The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Located
conveniently next to the Behooth metro stop, this fitness centre offers the
typical gym-goer in Cairo everything that he or she needs: free weights,
treadmills and a decent collection of machines. If you have Olympic
aspirations, Classic Gym’s relatively small size and lack of lifting options
may disappoint, but, for the average Cairene trying to stay in shape, the gym’s
friendly staff, cordial atmosphere and moderate price will surely satisfy. 

As you’ll
find in almost any gym, a few juggernauts strut around the heaviest free
weights, posturing in front of the mirror and loudly grunting as they max out
their bench press. In general, though, the atmosphere is welcoming for all
skill levels and body types. The 250LE
monthly membership fee makes this gym inaccessible to some, though, and a solid
percentage of its patrons are foreigners.

Both men and women work on the staff,
which helps create an inclusive atmosphere for both genders. Even in the middle
of summer, the A/C makes strenuous activity bearable (at least
temperature-wise), and the machines and locker room are kept hygienic and
clean. 

Theoretically,
the gym stays open 24 hours a day, but that depends on the whims of the person
working at the time. In general, the staff is polite, helpful if prompted and
forgiving if your membership dues are a day or two or five late. If you don’t
know the difference between a lat pull down and a tricep extension, they know
enough to teach you the basics.

The gym
lacks free weights for the Olympic lifts: squatting, cleaning and jerking, but
the other machines compensate for this scarcity. At peak hours, you may need to
share a machine or two, but the gym’s extended hours make even the busiest
times manageable. You can certainly find cheaper gym options, but Classic Gym’s
clean, air-conditioned and well-maintained facilities are worth the price for
those who can afford it.

The easiest way to find Classic Gym is to take
the metro to the Behooth stop.  Find El
Ansar St. exit and continue on El Ansar Street until you see the gym on your
left.