Health Club Jordaan

Last year, Michael and I spent a weekend at Health Club Jordaan during our Amsterdam trip, and honestly, it was such a refreshing change from the typical hotel gyms we usually settle for. Tucked away in Amsterdam's charming Jordaan district, this place feels more like a local wellness hangout than a touristy fitness center. For €17.50, the day pass is pricier than chain gyms, but after trying it out, we understood why.

More than just another gym

The first thing that struck us was the space itself – 450 square meters that somehow feels both cozy and spacious. Unlike many city gyms that cram equipment into every corner, Health Club Jordaan has thoughtfully arranged their workout zones. We loved that the free weights section had plenty of breathing room, and I didn't have to awkwardly wait for someone to finish their set while hovering nearby. Michael particularly enjoyed the "fun stuff" they've added – he spent way too much time playing with the sand bags and challenging himself on the s-drive treadmill.

What really made our experience though were the trainers. We expected the typical "nod and ignore" treatment visitors often get, but when Michael couldn't figure out the right form for a new exercise, one of their staff members casually came over and gave some genuinely helpful tips. No sales pitch for personal training, just friendly advice. That said, we noticed they do offer personal training if that's your thing, along with body composition analysis for members.

Classes that actually looked fun

Though we mainly stuck to our own routine, the class schedule was impressive with over 60 options weekly. We peeked into a HIIT session on Saturday morning, and it looked both challenging and weirdly enjoyable – everyone was sweating buckets but laughing too. The Zumba class had this infectious energy that almost tempted me to join despite my notorious lack of coordination. If we'd stayed longer, I definitely would have tried their yoga classes in the dedicated studio overlooking a garden – such a peaceful spot in the middle of the busy city.

For those who hate figuring out their own workout plan, they've got this eGym circuit thing – 11 automated machines that guide you through a 30-minute full-body workout. We watched a few people zip through it, and it seemed perfect for anyone who wants an efficient, no-thinking-required session. The machines automatically adjust to your settings when you log in, which is pretty clever.

What to know before you go

• The €17.50 day pass feels steep at first, but considering the quality and extra perks, it was worth it for us
• Bring your own lock for the lockers (we forgot and had to buy one)
• Morning sessions were busier than we expected, with lots of locals starting their day there
• The shower facilities are excellent – clean, spacious, and with decent water pressure (hotel shower flashbacks, anyone?)
• They have these funky water stations with cucumber or lemon infused water – small touch but appreciated

The neighborhood is half the appeal

Part of what made Health Club Jordaan so perfect was wrapping up our workout and stepping right into one of Amsterdam's most charming neighborhoods. We found this tiny café just around the corner serving incredible post-workout smoothies, and spent the afternoon wandering the picturesque streets and boutique shops of the Jordaan. The location puts you close to everything worth seeing, but just far enough from the tourist crowds to feel like you've discovered a local secret.

If you're staying in Amsterdam for more than a quick visit and want to keep up your fitness routine without compromising on experience, Health Club Jordaan hits the mark. It's not the cheapest option in the city, but it provided exactly what we needed – a proper workout space with enough extras to make it special, all in a neighborhood that feels like the real Amsterdam. Sometimes spending a bit more pays off, and this was definitely one of those cases.