Fitness in Brussels

Brussels is one of the greenest of Europe’s capitals and thus a great place to walk, cycle or run. But then - there’s the rain, which is admittedly, a deterrent for lazy exercisers like me. Luckily, the capital has capitalized on the fitness craze as well as our desire to pamper ourselves indoors when the outdoors works against us with a plethora of posh health clubs and spas to make days a little less grey. Depending on what you’re looking for, there's something to meet any expectation and budget.

 

Without a doubt, the nicest fitness centre in Brussels and indeed Europe is the Aspria collection of Private Member sports and health clubs. There are three locations in Brussels. The Aspria Club in the heart of the European quarter. Aspria Avenue Louise next to the Conrad Hotel, and the mother ship of all clubs I have ever seen, The Royal La Rasante in Wolowe Saint Lambert.

 

All clubs are equipped with fitness studios with the latest modern equipment, top notch classes that run the range from pilates to body building, spinning, aqua classes and step. The Royal La Rasante also has two swimming pools, dry sauna, steam room and tennis courts along with a bar and restaurant, meeting facilities and a crèche (kid care). Private instructors and trainers are available at all clubs as well as tennis lessons at Royal La Rasante (for a fee), clinics for kids (for a fee), and summer camps for kids (for a fee). You get the idea. Most instructors speak English along with (usually) 2-3 others.

 

These clubs are beautifully maintained and offer a tranquil zen-like atmosphere, and it’s easy to pass hours here. Unfortunately, unless you are a member or go as a guest, you can’t take advantage of the fitness facilities or classes at these clubs and there is no ‘pay as you go’ option.

The price, it should be noted, is steep. For a yearly membership at Royal La Rasante, the price for an individual is over EUR 1,000 per year, on top of which you will pay a one-off joining fee that is non-refundable. The prices change with the economy and often there are packages for families, and even a corporate option for a capped number of visits per year, but it must be paid up front.  

 

I suggest talking your company into a membership, or better yet, your significant other into a really sweet birthday present.

 

However there is a silver lining! The spa treatments at Avenue Louise and Royal La Rasante are open to non-members. A 60-minute massage will run you EUR 105, a 60-minute facial, EUR 70. Treat yourself and check back throughout the year for specials, especially during the holidays and summer, when a lot of people move away from Brussels.

 

The other posh club and popular with expats is David Lloyd in Uccle. Located in the majestic, leafy setting of a château in the south of Brussels, the club allows you to devote yourself entirely to your own well-being and leisure.

 

The grand setting includes a gym, studios for group sessions (with over a hundred sessions held every week), tennis courts, leisure facilities (including four swimming pools, a jacuzzi, two saunas and a Turkish bath), a crèche, a lounge restaurant and bar, a beauty salon and a hairdresser's as well as indoor parking. Phew. I’m tired just thinking about it.

The nice thing about this club is it offers different levels of membership, allowing you to come in off peak hours (Monday-Friday between 6h30-16h30), which is often what most expats do anyway! Prices vary throughout the year and it’s best to call and fight for your right to perspire.

 

For mere commoners like myself, there are plenty of other fitness and spa options. Plenty.

 

Corpus Studios in Ixelles is all pilates, all the time, with communal classes and private instruction available 7/7. The only problem here … parking. Even a smart car would have trouble in this densely populated residential area. Owner Kelly is a transplanted Canadian and thus speaks perfect English, but instruction is also given in French, Spanish and Italian if need be. Pay as you come or sign up for a series of classes for a better rate.

 

The public sports facility, Sportcity, in Woluwe St. Pierre is excellent and the ultimate fitness value.
 

Sportcity as it is called has tennis courts, squash courts, a soccer pitch, field hockey pitches, and a track as well as an Olympic size pool that costs EUR 3 to enter.  There are often various dance classes held in the dingy basement (which I avoid) but sadly there is no weight room here (a missed opportunity in my opinion).  If you are looking for a simple place to swim, run in circles or join a tennis clinic, this is a great place at an affordable price with pay as you come rates.  

The Renaissance hotel near Place Luxembourg offers outsiders the chance to use their fitness facilities at affordable rates if you come during off peak times and the bonus here…parking and public transport.

 

European Fitness in Stockel is a real neighbourhood gym. No fuss, no frills, no café, no towels to wipe down your forehead, but well equipped for all that you need to have a good workout . There are a dozen treadmills, two studios, and changing rooms with, admittedly sketchy showers (wear shoes if you don’t want your toes to fall off). I am a member here, and was once a member of Royal La Rasante. For the EUR 1500 per year savings, I bought a pair of shower shoes AND a new workout outfit. It is connected to the tram and metro, in the centre of a commercial area with restaurants and shops, which makes it very convenient as well.

www.europeanfitnessclub.be

About the author:

Kimberley Lovato is a freelance journalist and author living in Brussels, who should go to the gym more often. Visit her site at www.kimberleylovato.com