Now that Gimnasio Sun Sport in Almerimar has closed down, I decided to check out the alternatives, and started with the private gym in El Ejido which I believe opened in 2006. This is easy to find being located right next to the El Ejido Hotel: C/ Mónaco, 18, Santo Domingo, 950 48 59 24.

I have to say that as an ex David Lloyd member in the UK, I was pretty impressed. The gym is large with plenty of equipment, including lots of ’spinning’ bikes and machines for arms and legs. In addition there is a reasonably sized exercise studio where classes from toning & pilates, to step, cardiobox and salsa are run. Everything looked clean and new, and, although in the morning when I went it seemed quiet, the owner assured us there are plenty of members (I think he said over 2000!).

Looking at the class schedule, i was a little surprised to see only one morning class at 10am, but classes then ran from 14:15 through to 17:15, and again from 19:15 to 22:30, I guess reflecting when people prefer or are able to attend. The slot from 17:30 to 19:00 is for children (multideporte). Ciclo Indoor (spinning) seems popular with 4 classes a day and 30 minutes of abdominales follow for the serious fitness person.

I also looked at the female changing rooms that were clean and spacious and had lockers, a sauna, steam room and jacuzzy inside. The only thing I wasn’t quite so keen on was the showers which were very communal, being a line of jets with no curtaining. I have never minded communal changing rooms but if I’m honest prefer to shower in private which was what happened in the UK.

In addition to the fitness side, there was a small beauty salon, and a very pleasant little cafe near the entrance.

Overall I was very impressed. The owner seemed very friendly and interestingly in September is off to the UK for 4 years to coach our Olympic Boxing team! He assured me the gym would be seemlessly transferred.

Prices for men are 600€ pa or 60€ for each month. For women it is slightly cheaper @ 460€ pa, as it appears we create a good atmosphere around the gym and are more highly prized as members! (Maybe there are less female gym members over here). In addition there are off-peak prices, excluding the evenings.

Now for another good bit: the Fitness Center is open from 06:00 to 24:00 every weekday and from 12:00 to 22:00 on Saturday. Still no Sunday opening, as Sunday definitely seems to be a day off here, which is probably a good thing.

SO overall I can recommend it … definitely worth a look and only around 15-20 mins drive from Almerimar.

About Almerimar

Almerimar is located in the region of Andalucia, Spain. The nearest airport is 30km away in Almeria. Other airports that are within 3 hours include Malaga, Murcia, Granada, and Alicanti. Other holiday resorts in the region include Mojacar , Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar

Almerimar is also one of the largest marinas in Spain with over 2,000 births and excellent boatyard facilities.