The second biggest city, out of the three capitals of Baltic countries, is situated furthest from the Baltic sea (to be more specific, it’s located where the Vilnia River and Neris River cross), but city is no less interesting than Riga or Tallinn, especially as far as tourism and weekend tours go. The remains of medieval construction persist in harmony with modern skyscrapers, built from concrete and glass; while ancient alleys will lead us to the best fitness clubs of the Lithuanian capital. You will love said clubs so bad, that temptation to prolong your stay in Vilnius will become irresistible.
Today, Vilnius looks like the most developed fitness-city, in comparison with other Baltic states; and it is just filled to the brim with various clubs and studios. One of the oldest and largest chains in the mid-range category is Impuls will suit fans of the more “standard” format of fitness-clubs, but won’t impress with anything extraordinary.
If you are suddenly overcome with the wish to work out in the middle of the night or early in the morning, but everything is still closed- feel free to try out GymPlius – a solid, affordable option that works day and night, seven days of the week. GymPlius is equipped with Technogym machines and they have their own, “hand-crafted”, group programs (not the infamous LesMills, which you may be accustomed to). The problem with this gym is that you will have to acquire a pass at reception before you start going there on a constant basis (this nuance might be a nuisance for some tourists).
Like in all Baltic capitals, in Vilnius, a fitness tourist can visit the renowned People Fitness club, which is located on the top floor of the “Panorama” mall. It’s easy enough to purchase an unlimited trial tour, for only 3 euros, online or at reception. We don’t know why, but at the newer People Fitness Zirmunai the only membership left is 3 days for 9,95 euros, so you can confidently take your business to LemonGym, where the first visit is free (LemonGym is located in a business centre, called “Europe”). But, honestly speaking, if People fitness will spoil you with modern equipment from Life Fitness or Hammer Strength – the stuff over at LemonGym is fitted with much older and simpler equipment.
If you’re tired of the classic Premium Budget clubs and are ready for real luxury, then get dressed and head over to Fitus. You’ll have to take a taxi from the city centre, but the bliss you will feel from the training session, the modern equipment from Life Fitness; SPA and pool will not leave you indifferent towards Lithuanian Fitness. If you will desire more intense workouts, the atmosphere of which will remind you of 1Rebel club in London or the TRIB3 club in Moscow – welcome to the most modernized gym:RE.FORMATAS. You might not find any free trial sessions at these two clubs, but head over to the reception table and they will be very happy to see you.
Our list of clubs is more than enough for beginner and advanced Fitness-tourists, but let me note that in Lithuania (in comparison with its neighbours) the “economy-class” category of gyms, which are open 24/7, is developing much faster than anything else (these clubs are still uncommon in Russia). Travel and share your thoughts – the development of the Russian fitness industry is in our hands and all input is valuable if we want good, high-quality clubs.
Stepan Tarasov Fitness Expert co-founder GymLink