In St. Louis

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best gyms st. louis

I have a confession: I’ve never been a big fan of working out. While I love how it makes me feel afterward, I don’t love getting sweaty, running, or picking up heavy things. 

However, I know that the benefits of exercise outweigh my discomfort, so in my attempt to enjoy working out, I have been to several St. Louis gyms, ranging from rec centers to classes-only studios.

If you’re looking for a fitness studio in St. Louis, keep reading for my guide to the best gyms in St. Louis.

Map of My Best Gyms in St. Louis

My personal favorite: The Heights

Also known as the Maplewood-Richmond Heights Recreation Center, The Heights has everything I need in a gym and more! This space was recently renovated, so it feels brand new, and it also boasts several amenities, like a hot tub, pool, sauna, steam room, and even a library! 

Every time I’ve worked out at The Heights, it has been exceptionally clean, never too crowded, and the staff is always friendly. Not to mention, monthly membership rates at this gym are unbeatable for what you get in return! 

Best powerlifting gym in St. Louis: The L.A.B. Gym

The L.A.B. Gym offers the ideal fitness set up for those who love weightlifting, powerlifting, and CrossFit. With tons of different powerlifting spaces, benches, squat racks, and power bars, you won’t be fighting with other members over equipment – there’s plenty of room for everyone!

The L.A.B. Gym also has several personal trainers, group classes, and online trainers, so there are options for every kind of gym-goer. This gym’s tiered membership options mean that you don’t have to pay for options you aren’t interested in, making membership options affordable and flexible.

  • Address: 4011 Papin St, St. Louis, MO 63110
  • Website: The L.A.B. Gym

Best workout classes: TruFusion

TruFusion is one of my favorite gyms for many reasons! First, I love the motivating environment, ultra-clean (and massive) locker rooms, and various amenities. They even have designer bathroom toiletries! But best of all, TruFusion’s workout classes are killer – and will likely get you into the best shape of your life. 

This gym only offers fitness classes, so you won’t find any standard gym equipment here. But for those who love working out alongside others, this is a great option.

TruFusion offers a variety of classes, like yoga, boot camps, pilates, boxing, and cycling. They even have heated classes if you want to sweat even more!

Best gym for rock climbing in St. Louis: Upper Limits Downtown

Nestled in an old railroad building in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Upper Limits is hands-down the best place for rock climbing in the city! The main climbing area is 35 feet, while the rest of the facility offers three bouldering areas, massive arches, a private climbing area for parties, a treadmill, and locker rooms with showers.

If rock climbing is your workout of choice, there’s no better spot than Upper Limits Downtown!

  • Address: 326 S 21st St, St. Louis, MO 63103
  • Website: Upper Limits

Best Lagree Pilates fitness studio: PLNK

I have several friends who have jumped on the PLNK bandwagon and are now obsessed! This fitness studio offers high-intensity, low-impact classes that evolved from a form of pilates: the Lagree Method. This workout uses the Megaformer, a piece of equipment that uses bungees, handles, and cables, so the movement options are limitless. 

PLNK’s classes are not for the faint of heart – while the movements might be slow and intentional, this workout will test your core to its limits. Be ready to break a sweat! 

  • Address 1: 1196 Town & Country Crossing Dr. Town And Country, Mo 63017
  • Address 2: 1560 S Lindbergh Blvd St. Louis, Mo 63131
  • Address 3: 4647 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, Mo 63108
  • Website: PLNK Fitness

Best gym for aerial fitness: Bumbershoot Aerial Arts

I took an aerial arts class at Bumbershoot a few years ago, and I think it was the most fun I’ve ever had while working out!

(If you’re unfamiliar with aerial arts, think of an acrobat twisting and flipping around on a piece of silk hanging from the ceiling)

Bumbershoot’s light-filled studio and brightly colored silks make the environment fun and inviting. 

Bumbershoot offers private lessons, silks classes, trapeze, rope classes, hoops, and more. Not only are the classes unique and fun, but you’ll also get a great workout in! 

Best equipment selection: Fit City Gym

Not only does Fit City Gym have a vast array of equipment, but they are always kept super clean and in brand new condition. This gym has any piece of equipment you can think of, and the cardio equipment selection is especially noteworthy.

With over 24,000 feet of space, a clean environment, an Olympic-style powerlifting room, and friendly staff, this gym has everything you could ever want for your workouts. 

  • Address: 1601 S Jefferson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
  • Website: Fit City Gym

Best women’s-only gym: Dragonfly Fitness and Training

Dragonfly Fitness and Training is an excellent option for women seeking community at the gym. Offering group classes and personal training, Dragonfly’s trainers are some of the best in the city, and they’ll make sure to get to know you by name. 

You can expect to be challenged by the instructors at Dragonfly, but each workout is adaptable to suit each person’s needs. This gym is more than a fitness studio; it’s a wellness community!

Best fitness instructors: Shred415 Brentwood

Shred415 offers fitness classes based on the 4/15 method: you’ll get four 15-minute intervals focusing on treadmill movements and strength training. These small-group classes are motivating, and the fitness instructors are some of the best in St. Louis. 

Whether you need encouragement to get through a workout or modifications for an exercise, the trainers are incredibly helpful.