Italian lessons in the morning, a workout in the afternoon? Finding the right gyms in Florence is a question that often comes up at Europass, our Italian language school in Via Sant’Egidio 12. Here’s our pick of places to lift, stretch, swim and unwind, in the historic centre and beyond.
Gyms in Florence’s city centre and the Oltrarno
Palestra Ricciardi
In Borgo Pinti 75, in the historic centre and close to our school, Palestra Ricciardi offers gym workouts, personalised training programmes and classes including Pilates, yoga, functional training, HIIT and TRX—all included in the membership. There’s plenty to keep your routine from becoming, well, too routine. Its location makes it a handy stop after Italian lessons, especially if you enjoy alternating between independent workouts and the energy of a group class.
Photo taken from the Palestra Ricciardi website
Swan Gymnastic Center
Between Piazza Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio market, Swan Gymnastic Center occupies two floors in Via dei Pepi 28, close to our school. You’ll find Technogym cardio and strength-training equipment, alongside Pilates, Vinyasa yoga, HIIT and body-toning classes, with gym access and scheduled classes included in the membership. Weekly and monthly memberships make it a useful option for shorter stays, whether your ideal post-lesson workout is a high-energy session or some slower-paced Pilates.
Photo taken from the Swan Gymnastic Center website
Florence Fitness
In Via dei Fossi 56r, just behind Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence Fitness combines modern spaces with Technogym equipment and functional training stations. The gym is open seven days a week, with equipment use and group classes included in the membership. It’s a handy choice for anyone staying in the centre who likes to fit a workout around their plans, rather than the other way round.
Photo taken from the Florence Fitness website
Nine Club
In Via dei Conti 7, in the heart of Florence, Nine Club brings together a Technogym-equipped gym, Pilates Reformer, group classes and coworking spaces. Nine Vita Spa adds a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and counter-current swimming pool. A monthly Gym & Spa membership is also available, making it an appealing option for a shorter stay if your idea of a good workout includes a little relaxation afterwards.
Photo taken from the Nine Club website
Anytime Fitness Firenze Cavour
Anytime Fitness Firenze Cavour, in Via Cavour 86, offers members 24/7 access to cardio equipment, free weights and functional training spaces. Personal training, small-group sessions and personalised workout plans are also available. Whether you’re an early bird, a night owl or simply have an unpredictable schedule, this is a gym that leaves you plenty of room to train on your own terms.
Photo taken from the Anytime Fitness Firenze Cavour website
FitActive Firenze Serragli
Across the river in the Oltrarno, FitActive Firenze Serragli is in Via Santa Maria 25r. The gym offers cardio and strength-training equipment alongside group classes, so you can follow your own routine or join a shared workout. It’s a practical choice for anyone staying south of the Arno who would rather spend time training than crossing town.
Photo taken from the FitActive Firenze Serragli website
Gyms outside Florence’s historic centre
Firenze Marathon Wellness
In Viale Malta 10, in the Campo di Marte stadium area, Firenze Marathon Wellness offers a weights room, personal training and classes ranging from yoga and functional training to martial arts. The wider sports complex also has an athletics track, tennis courts and five-a-side football facilities. If you enjoy combining gym workouts with other sports, there’s plenty here to keep you moving beyond the treadmill.
Photo taken from the Firenze Marathon Wellness website
Stilnuovo and Healthfarm
Stilnuovo is in Viale dei Mille 41A r, towards Campo di Marte, while Healthfarm is in Viale Corsica 3r, near the Ponte all’Asse tram stop. The group focuses on personalised workout programmes, with strength and functional training, Pilates Reformer and small-group coaching among its activities. These centres are worth a look if you prefer a structured plan and some guidance to figuring everything out on your own.
Photo taken from the Stilnuovo and Healthfarm website
Klab Marignolle
Surrounded by greenery in the Marignolle area, Klab is in Via del Ferrone 17. It combines gym and functional training spaces with two indoor swimming pools and a spa, plus classes including yoga, Pilates, indoor cycling and water-based workouts. Saunas, a steam room and whirlpools round off the wellness facilities, making this a good fit for swimmers and anyone who likes to train and unwind away from the bustle of the city centre.
Photo taken from the Klab Marignolle website
Virgin Active
Virgin Active has two Florence clubs: San Donato, in Via di Novoli 10, and Rovezzano, in Via Generale Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa 11. Both combine cardio and strength-training areas with swimming pools, relaxation spaces and classes such as yoga, Pilates, functional training and indoor cycling. Day passes are available, with services included according to the option chosen. These clubs are worth a look if you enjoy switching from weights to a class or a swim without changing venues—even during a short stay.
Photo taken from the Virgin Active website
The Social Hub Florence Belfiore
In Viale Belfiore 55, in the San Jacopino neighbourhood, The Social Hub Florence Belfiore brings fitness, work and social life under one roof. Its membership offers 24/7 gym access, group classes and community events, alongside shared workspaces and a seasonal rooftop pool. For students and newcomers, it’s an appealing way to keep up a fitness routine and meet a few new people along the way.
Photo taken from the The Social Hub Florence Belfiore website
What to check before joining a gym in Florence
For a short visit, ask about single entries, short-term passes or a membership covering your exact dates. Paying monthly does not necessarily mean signing a one-month contract, so check the minimum duration, renewal terms and cancellation conditions. Also ask whether your plan includes group classes, personalised training, pool access and spa facilities, and compare the services you will actually use rather than the headline offer.
Finally, choose somewhere you can realistically visit regularly: the right gym is the one that fits your location, interests and daily schedule.
Do you need a medical certificate?
Many gyms in Italy request a certificato medico sportivo, but the rules depend on the activity. Italian law requires certification for specific forms of organised sport, while purely recreational exercise (attività ludico-motoria) is generally exempt. A gym may still require a certificate under its membership rules.
The non-competitive certificate (certificato medico sportivo non agonistico) is usually the relevant type for ordinary gym workouts. It is valid for one year and can be issued by your own Italian GP or paediatrician, a sports-medicine specialist or a doctor belonging to the Italian Sports Medicine Federation (FMSI). The assessment includes a medical history, examination and blood-pressure measurement, plus a documented resting ECG performed at least once. A new ECG or further tests may be required depending on your age, cardiovascular risk and the doctor’s assessment.
The competitive certificate (certificato medico sportivo agonistico) is for activities classified as competitive by the relevant sporting body, not simply for training hard at the gym. It involves a sports-specific assessment by a sports-medicine specialist. In Tuscany, competitive certification is provided through public health services or accredited private sports-medicine centres.
Visiting from abroad without an Italian GP? A private appointment with a sports-medicine specialist at an authorised clinic in Florence is a practical route. For example, the Istituto di Medicina dello Sport di Firenze provides assessments for non-competitive sports certificates. Bring identification and any relevant medical reports, including previous ECG results, and follow the clinic’s booking instructions for any additional documents.