Best Fitness Classes in Canterbury
The best fitness classes in Canterbury cover everything from Reformer Pilates and puppy yoga to martial arts, outdoor bootcamps, CrossFit and partner dancing. This list is about group classes you can book or turn up to, not gyms, so check our separate gyms guide for that. Places are ranked using their Google rating weighted by how many reviews they have, so a handful of glowing reviews can’t jump the queue. Student tip: several places run intro offers or a free first session, so try a few before you commit.
- 10 places, ranked by Google rating
- Open places only, checked every month
- Website and Google Maps for each
- 1
Unity Fitness
Unity Fitness runs more than 40 coached group sessions a week from a private training space at Polo Farm. Classes include Unity Strength, Unity Power, Fighting Fit and Calisthenics and Mobility, all adapted to your level. Start with a free consultation, then choose a group membership. No crowds, and no queuing for kit.
- 2
Canton Martial Arts
Fancy learning to throw a punch properly? Canton Martial Arts runs teen and adult martial arts classes in Canterbury, mixing self-defence skills with a seriously sweaty workout. Sessions take place in local school halls, including Barton Manor School. Not sporty or coordinated? The club says plenty of beginners start exactly like that.
- 3
Kesson Studios
Kesson Studios is a boutique Reformer Pilates studio tucked into Marlowe Arcade, right in the centre. Classes come in three flavours, FRESH, ACTIVE and AWESOME, plus FRESH_X for extra stretching and ACTIVE+ with jumpboards for power. Book online by bundle, monthly pass or pay as you go. Your core will have opinions the next day.
- 4
Bootcamp UK
Prefer fresh air to mirrors and machines? Bootcamp UK Canterbury runs coached outdoor group workouts at Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School on Old Dover Road. Expect circuit-style cardio and body conditioning that changes every session, with options for every exercise so beginners can keep up. Rain is basically a free extra.
- 5
Square One Training Club
Square One is an affiliated CrossFit and HYROX club on Simmonds Road, built around small, coach-led classes. The timetable runs from Functional Fitness and Functional Strength to HYROX, GRIND circuits, Engine conditioning, Run Club and Gymnastics. No experience needed, and you can book a free session first. Class packs help if your week is unpredictable.
- 6
Canterbury Yoga Studio
Canterbury Yoga is a purpose-built studio in the gardens of Highfield House in Harbledown, a short walk from the city centre. Several teachers share a weekly timetable of mixed ability yoga, gentle yoga, mindful flow, yoga for healthy backs and beginners' qigong. Classes fill up, so book ahead. Bonus: underfloor heating, so your bare feet will thank you.
- 7
Yoga Shala
Yoga Shala sits on Upper Bridge Street, in the heart of town, and runs daily classes from Ashtanga, Mysore and Vinyasa to Hatha, Yin and Gentle Flow, plus meditation, breathwork and soundbath sessions. Complete beginners are welcome in most classes, and a 4-week beginners' course runs twice a year. Students can claim a discount with valid ID.
- 8
Pawsome Yoga
Yoga, but with puppies wandering the studio. Pawsome Yoga runs puppy yoga sessions at pop-up venues around Canterbury, with upcoming dates at The Pound and St Martin's Priory. It's more stretch and unwind than sweaty workout. Tickets are booked online for specific dates, and your downward dog may get competition from an actual dog!
- 9
Ceroc
Ceroc is partner dancing that borrows moves from salsa, ballroom, tango, street dance and more, and it doubles as a sneaky workout. Canterbury's weekly night happens at St John's Primary School. Beginners can just turn up any week, alone or with friends, no booking needed, and there's a student rate with proof of your course.
- 10
Kent Sport
If you study at Kent, start here. Kent Sport runs more than 70 group exercise classes a week in term time at the campus Sports Centre, from Spinning, Boxfit, Zumba and Barre Fit to Pilates, Yoga, Circuits and BodyPump, plus Les Mills virtual classes. Anyone with a Kent Sport membership can join, and first-year undergraduates get it free.
Ranked by Google rating, weighted by the number of reviews so a place with a handful of five-star reviews does not jump the queue. We check the list every month and drop anywhere that has closed.
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