15+ Places to work off the Jerusalem 15 - The good, the bad, and the ugly
Gyms in Israel. Grr. I am only complaining because I am from LA where the gyms are huge and the models are extra thin. Where a gym is open 24 hours and there is always a machine available. Where customer service and great deals on membership do exist. Can’t there just be one gym like this in Jerusalem? Just one!
Here is a list of fitness centers in Jerusalem with some honest commentary. Warning: Lots of anger. (Thanks, Rebecca, for putting the list together)
Bodyline
Phone: 02-6783864
Address: Malha Mall
Genders: Men, Women
Comments: This gym is the closest thing to a real gym in Jerusalem and cheaper than most of the other gyms too! Check it out as long as you don’t mind shlepping to Malha for a workout and did I mention walking through the mall in your nasty sweaty clothes!
Body Control Studio
Phone: 02-5865831
Address: a801 Hakisufim, Ramot
Body & Soul
Phone: 02-6788861
Address: Hamusachim 5, Talpiot
Genders: Men, Women
Comments: Well friends, this is the shadiest gym I have ever been to and I’ve been to almost all of them. Two years ago they did renovations and left the gym open during the process. That’s right, I was working out with some guy chipping off paint and asbestos over my head. Did someone say gyms are for getting healthy? Finally, after lots of Israeli-style arguing, the manager said I could have three months free, since in typical Israeli fashion, the one week of renovations took three months. But of course when it came time to give me the three months, he suddenly had no idea what I was talking about. Also, the machines were almost always broken. And it is located in one of the shadiest parts of Talpiot figures that it would be since it is such a shady gym!
Circuit
Phone: 02-6511185
Address: Beit Hadfus 7, Givat Shaul
Genders: Male, female, separate hours
Comments: They offer a cycle workout to Curves (see below to see what I have to say about that)
Ego
Phone: 02-5716363
Address: Kiryat Mada 11, Har Hotzvim
Curves
Phone: 02-6787812
Address: Pierre Koening 38, Talpiot
Genders: Women only
Comments: Yes, Curves believes in a 30 minute work out but I had to do the routine twice just to burn a sweat. That and I went on a mile run. This is the kind of gym I see myself growing old in. That sounds strange, but what I mean is, when I am 45 and up, I will spend my days workin’ that 30 minute routine, but until then it just isn’t for me.
Emek Refaim Pool & Gym
Phone: 02-563-2092
Address: Emek Refaim 13, German Colony
Genders: Men, Women, offers separate men and women’s hours
Comments: The word anger comes to mind. Anger that a one room crap hole can be called a gym. Anger that old women were always using the equipment and then saved it for their old husbands to use next. Anger that I am still angry about the experience even though I was a member almost three years ago. I guess if you like swimming then you can appreciate this gym, but I have sinus problems and so the only pool I saw, was the pool of sweat of an old man chasing me to the bike machine.
Giraffe
Phone: 2-6241956
Address: Luntz St. 10, City Center
Great Shape / YMCA
Phone: 02-6258436,
Address: 26 King David Street
Genders: Men, Women
Comments: While it is true that the classes are fun, the prices make you want to cry. Expensive is not even the word I would use. Lets just say that the YMCA is trying to keep the cheap Jews out and doing a good job.
Hebrew University
Phone: still scoping out the details, will post them soon.
Address: Mt.Scopus campus
Comments: A great gym for those of you who attend Hebrew U or work there, otherwise it is too out of the way. I like the equipment, but often you had to put your name on a waiting list for a machine. It’s funny how I have never had to wait for a table in Jerusalem, but I have waited over a dozen times for a damn eliptical! Party of 1 your machine is ready!
Hotels - almost every hotel in Jlem has a workout room/gym (ex. David Citadel)
Iron Gym
Phone: 02-6252829
Adddress: Keren Hayasod 19
Genders: Men, Women
Jump
Phone: 02-6233377
Address: Binyanei Hauma, City Center
Genders: Men, Women, offers separate men and women’s hours
Kosher Gym
Phone: 02-6526730
Address: Shtener 3, Givat Shaul
Gender: Separate Hours for Men and Women
Comments: Praying on the treadmill, anyone?! Featured on BBC
Razim
Phone: 02-5632946
Address: Diskin 9, Rehavia
Genders: Women
Comments: Ahhh finally a gym that a girl could really love. Located just outside the center of town, this gym may not be the biggest of them all, but to me it was the best. A friendly staff, fun classes and almost enough equipment, this gym wasn’t so bad. So why did I stop going? A gym needs to be close by, otherwise you aren’t motivated to get your lazy butt there and work out. So when I stopped working in the city, I just wasn’t close enough to make it work. That’s right, I couldn’t handle a long distance relationship. It was too much and I couldn’t commit. So I said good bye to my membership, even though I have secretly always wanted him, I mean it, back. I may get my chance one day, since it’s a chain and I might find my match somewhere else!
Studio 6
Phone: 077-7866630
Address: Yad Harutzim, 10, Talpiot
Genders: Women only
Comments: This isn’t a gym, but they offer lots of fun classes. I took a hip hop class and really enjoyed it. It is a fun place to do a girls night out and be healthy instead of pigging out. It is totally decked out in femininity and makes you want to love you body. It was a great alternative to the sterile gyms.
Studio C
Phone: *5045
Address: Yad Charutzim 19, Talpiot; Keren Hayasod 25, Talbiyeh
Gender: Women only
Swan
Phone: 02-5619444/3
Address: Emek Refaim 43, German Colony
Gender: Women only
Comments: Located just around the corner from my old anger pool gym, is my new anger, Swan. By far the most expensive gym I have ever been to in my whole life, it is also the most tiny, most broken and most rude. They only open at 7am, which is ridiculously late in the gym world, and they are almost always late. Yes, one time the staff didn’t even arrive until a quarter of eight and all they could say was, “it happens.” But does it?
It is a good thing I have a gym to release all my anger, but it is bad when it is the gym itself that makes me angry. The only redeeming aspect is the best work out teacher ever, Aviva. If I had the money I would build a whole gym around her.
And isn’t there someone that does have that kind of money who wants to open up a real gym in Jerusalem, somewhere on Emek? Come on, this is a great money opportunity. Do it! And build a Mexican restaurant next door, so I can take my fatass there and gain back all the calories I burn.
Here’s an awesome video that might motivate you to go on a treadmill. Or just appreciate what wild entertainment a treadmill can be.
Please share your own experiences at these gyms, I’d love to hear them.
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26 Responses to “15+ Places to work off the Jerusalem 15 - The good, the bad, and the ugly”
Posted by: Ezra Butler - 08/13/2008
I am very sorry to disagree, but I work out at Body & Soul and love it. It was completely redone, they are always buying new machinery, and have amazing classes. They are extremely helpful and friendly, and just great all around people.
The only thing that I can answer about the usage of the word shady is that I live near there.
I am sorry if 2 years ago you had a bad experience there, but I can attest that it has changed (apparently) for the better.
I would recommend Body & Soul to anyone.
Posted by: Benji Lovitt - 08/13/2008
Where is the best place for spinningeem? I can’t decide if I want to take that or pilatim.
Posted by: aliyah06 - 08/14/2008
I dunno–I checked out Body & Soul 18 months ago, and wasn’t impressed. Our problem is that the husband is the weight-lifter/body-builder guy who also does the aerobic machines, and I’m the swimmer, who ocassionally does the aerobic machines. We needed a place with a pool and a gym and close to us AND parking, since if you can’t be close and can’t park, you won’t go…..and we ended up at Ramat Rachel, and love it. Great pool, very nice gym (enough for my husband’s fastidious tastes, anyway) nice staff. Not cheap, but cheaper than the YMCA–which at the time we checked it out, was also closed on Sundays, meaning we had TWO days a week we couldn’t work out, Besides, there’s no parking near the Y. Biggest drawback at RR—slow swimmers in the fast lap lane at times, too crowded on the machines between 0800 and 1100, and crowded pool during summer afternoons, but still okay rather than perfect.
Glad you posted about Studio 6–my neighbor and I are looking for a dance class and we’d heard there was something but didn’t know where–thanks!
Posted by: Danny Brothers - 08/17/2008
Yes, I’m with you on two counts: no matter which way you slice it, gyms here in Jerusalem suck - and we need Mexican food!
The gym in Ramat Aviv for Tel Aviv University is actually an American-style gym. I was impressed. It was, however, bloody expensive.
Still, nothing is going to compare to even a small university’s gym. For example, I went to William and Mary in Virginia, a school with 7,000 kids. The gym was awesome. 3 basketball courts, olympic pool, big weight room, tons of raquetball and squash courts, private rooms for pilates and yoga and stuff, rock climbing wall, aerobics room, etc etc etc.
Sigh…
Posted by: Rebecca - 08/20/2008
Hi-
Wow, I wish I had found your website earlier. I just moved to rehavia for the year and joined the YMCA, because I thought it was the only workout option nearby:-( Needless to say, now I’m broke, but hopefully I will be thin:-) Love your site by the way it’s an American in Jerusalem’s dream!
Posted by: Molly - 08/20/2008
Here’s an update: Sunday I walked into Swan and noticed there were finally more machines. Well it turns out that Ego (one of the above mentioned gyms) closed on Sunday. And none of the members even knew. That’s right, on Saturday, a day they are closed, one of the members walked by and noticed all the equipment being put onto trucks. The next day, Sunday, when the normal group of women went to work off Shabbat lunch, there was a note on the door: We closed. Turns out they sent a text message to some of the members saying they would now have their membership with Swan. So that is why Swan has new equipment and 200 new members. Forget asking how this happened…this only happens in Israel!
Posted by: Chatch - 09/03/2008
Just out of curiosity, what is the best gym to use if I just want a treadmill?
Posted by: Molly - 09/03/2008
If you don’t care about price and just want somewhere to use a treadmill then I would say go to the closest gym in your area. First do a free trial and see if the time when you would go to the gym is crowded. If not…then join. Also make sure you can sell your membership (and freeze) it, this way you always have a way out!
Posted by: Berrin - 09/22/2008
I’m so glad I found this website. I was one of those unfortunate souls who was forced to leave EGO (which I loved very much) and I’m wandering around the city, looking for a gym. Swan is way too glitzy for me and YMCA too expensive (although the pool does make me think twice). Since they seem to be the most accessible-do you know anything about JUMP or giraffe?
Posted by: Nirel - 09/24/2008
You are AAAWESOME for putting this together- THANKS so Much! Coming from NY SC (New York Sports Clubs gyms this has been really rough)
FIrst I went to Giraffe and it sucks!…it has just 5 treadmills, the AC was barely on.. it’s so stuffy and the arrangement is absurd- and just like almost all the gyms- the bathrooms and showers are separate..??!!!….
I just joined bodyline for convenience ( choosing the best from all the horrible options) but I wish I had read this yesterday and would have joined Razim… oh well I can always sell my membership- (at least that’s one perk)
Posted by: Elina - 10/04/2008
Thank you - your post is very helpful! I’ve been walking around Jerusalem for 5 days (I will be here for 9 months) and I haven’t been able to find 2 things - a gym and a store that sells hangers! Just two questions - what is a reasonable price for a membership at Razim or Giraffe if I join for 8 months? And, how aggressively are you supposed to bargain? Thanks!
Posted by: Molly - 10/05/2008
While I have never been to Giraffe, I heard they do good deals and the monthly rate is something like NIS 150, but go there first and check it out. I have heard people complain that it is dark and there are no windows…get a free trial and see. Razim, when I went there two years ago was about NIS 220. Make sure you try to get student deals. Also, if you are going to be here for 9 months, you should try and bargain to get the year rate for 9 months. If that doesn’t work then I think it would be better to get a year plan and then try to sell the last 3 months…you might even make money off of that. But make sure you are allowed to sell your membership before you agree to a contract. As fair as bargaining goes…it isn’t the shuk. Prices are as is in most cases, so I don’t think you will have too much luck trying to get them any lower. Hope that helps!
Posted by: aliyah06 - 10/05/2008
Home Center at Malcha Mall sells hanger–they’re on the wall towards the back near the wood.
Posted by: Molly - 10/06/2008
Hi Berrin,
I don’t think Swan is glitzy…in fact I just complained about how dirty everything is there…i.e. I found toliet paper on the work out map…ewww! I have never been to Jump or Giraffe…but like I wrote in a comment above, you should just go there and try it out for a day to see if it is your style.
Posted by: Timea - 10/14/2008
Just moved to Jerusalem (Baka) and am looking for a good place to do arobics. An add went by which offered latin dancing workout that sounded fantastic but I lost the add…Any ideas???
Posted by: Molly - 10/15/2008
Hi Timea,
I don’t know about latin dancing, but Studio 6 in Talpiot which have awesome dance classes. Also, Swan on Emek Refaim has a lot of classes. You should also check out Janglo.net and do a search for gyms or classes. Hope that helps!
Posted by: Ilan - 10/20/2008
Does anyone know of a gym in jerusalem that is the equivalent to David Lloyd, LA Fitness, Holmes Places, Virgin Active, e.g. a large commercial gym that has a pool and steam/sauna/hot tub…
Posted by: aliyah06 - 10/23/2008
The ONLY place we found that had a gym, pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub was Ramat Rachel. The gym is smaller than the big commercial gyms in the States but its still your best bet in Jerusalem.
Posted by: amy - 11/02/2008
hi! Thanks for the info, so helpful! Do you know if there is a yoga studio anywhere near Baka? Preferably Ashtanga..! And also what is the general weekly/monthly gym price?Thanks!
Posted by: Molly - 11/03/2008
Hi Amy,
I think there are studios in Baka for yoga, although I am not sure exactly where they are located. My advice is to post the question on Janglo and do a search there, you are bound to find info there.
As far as monthly gym rates: It depends on if you have membership for 3 months, 6 months or a year, if you want to be able to freeze you membership, if you are a student, etc. There are a lot of variables, but prices generally range from NIS 190 to NIS 300. Obviously there may be some cheaper and some more expensive places. ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO TRY OUT THE GYM before you commit.
Posted by: amy - 11/04/2008
Thanks Molly. Janglo is awesome! So so helpful! I am coming in January so I’m on a mission to find out lots before I arrive in the land of chaos!I will definitely try out the gyms first.. (I used to be a PT..so I’m pretty fussy!!)Thanks again, your whole site is fabulous!
Posted by: daniel - 11/09/2008
I don’t know about the past, but I just returned from my first workout at Body & Soul and currently (Nov 9, 2008) there is nothing shady about. Sure, the free weights are a little cramped together and are always in disarray, but the equipment is fairy up to date. They have 15+ treadmills (fairly new), each with its own TV set with cable channels, plus 5 or 6 elliptical machines and as many bicycles.
The place is well lit (at least the top floor, where the cardio and weight room is), well ventilated, and clean. It is a non religious, men and women setting.
Price, depending on the deal and length of contract, hits 500 shkalim at highest per month. Longer deals are considerably reduced (1200 for three months I believe).
I did NOT see the studios and rooms where classes are held. They are on different floors.
I also checked out Iron Gym on Keren Hayesod. I did not work out there, just looked around. That one is definitely shadier, and wanted the same money. Only a couple of dated treadmills. The equipment can use some upgrading too. Not impressed. It is a lot closer to my place (walking distance), but not worth the money. Actually, I am impressed with prices. Gyms are charging $100+ per month on 12 month memberships. I use to go to a gym in Salamanca, Madrid (great location) for about $60-$70 per month. In my home town in Costa Rica a month in a top gym will run at about $50-$60.
I will be checking out the one in Malcha Mall later this week.
One last correction, Razim is for women only. I went over there and was not very impressed with what I saw (from the entrance). B & S is way nicer.
Posted by: Molly - 11/09/2008
Daniel-
Thanks for your input. Like I said, I have not been to Body & Soul in over a year and I am sure a lot has changed…but when I was there it was awful and it left a bad taste in my mouth. You kind of don’t want to do business with someone who lets you inhale paint while you work out. I never heard of Iron Gym so thanks for the update. Let us know how the Malcha Mall gym is. I have been there but never worked out with the equipment.
Posted by: amy - 11/11/2008
does anyone know if there are Les Mills classes available?
Posted by: daniel - 11/12/2008
I went to the Malha Mall gym (Bodyline) and don’t want to waste too much time on it. Very similar setting to Body & Soul. Very similar equipment, size, light, cleanliness, price, etc. Pro: The mall has more parking and its nicer than Body & Soul’s area. They also told me that they have a running team or group that meets twice a week, if you like to run.
What I do want to tell you is that a friend showed me a perfect place to workout yesterday. It is a community center called Beit Hanoar Ha’lvri on Herzog street, between (I’ve been told) Katamon and Rasco. I live in Rehavia, and for me it’s a 15 minute walk down Aza street which turns into Herzog.
This place has it all. A nice gym with lots of light, good cardio equipment each with its own TV screen and cable, fairly decent bodybuilding equipment, indoor pool, indoor full size basketball court, dance lessons, aerobics, jazz, the works!
And it’s way cheaper than any of the others I visited. This week they had a special of 2000 shkalim for 12 months (give or take). I opted for the three month 975 shkalim choice.
They have ample parking, great bathrooms/facilities, etc.
Best option hands down.
105 Herzog St. Buses 6,17,19,31,32, Tel: 02-6494111
Posted by: Judy - 11/14/2008
>> This is the kind of gym I see myself growing old in. That sounds strange, but what I mean is, when I am 45 and up, I will spend my days workin’ that 30 minute routine, but until then it just isn’t for me.>>
Hey, watch it please! I’m 60 and lift weights for an hour 3X/week. (Great Shapes - Raanana)
Judy
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