World Class: Top International Clubs

The importance of the fitness industry can be seen on a worldwide scale. From Brazil to Australia to Ireland, there are numerous facilities around the globe that are helping members achieve fitness goals through the latest equipment, cutting-edge design, engaging staff and much more.

Take a trip around the world with us for a tour of health clubs that are, in a literal sense of the phrase, world class.

Aquafit

Country: Australia

Number of Locations: 1

About: Aquafit is a multi-award winning, state-of-the-art health, fitness and wellbeing facility located in the heart of the Macarthur area in South West Sydney, Australia. Completed in 2004, Aquafit has proven to be a leader in the fitness industry and the local area, winning a sea of awards including state and local titles. Contributing to this success is the friendly atmosphere of the center. People of all ages, shapes and sizes feel comfortable in the knowledge they can visit the center, work toward their personal goals and not feel intimidated or out of place.

Aquafit’s standout features and amenities include:

43,000 square feet of space
Three group fitness studios
Two heated indoor pools
Technogym strength and cardio equipment
Outdoor training facility

Here, executive general manager Kristen Green shares what’s currently trending in the fitness industry in Australia: “There are strong synergies between the Australian and global fitness industry, in particular the U.S. and Canadian fitness markets. Australia is also experiencing growth in niche and boutique markets such as CrossFit, yoga, cycling and franchise models like Orangetheory Fitness. Functional training continues to be a growth market.”

Holmes Place Balmes

Country: Spain

Number of Locations: 15 (worldwide)

About: Holmes Place Balmes is an exclusive, boutique club in Barcelona. The facility boasts a wide range of services to take care of your wellbeing, including group exercise, personal training, medical fitness, pool, spa and nutrition advice.

Holmes Place Balmes’ standout features and amenities include:

Towel service
Full-service spa
Physical therapy

Here, club manager Emili Hernandez shares what makes Holmes Place Balmes stand out from other clubs: “At Holmes Place we believe people are looking to find an activity they like, in a place they like, with the people they like. We want to be the place where their needs are taken care of. Amazing group exercise classes for all ages and trends and the best personal trainers make Holmes Place Balmes the best club to train at in Barcelona.”

West Wood Club

Country: Ireland

Number of Locations: 7

About: West Wood Clubs are premium priced, high-end fitness clubs. There are two models: three multi-facility family fitness clubs ranging from 150,000 square feet to 250,000 square feet; and four smaller, adult-only clubs ranging from 25,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet. The larger clubs offer pools, tennis, group fitness, day spas, cafés and kids fitness centers; while the smaller clubs offer a pool, group fitness and day spa.

West Wood Club’s standout features and amenities include:

Huge open-plan gyms
Ireland’s first 50-meter swimming pool
27 indoor tennis courts
Outdoor tennis courts
Over 43,000 visits to group fitness every week

Here, CEO Alan Leach shares what’s currently trending in the fitness industry in Ireland: “More people are doing weight training than ever before. We’ve had to dramatically increase the size of our weight training gyms over the last 24 months. Group fitness is still continuing to grow. Another trend is fitness consumers getting their knowledge and even programs from YouTube and other social medial channels. Small personal training studios are opening on every corner. None of these would have existed anywhere in Ireland 12 years ago.”