Best Gyms in Oslo: Top 10 Ranked & Reviewed
Oslo has over 100 gyms, and finding the best one for your needs can be overwhelming. This comprehensive ranking evaluates the best gyms in Oslo based on facilities (sauna, pool, changing rooms), equipment quality and variety, group class selection, cleanliness, price-value ratio, opening hours, and customer service. We've tested everything from budget-friendly chains like Friskis&Svettis (250 NOK/month) to premium luxury centers like SATS Elixia Colosseum (900+ NOK/month), from beginner-friendly Evo Fitness to hardcore powerlifting gyms like 3T. Whether you're seeking the best gym for weight loss, muscle building, group classes, sauna and relaxation, or just a clean and well-maintained training center near work or home, you'll find thorough assessments and honest reviews here. All centers are reviewed by local fitness enthusiasts who have trained at 30+ gyms in the Oslo area.
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Top 5 Best Premium Gyms in Oslo
For those who want the best regardless of price, these premium centers stand out. SATS Elixia Colosseum (city center) tops the list with an impressive 25-meter pool, luxury sauna and steam room, spa-like changing rooms with free towels and toiletries, newest Technogym equipment, and 50+ group classes per week including Les Mills, yoga and Pilates. Price: 900-1000 NOK/month, but worth it for serious fitness enthusiasts and those wanting to combine training with spa experience. Elixir Vika ranks high with extensive free weights (dumbbells up to 50 kg), dedicated functional training zone, pool, and spacious gym floor that never feels crowded. Atmosphere is professional but not intimidating. Price: 800-900 NOK/month. SATS Aker Brygge combines central location with pool, large sauna, and fantastic harbor views - perfect for lunchtime training or after work. Elixir Majorstuen has vintage charm in newly renovated space with focus on strength training and free weights. 3T Torshov (premium powerlifting gym) is a must for serious lifters with Eleiko racks, multiple power cages, and a culture that respects heavy lifting - not for beginners, but the best for experienced strength athletes. All these have exceptional cleanliness, professional staff, and facilities that justify premium pricing.
Best Budget Gyms: Quality Without Breaking the Bank
Budget gyms in Oslo have become surprisingly good in recent years. Friskis&Svettis is the ultimate value king with only 250 NOK/month for unlimited access to 15+ centers in Oslo, 400+ group classes per week (yoga, dance, HIIT, strength), sauna at most centers, and inclusive atmosphere without judgment. Downside: Can be crowded during rush hours, equipment is functional but not newest, some older centers need upgrading. Perfect for: Group class enthusiasts and those who switch centers often. Evo Fitness (279-399 NOK/month) is best for all-round budget training with modern equipment, good mix of machines and free weights, sauna included, 24/7 access at many centers, and free intro program for beginners. Chain has grown quickly and quality varies between centers - Evo Aker Brygge and Evo Majorstuen are best. Elixia Smart (299-399 NOK/month) is the "budget version" of premium Elixia chain, with good equipment quality (Technogym), clean facilities, sauna, but fewer group classes and smaller changing rooms than Elixia Premium. Still better quality than many competitors at same price. Best budget choice overall: Friskis&Svettis if you want group classes, Evo if you prefer own training with modern equipment.
Best Gyms for Specialized Training
Oslo has excellent specialized training centers for those wanting to dive deeper into specific training forms. For CrossFit: CrossFit Oslo (Grünerløkka) has the best box with experienced coaches, solid community, and competition equipment. For yoga: Pure Yoga (Majorstuen) is Oslo's best yoga studio with 30+ classes per week, experienced instructors, and beautiful spaces - but expensive (800+ NOK/month). Friskis&Svettis is better value with many yoga classes included. For functional training: Sats Yard (multiple locations) focuses 100% on functional training with rope climbs, sleds, assault bikes, and HIIT-based group classes. Perfect for those who like CrossFit-style training without CrossFit price. For boxing/martial arts: Frontline Academy (Torshov) combines MMA, boxing, and strength training. Nothing beats the feeling of hitting the heavy bag after a stressful day. For powerlifting: 3T Torshov and House of Strength (Majorstuen) have best equipment, knowledge, and culture for serious strength training. For pregnant/postnatal: Mamma i Form (multiple locations) specializes in training before, during, and after pregnancy with physiotherapist-led classes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gyms in Oslo
What is the best gym in Oslo?
It depends on your needs and budget. For all-round quality: SATS Elixia Premium centers (Colosseum, Aker Brygge) have the best facilities with luxury sauna, pool, and extensive group classes. For best value: Friskis&Svettis (250 NOK/month) gives unlimited access to 15+ centers. For beginners: Evo Fitness has friendly atmosphere and good intro programs. For serious lifters: 3T (Torshov) has best free weights and powerlifting equipment.
What does a good gym cost in Oslo?
Budget gyms: 250-399 NOK/month (Friskis&Svettis, Evo, Elixia Smart). Mid-range: 400-600 NOK/month (SATS, standard Elixia). Premium: 700-1000 NOK/month (SATS Elixia Premium, Elixir). Specialized/boutique: 800-1500 NOK/month (Barry's, Sats Yard, CrossFit boxes). Most gyms have binding period (6-12 months) or startup fee (300-500 NOK). Best value: Friskis&Svettis or Evo for frequent use.
Which gyms have the best equipment in Oslo?
For modern cardio equipment: SATS Elixia Premium and Elixir have newest Technogym and Life Fitness machines. For free weights and strength training: 3T (Torshov), Elixir, and SATS Premium have extensive racks, benches, and dumbbells up to 50+ kg. For functional training: Sats Yard and CrossFit Oslo have rope climbs, assault bikes, sleds. Avoid: Older budget centers may have worn equipment and long queues during rush hours.
Which gyms have the best group classes?
Friskis&Svettis is unbeatable with 400+ classes per week across Oslo (included in 250 NOK/month). SATS has varied selection: yoga, Les Mills, cycling, HIIT (included in membership). Elixir focuses on quality over quantity with experienced instructors. Specialized studios: Barry's Bootcamp (HIIT), Pure Yoga (yoga/pilates), Sats Yard (functional training). Les Mills enthusiasts: SATS has most Les Mills-certified instructors.
Which gyms have sauna and pool?
Sauna: Most larger gyms (SATS, Elixia, Evo, Friskis) have sauna included. Premium centers have larger, better saunas. Pool: Only select centers have pool - SATS Elixia Colosseum (25m pool + jacuzzi), SATS Aker Brygge (pool), Elixir Vika (pool), and a few others. If pool is important, check specific center facilities before joining.
Are there any 24/7 gyms in Oslo?
Yes, several: Evo Fitness has 24/7 access at most centers (keycard access outside staffed hours). SATS has some 24/7 centers (varies by location). Friskis&Svettis has extended hours (05:00-23:00 most places, some 24/7). Elixia Smart has 24/7 at select centers. 24/7 access is perfect for shift workers, early trainers, or those wanting to avoid rush hours.
Which gym is best for beginners?
Evo Fitness is particularly beginner-friendly with free introduction program (personal trainer shows equipment and technique), non-intimidating atmosphere, and friendly staff. Friskis&Svettis has many group classes for all levels and inclusive environment. SATS offers comprehensive intro packages and many beginner-adapted group classes. Avoid: Hardcore powerlifting gyms (3T, House of Strength) can be intimidating for beginners.
What is the difference between SATS and SATS Elixia?
SATS Elixia (formerly just "Elixia") is the premium segment with larger facilities, luxury saunas, several have pools, higher standard equipment, and more extensive spa-like changing room areas. Price: 700-1000 NOK/month. Regular SATS is mid-range with good quality but smaller facilities. Price: 500-700 NOK/month. Both chains have merged under the SATS umbrella, but Elixia centers retain premium positioning. Some centers are now called "SATS Elixia [name]" to indicate premium status.