Athletic-Minded Traveler

As the largest and most popular health club in downtown Birmingham, non-members are allowed to join the sweat party by purchasing a day-pass for £10.

High ceilings and relatively large fitness rooms contribute to the club's pleasing ambiance. All machine models are stocked for cardio and strength workouts. New treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, rowers share floorspace with stack-loaded weight stations, free weights, dumbbells and more. Various aerobic, cycling and strength classes are offered too, all included in your admission price.

While Bannatyne's lap pool is somewhat dark and cavernous, the four lanes of 21-meter swimming are as good as you're going to find in downtown Birmingham. Bottom stripes and floating ropes help swimmers navigate from side to side. A few kickboards and pull-buoys are supplied as well.