Best Gym

If you are going to be Baku for any extended period of time, you may want to find a gym. There are many gyms in the hotels of Baku. The problem with hotel gyms is that they are often lacking in weights and equipment. Additionally, these gyms are overpriced. The gym in the Radisson has very little as far as free weights and equipment, but they do have plenty of treadmills and stationary bikes. Additionally, they also have a sauna and a pool. But coming at a price of 150 Azeri Manats a month makes it one of the most overpriced gyms I have visited. Also, I cannot swim (my sad confession) and the summers in Baku are so hot and humid that a sauna would only make sense in the Winter months.

The main gym for most locals and foreigners who just want to lift weights is the Best Gym. Prices are reasonable -- 3 AZM for one day and 15 AZM for 2 weeks memberships. I bought a one year membership for 190 AZM as that is how long I definitely know I will be here.

The Best Gym has plenty of weights and equipment, although most of it is a little old. Most of the equipment is from Vasil Gym, which I am assuming the Russian equivalent of Olympic Equipment. You will not find any Nautilus or Body Power Equipment. My biggest disappointment is there is no T-bar Row. On the other hand, the leg press and hack squat are solid and very heavy. Dumbbells range from 5kg to 50kg.

The gym itself is relatively small and there is little space between equipment. One cannot help but get in the way of someone else while there. The locker rooms are ok but are in constant repair. There is a shower with four stalls. Sometimes there is hot water and other times, especially in the summer, the choice is between cold and freezing.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 2pm-4pm, the gym is open to only women.

Overall, the best band for your buck is the Best Gym if you are looking for a place to workout in Baku.