If you want to join a gym in St Andrews, you are in luck.
The Fife town is home to a thriving fitness scene, with a plethora of workout facilities to suit all needs, abilities and budgets.
But with so many to choose from, you may be wondering what is the best fit.
So we asked St Andrews mental health and exercise coach Fiona Oxley for her advice.
The Jog Scotland leader and high-intensity interval trainer has been helping people improve their mental health through exercise since 2001.
These are the gyms in and around St Andrews she recommends to her clients.
Saints Sport
The facilities at Saint Sport at St Andrews University are world-class, evidenced by the fact that the Scottish Rugby Team even train here at times.
They also have a lot of exercise classes – including ones tailored for children – and a fantastic range of personal trainers.
Although it’s a university gym, everyone is welcome here and I know a lot of locals who attend.
However, people should know this gym can get really busy – especially during term time. I would recommend attending during off-peak hours.
Address: Saints Sport, University Park, St Leonard’s Rd, St Andrews, KY16 9DY
Website: sport.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/location/
Price: Community membership from £37 per month
East Sands Leisure Centre
The new gym at East Sands Leisure Centre was recently refurbished and has proved to be popular with locals.
It has a wide range of equipment, including strength, cardiovascular and free weights, catering to diverse fitness needs.
The council-run facility also has a great variety of exercise classes and users have access to a wide range of facilities, including the swimming pool and squash courts.
It is also one of the most affordable options in the town.
Address: St Mary St, St Andrews, KY16 8LH
Website: fifeleisure.org.uk/locations/east-sands/
Price: From £24 per month
Kohler Waters Spa Fitness Centre, Old Course Hotel
The Kohler Waters Spa Fitness Centre at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews offers members a high-end fitness experience.
There are various options for working out, including PT sessions, group fitness classes and a really nice gym for working out solo.
There is a friendly atmosphere and a good sense of community, with people often enjoying a coffee and a chat after classes.
This is a popular gym and it has a long waitlist – so prepare to be patient!
Address: Old Course Hotel, Old Station Rd, St Andrews KY16 9SP
Website: www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk/spa-and-fitness
Price: From £105 per month
Fairmont Hotel
The gym at the Fairmont Hotel is another great option for those seeking a slightly more luxurious workout experience.
It is modern, spacious and stocked with all the gym equipment you could need – including a great free weights section.
And after your workout, you can enjoy a visit to their sauna and swimming pool, or enjoy a coffee in the hotel bar.
Although it offers a similar five-star hotel experience to The Old Course Hotel, it is located just outside of town, so is not as easy to reach by foot.
Address: Kingask House, St Andrews, KY16 8PN
Website: www.fairmont.com/st-andrews-scotland/spa/fairmont-standrews-spa/
Price: From £99 per month
Rhynd Fitness
Rhynd Fitness is situated on a farm in Leuchars, about a 15-minute drive from St Andrews.
The warehouse gym is modern yet rustic, with a friendly, inclusive atmosphere and a strong sense of community.
Rhynd Fitness is unique in its emphasis on outdoor training, with most of its energetic classes held in the open air. The classes here are challenging but great fun and good for team building.
I would say it is best suited to those who drive because of its rural location, up a farm track.
Address: Rhynd Farm, Leuchars, Tayport, KY16 0DR
Website: www.therhynd.com/fitness
Price: From £20 per month
The Clayton Gym
Finally, I would recommend the gym at Clayton Caravan Park, which is about a 20-minute drive from St Andrews.
It is a small gym – only suitable for a few people at a time – and requires booking ahead.
This means you get to enjoy a private and peaceful workout experience, so I would say it’s ideal for people who are just starting out on their fitness journey.
It doesn’t have a full complement of equipment, but it has the major items, including free weights, treadmills, and resistance machines.
You can also bring a personal trainer here with you, if you like, and take advantage of the swimming pool and cafe on site.
Address: Clayton Caravan Park, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YB
Website: www.clayton-caravan-park.com/gym-at-clayton.php
Price: £6.95 per session
- Follow Fiona on Facebook to learn more about her mental health and exercise coaching services. You can also join one of her seasonal classes for walkers and runners at Craigtoun Country Park.
Conversation