When I first started calisthenics six months ago, I honestly had no idea what I was doing. I went straight for pull-ups without using bands (big mistake), skipped push work like push-ups, and completely ignored my core. Unsurprisingly, progress was slow and I felt really unmotivated.
That changed when I joined Blok. Training in classes, with coaches and other people around me, made a huge difference — I could learn proper form, get tips, and actually enjoy the process. From there, I started looking for gyms with a stronger focus on calisthenics and eventually found Cali Kulture. I'm now a member, and while I admit I'm a little biased, I wanted to share what I've learned so far.
Here's a list of three of the best calisthenics gyms in London based on things that actually matter — reviews, class frequency, equipment, and accessibility— so if you're thinking of getting into calisthenics, this should help you find the right spot!
1. Kalos Sthenos Republic (East India, E14)
Although I haven't trained there myself, Kalos Sthenos Republic is often regarded as the gold standard for calisthenics in London.
Ratings & reviews: They've got a 5-star average on Google (from around 70 reviews), with people consistently praising the trainers for being motivating and really hands-on.
Classes: They run multiple sessions a day, for all levels, so it's easy to find something that fits your schedule. They also provide free trial sessions via the Parkour Generations app.
Space & equipment: It's based inside Parkour Generations, so you get a bright, open space with rings, rigs, free weights, kettlebells, and plenty of kit designed for functional training.
It's the kind of place where you'll always find someone working on an advanced skill, but the atmosphere is welcoming for beginners too.
2. Cali Kulture (Various London Locations)
This is where I currently train, so yes — I'm biased. But it's also genuinely one of the most welcoming calisthenics communities in London.
Teaching ethos: Their mission is to make calisthenics accessible to everyone. Classes are structured but fun, and they even run competitions and the odd party, which says a lot about the vibe.
Community: A lot of the trainers actually started out as members themselves, which gives the place a down-to-earth, supportive feel.
Recognition: They've been featured in fitness write-ups as one of the best classes to try in London, and for good reason.
If you're new to calisthenics, this is probably the friendliest entry point you'll find.
3. Blok (Clapton, Shoreditch & Manchester)
Blok isn't a dedicated calisthenics gym, but their Strength: Cali classes were a game-changer for me.
Variety: Because they're a multi-discipline studio, you can mix calisthenics with yoga, boxing, or strength classes.
Coaching: The cali coaches are great at spotting form issues and breaking movements down into progressions you can actually follow.
Atmosphere: The studios are beautifully designed and the classes attract a good mix of people — from beginners testing out their first pull-ups to more advanced athletes.
For me, Blok was the perfect bridge into calisthenics because it combined structure with variety, and the energy in the classes kept me consistent.
Final Thoughts
Community made a huge difference in my own journey. When you're learning something as challenging (and rewarding) as calisthenics, having the right environment makes everything easier—and more fun. Hopefully one of these gyms becomes your cali home, and helps you get your journey started!