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

As per every January, gyms in Cairo are inundated with new members, all promising themselves to burn off those festive calories. Venturing out to the depths of New Cairo, gym memberships seem to become increasingly expensive, and finding a well-equipped gym at a reasonable price becomes an unnecessary challenge.

Situated inside – but visible from the outside – of the Katameya Plaza Mall, Leo Gym shines overhead with a glass front, bright lights and garish red, lion head signage. Heading up several flights of stairs, the second floor landing is taken up by a large reception desk and electronic entrance barriers.

A more inconspicuous entrance on the floor below is reserved for women only, leading to a private, small but spacious workout area, a crèche and a separate room for single-sex fitness classes.

In the main upstairs gym area, both the men and women’s changing rooms are fitted with a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room; the women’s room also boasts an area for manicures, pedicures and Moroccan bath treatments which are available at an additional but discounted cost. Although the combination of white fixtures and red leather furniture borders on tacky, the facilities are both clean and well-kept.

Moving along a corridor lined with pebbles and decorated with motivational fitness motifs, the open plan workout area at the end is large, spacious and filled with loud, pumping music. The equipment is up-to-date, clean and more than adequate, with a definite structure to the different sections.

Vast rows of treadmills, cross-trainers and other cardio machines look out over the road in front, and are fitted with screens and programmed with various workout options. We also spotted a Kenisis workout machine, however, being the only one may mean you have to queue for it at peak times. Positioned towards the back of the room, the free-weights area is also vast and well-stocked.

The aerobics room is discreetly positioned at one end, with frosted glass walls for privacy; a range of classes are available and are either mixed or ladies-only. A snack bar is adequately stocked with fruit, oat and chocolate bars, as well as various soft and hot drinks. A masseuse is also available at an extra cost, as are bundles of personal training sessions. Memberships are either short or long term at one (750LE), two (1400LE), three (2000LE), six (3400LE) months, to a year (4500LE) or 16 months (4900LE), all of which come with a free induction session and nutrition and body assessment. The gym also offers discounted rates for married couples.

Although by no means cheap, Leo Gym is one of the more reasonably priced gyms in the New Cairo area. This, along with an abundance of top-of-the-range equipment, spacious workout areas and more, makes Leo Gym an attractive option for achieving those fitness goals.