The Best Gyms by Neighborhood

© Ken Club; Paris Pilates Society; The Pilates Project

Looking to get back into working out without having to cross the whole of Paris to break a sweat? From Opéra to the 17th arrondissement, via the 6th, 7th and 16th, Parisian gyms are now competing with one another when it comes to new fitness concepts and stylish interiors designed to get us moving. Design studios, XXL clubs, Pilates Reformer, cycling under neon lights, climbing or Hyrox-style workouts: here are the addresses to know if you’re looking for your new fitness HQ, close to home.

The place: After République, Carbonne has opened a second studio in Opéra, ticking all the boxes for a place where you’ll actually want to hang out after working up a sweat. Sculptural lighting installations, designer furniture, signature scent: here, you could almost feel as though you were in an art gallery rather than a gym. But there’s no diva attitude here: the atmosphere is welcoming, collective and, above all, judgment-free. A beautifully curated setting, but with the genuine feel of a neighborhood studio.

The class to try: The Carbonne Method — and fair warning, it’s intense! For 50 minutes, you cycle through three blocks: Hip Thrust, Full Body Kettlebell and Reformer Abs, three times in a row. One minute per exercise, no breaks to catch your breath, and an intensity that increases with every round through pulses, holds and movements performed under tension. The idea is to work slowly, with control and resistance, to target the muscles deep down. The level is definitely challenging, but the coach is genuinely attentive and takes the time to adapt, correct and encourage. The result: 50 minutes fly by… and your muscles will probably remember it the next day.

Carbonne Opéra, 7 Rue d’Argenteuil, Paris 1st. Book online. Trial class – €30, regular price – €45.

The place: Freshly opened on Rue de l’Étoile, Episod goes big with two studios and a program designed for fitness enthusiasts. The first is dedicated to Athletic Training, with state-of-the-art equipment and classic sessions, as well as workouts specifically designed to prepare for Hyrox and ATHX. The second studio is entirely dedicated to Reformer, the brand’s signature discipline, with three variations to suit different preferences and intensity levels. And because a little comfort after a workout is always welcome: an Energy Bar serves the brand’s signature smoothies, while the changing rooms are stocked with Aveda products so you can leave feeling as fresh as when you arrived.

The class to try: Reformer Traditional. For our first time at Episod, we tried the gentlest version on offer. The idea is to go back to the fundamentals of Reformer, working on alignment, breathing and controlled movements without jumping straight into warrior mode. It’s a great introduction to getting comfortable with the machine and understanding the basics before moving on to more athletic formats. And a big shout-out to Zoé: attentive to alignment and genuinely in tune with her students. She corrects, explains and guides without ever leaving anyone behind. An accessible, well-paced class, perfect for discovering Reformer without feeling intimidated.

Episod Étoile, 6 Rue de l'Étoile, Paris 17th. Reformer session – €49.

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The place: The legendary club in the 16th arrondissement has been given a new lease of life without losing any of the charm that made it so popular in the first place. You come to work out, but also to enjoy a true sports club, complete with a swimming pool, weight-training and cardio areas, studios dedicated to group classes and recovery spaces. All of it comes wrapped in polished interiors and a chic atmosphere. In short, Ken Club ticks every box for a place where you could almost feel like spending the entire day.

The class to try: Disco Cycling. Forget pedaling on a stationary bike in front of a screen: here, you cycle to music in an atmosphere that feels as much like a workout as a mini dance floor. Lights, a dance-worthy playlist and an energetic coach set the pace, with sprints, changes of rhythm and dance sequences on the bike. The intensity ramps up quickly and you’ll sweat plenty. A high-intensity cardio class that is genuinely fun — perfect for blowing off steam without feeling like you’re doing a conventional workout.

Ken Club, 100 Avenue du Président Kennedy, Paris 16th. Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 11pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 8pm. Membership: €2,800/year or €265/month with a one-year commitment. Book online.

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The place: Looking to switch things up from the eternal treadmill/gym combo? The Pilates Club has just opened its doors with a concept that combines three ways of taking care of yourself: Pilates, Yoga and Strength Training. In this beautifully designed studio, there’s no need to pick a side: come to improve your posture with Pilates, gain mobility through yoga or challenge yourself with strength training on the mats. All in one place, designed as a true movement playground where you can build your own routine according to your preferences and fitness level.

The class to try: Yoga Flow, a more dynamic take on yoga where poses flow into one another in sync with the breath. You work on mobility, balance and strength while allowing your body to move freely. An hour to release tension and leave feeling as though you’ve hit the reset button. The kind of class that feels just as good for your mind as it does for your body — and one you’ll happily squeeze in between two appointments.

The Pilates Project, 20 Rue du Croissant, Paris 2nd. Mat trial class – €20, regular price – €30; Reformer trial class – €35, regular price – €45.

The place: Joanna BFitness’s FitRoom offers a more targeted — and above all, more motivating — workout experience. No chance of getting bored on a treadmill here: the focus is on specific areas you want to strengthen, with sessions designed to be effective and time-efficient. The studio focuses on a personalized approach and formats that really allow you to challenge yourself, whether you’re already addicted to fitness or simply determined to get back into it seriously. Also on the menu: cardio boxing, cross-training, Hyrox training… plenty of ways to mix things up and push your limits!

The class to try: Our combo? Glutes + abs, obviously. We start with the glute-strengthening class, perfect for waking up those muscles and making them understand that vacation is over. The session targets the glutes with strengthening exercises designed to improve tone, strength and shape. Then, to finish on a high note, it’s time for HI Sculpt Abs: no need to crank out 150 crunches to feel the burn. Muscle-stimulation technology triggers intense contractions, allowing you to target the core directly. A quick and effective formula for anyone who wants to feel like they’ve really put in the work! The result? You leave FitRoom with your abs burning and your glutes definitely feeling it…

FitRoom, 51 Rue de La Pompe, Paris 16th. Open Sunday to Friday from 8am to 9pm. Book online. Individual session – €90; duo session – €45 per person.

The place: After Javel, Annette K. has set up its new fitness HQ in a huge space in the 6th arrondissement, where you can sweat it out, build strength, try gentler techniques or simply chill over a coffee after your workout. Group classes, personal training, open gym access and state-of-the-art equipment: everything is there so you’ll never have an excuse again. And to switch things up from traditional fitness, two new activities have arrived at Annette K.: climbing and squash.

The class to try: Lace up your climbing shoes and get climbing! With 50 routes for all levels, Annette K.’s climbing wall works your arms, legs and mind. Beginners can ease into the sport, while experienced climbers can come looking for their next challenge. The perfect way to blow off steam, break out of your routine and feel like an adventurer without leaving Paris.

Annette K., 149 Rue de Rennes, Paris 6th. Climbing entry – €20; squash entry – €20. Memberships available online.

The place: Just steps from Les Invalides, Paris Pilates Society has arrived in the 7th arrondissement with a distinctly Los Angeles vibe, given a Parisian twist. Born in Silver Lake, the studio sees Pilates as a true lifestyle experience: beautifully curated interiors, carefully designed lighting, an expertly selected playlist and an intimate atmosphere that feels more like a Parisian apartment than a gym. Special mention for the studio café, perfect for extending your post-workout moment in a setting that is as chic as it is discreet.

The class to try: Come and try the Pilates Reformer, created by Jennifer Williams, the founder of Pop Physique. The program features fluid, precise sequences designed to sculpt, lengthen and tone the body, all perfectly synchronized to exclusive playlists. A meticulously choreographed session that is intense enough to feel your muscles working, yet always carries that effortless elegance that makes the studio so appealing.

Paris Pilates Society, 82 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, Paris 7th. Open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 9pm, Friday from 8am to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 8pm. Reformer class – €45.

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