Gyms in Sunderland

Sunderland has a wide choice of places to train, and the right one depends on what you want from a gym. Some people want heavy barbells and a crowd who take lifting seriously, others want a pool and classes for the whole family, and plenty just want somewhere open at 5am on the way to work. This guide covers eight places we have confirmed are open in 2026: an independent strength gym, an indoor climbing centre, three leisure centres run by Everyone Active and three 24-hour chain gyms spread across the city. Prices and membership options change regularly, so check each website before you sign up.

New Level Gym

For serious strength work, there is the independent New Level Gym, in a unit on Centralway, Pallion Industrial Estate. It opened in 2017 and is set up for powerlifting and strongman training, with kit that chain gyms rarely carry, including atlas stones and a car deadlift.

It is not only for competitors. There is cardio equipment and a programme of group workouts, and the atmosphere is that of a working gym rather than a polished commercial floor. Being on an industrial estate, it is easiest to reach by car from Pallion, Millfield and Hylton.

Best for: Lifters who want proper strength and strongman equipment.

Sunderland Wall

For something different from the treadmill, Sunderland Wall is an indoor climbing and bouldering centre in the former Doxford Works at Pallion Quay. Climbing builds grip, shoulder and core strength, and many regulars use it as their main training alongside, or instead of, a conventional gym.

The centre runs coaching for beginners, classes for children and parties, and there is a cafe on site, so it works as a social way to keep fit. If you have never climbed before, an introductory session is the place to start.

Best for: People who want a full-body workout that does not feel like the gym.

Sunderland Aquatic Centre

Beside the Stadium of Light, Sunderland Aquatic Centre is run by Everyone Active and has a 50m pool, with a separate diving pool as well. Its gym is spread across two floors, giving plenty of space for cardio, resistance machines and free weights.

The combination of a large gym with a serious pool makes it a good fit for triathletes, swimmers and anyone who likes to mix a swim into their week. It is a short walk from St Peter's and Stadium of Light Metro stations.

Best for: Swimmers and anyone who wants a big gym with a 50m pool.

Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre

In the south-west of the city, Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre on Silksworth Lane is also operated by Everyone Active. It is best known for its 18 tennis courts, eight of them indoors, and padel has been added too.

The gym has recently been expanded, and there is a 25m four-lane pool, a studio for classes, a health suite and a cafe. It opens from 6.30am to 9pm on weekdays and from 8am to 4pm at weekends.

Best for: Households that want racket sports, a swim and a gym on one membership.

Washington Leisure Centre

In Washington town centre, Washington Leisure Centre is the main public leisure centre for the NE37 and NE38 villages. Its gym has around 100 stations, a new group cycling studio has been added, and a gym refurbishment is planned for 2026.

The pool hall has a 25m six-lane pool, a learner pool and flumes, and there is a sports hall, squash courts and soft play for younger children. It opens from 6.30am on weekdays and 8am at weekends, with parking for centre users.

Best for: Washington families who want gym, pool and classes in one place.

JD Gyms Sunderland

On Trimdon Street Retail Park, west of the city centre, JD Gyms Sunderland is a large commercial gym. It is open 24 hours a day, with more than 250 machines, a sled track, a functional training rig and a boxing area.

Saunas are available to members and group classes are included in the membership. Parking on the retail park is allowed for up to three hours, which covers most sessions.

Best for: People who want a large 24-hour gym with classes and saunas included.

PureGym Sunderland

North of the river, PureGym Sunderland is part of the Tesco Extra building on Sunderland Retail Park, Newcastle Road. It is open around the clock, and members can park in the Tesco car park.

The floor has more than 160 pieces of kit, dumbbells up to 50kg and a separate women's workout space for members who prefer to train away from the main area. It is convenient for Fulwell, Seaburn, Roker and Southwick.

Best for: North Sunderland residents who want a 24-hour gym close to home.

The Gym Group Sunderland South

At the southern edge of the city, The Gym Group Sunderland South is on Toll Bar Retail Park in Ryhope. It is open 24 hours with parking on site, and is well set up for strength work, with seven Olympic lifting platforms and dumbbells to 50kg.

There is also a HIIT zone, and classes are included in membership. It suits people in Ryhope, Grangetown, Tunstall and Doxford Park.

Best for: Budget-conscious lifters on the south side of the city.

Choosing a gym

If you are not sure which suits you, ask to look around before you join, and check whether pay-as-you-go sessions are available as an alternative to a membership. For watching sport rather than playing it, see our Stadium of Light match day guide, and for more ideas visit the sport hub.

Know a gym we have missed? Get in touch.