I've been searching for a studio to practice pilates and Phyx has everything I need. The first…read moreclass I took was free and I loved it. Within the loft studio, you can find all the apparatuses used in the pilates method: the reformer, trapeze, cadillac, tower, barrel, etc. Each class has a maximum of 5 students and so the time you get with the instructor is very individualized. The classes book up quickly and there isn't a ton of available slots, so if you can manage a time with Jean I highly recommend him. He's super attentive, very focused and high energy during the 1-hour class and specializes the exercises based on your needs. If you're looking to strengthen, straighten, gain flexibility or rehabilitate, pilates is the best way to improve your posture, lean out your torso and give you flat abs ;) Go to Phyx!

I'm an expat who's been living in Rio for the past year. I tried out several gyms before joining…read moreone and I believe this is the nicest gym in the zona sul (although you pay for it! It's not cheap). They have a wide range of classes and I regularly go to spinning, functional training, and some of the many abs/glutes focused classes. The only one I haven't liked is yoga because I thought it was boring. I also use the pool which is clean - only complaint is it's a little small (2 wide lanes) and the hours for open swim are limited due to classes going on. Another nice feature is that there are always trainers in the weights areas who you can meet with in the beginning without extra cost to get started on a training plan, and ask advice from anytime about your form or new exercises. I pre-paid for a year membership since I knew I was staying, but the gym also offers shorter-term options if you're only in Rio for a little while, and they're willing to negotiate on those.

I've been a member at this gym since age 12 - needless to say, I'm a big fan. Though I now live…read moreabroad, Bodytech is one of the places I love to go to the most when I'm back in Rio. It is very well equipped (the best, according to personal experience), and the instructors are all very well qualified. Most importantly, both staff and members are overall very nice and helpful. It's just a great place to stay fit, and stay happy.