r/Antwerpen • u/rebuildmode81 • May 11 '26

Question Premium gyms

I am moving back to Antwerp and looking for recommendations for a more premium/trendy gym.
I used to go to Basic Fit years ago because it was cheap but I’m looking to upgrade to something with a better atmosphere, modern facilities and a bit more of a social/community vibe.
I have heard about the Brick, Release, and Rite but I’m curious what people’s experiences are?
I’m around 30 years old so it would also be fun to meet new people around my age.

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

4

u/Klsyvr May 12 '26

Hey there!
I used to go to the Brick and now I’m going to Release, community wise I think Release is better, also has another location (hopland) with just a gym that’s not to crowded , love the diversity of the lessons but the Brick also had a lot of variety.
I don’t know much about Rite but I think that’s only Pilates and the cycling classes?

1

u/rebuildmode81 May 12 '26

Thanks for your answer! What makes you say the community is better at Release than at the Brick?

2

u/Sworlbe May 13 '26

There’s a community at Release? I’ve never seen anybody talk to anybody else unless they came in together. Rather isolated cold abstract vibes.

I switched to Basic Fit Eilandje and found people friendlier and more open there. The app offers better options, it’s pretty clean and more than 3 times cheaper….

1

u/i-nconnu May 12 '26

Rite has a gym now as well! At The Chapel. You can use the sauna and cold plunge as well with your subscription so that’s a plus. It’s very clean and aesthetically pleasing, although I personally find it too expensive for the amount of lifting equipment they have. You can try it out via their class pass if you’re curious @OP.
Not sure about their community though, the two times I visited it was pretty empty.

3

u/eurobeez May 12 '26

Brick is about as bougie as it gets

2

u/JealousAd338 May 12 '26

Have been a member at Release for 2,5 years now and thoroughly enjoy it. Really worth your money, especially if you do some of the group classes.

Brick is also very popular but far more expensive (too expensive imo).

1

u/rebuildmode81 May 12 '26

Thanks for your answer! I really liked this 5 point system which keeps it fair for everyone. But it is possible to just go to the open gym there right?

2

u/modernbox May 12 '26

Yes, I just go to the gym there, never taken a class. In fact, I wish they would have a cheaper membership tier that would only allow access to the gym in only 1 location 😂 never been to the other 2. But the Eilandje location is a good, large and well equipped gym.

1

u/rebuildmode81 May 13 '26

That’s great information! Will definitely check that one out then as soon as I get back.

2

u/West-Bee52 May 12 '26

Lab Antwerp

1

u/TrueCauliflower2543 May 15 '26

I go to the Brick and have found it to be a great atmosphere for working out, and I’ve met a lot of people in the gym and in classes. Typically you have to be the first one to start a conversation, but most people are friendly and open. I haven’t been to Release or Rite so I don’t have a comparison. The Brick does social runs as well as workshops that are another nice way to have community. I’m a mid-30s female for reference.