Gyms Move Into the Building as Iberian Rentals Compete on Wellness

Spain's gyms and health clubs counted 7.1 million members at the end of 2025, up 8.3 percent in a year, according to EuropeActive's European Health and Fitness Market Report, published in April 2026. Across Europe, membership reached 75.5 million and industry revenues rose 9.1 percent to 39.1 billion euros.

Developers and landlords have taken note. In Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon, a growing number of residential buildings, particularly newer and higher-end ones, include a gym among their shared facilities. For people renting a furnished apartment for a few months, often professionals relocating for work or remote workers based temporarily in a city, a gym in the building can replace a membership and a commute. Whether it is worth paying for depends on the quality of the facility and on the alternatives nearby.

A wider wellness market

The trend is part of a broader shift toward what the industry calls wellness real estate. The Global Wellness Institute estimates that the market for homes and buildings designed with health in mind reached $438.2 billion in 2023, up from $225.2 billion in 2019. That represents growth of 18.1 percent a year, against 5.1 percent for global construction over the same period, and the institute projects the market will reach $912.6 billion by 2028.

Gyms are the most visible feature of that market but not the only one. Pools, saunas, rooftop terraces and rooms for yoga or Pilates appear in a growing number of developments, alongside less visible features such as better ventilation and natural light. For renters, these features are increasingly part of how buildings compete.

Barcelona

In Barcelona, apartments with fitness facilities are concentrated in neighborhoods with newer or recently refurbished buildings, notably Diagonal Mar and parts of Eixample. Some include 24-hour gyms; others offer access to a pool or a shared terrace instead.

For many renters, the realistic alternative is a nearby commercial gym, and the city has plenty. The choice often comes down to schedule. A facility downstairs is easier to use early in the morning or late in the evening, while a commercial club usually offers more equipment and classes. RentRemote lists furnished apartments in Barcelona for monthly stays.

Madrid

In Madrid, the Salamanca and Chamberí districts combine established residential streets with upscale buildings, some of which include fitness rooms, pools or wellness areas. Newer developments often go further, adding saunas or spaces for group classes.

For a renter, it is worth checking whether gym access is included in the monthly price or charged separately, and how many residents share it. RentRemote lists furnished apartments in Madrid with the amenities of each property.

Lisbon

In Lisbon, the newer residential areas of Parque das Nações and Avenidas Novas are popular with renters looking for apartments with gym access, combining modern residential buildings with relatively easy access to the city center.

Demand for furnished housing in the city has been supported by a rapid rise in new residents. Portugal's foreign population reached about 1.54 million at the end of 2024, according to the immigration agency AIMA, nearly four times the 2017 figure, as reported by the news agency Lusa. Many newcomers rent a furnished apartment before committing to a longer lease. RentRemote lists furnished apartments in Lisbon for monthly stays.

What to check before renting

Building gyms vary widely. Some contain commercial-grade machines and free weights; others amount to a treadmill and a bench in a basement room. Before signing, it is worth asking what equipment the gym contains, what its opening hours are and whether access is included in the rent.

The number of residents sharing the facility matters too, since a small gym in a large building can be crowded at peak times. Maintenance is a useful signal: a clean, well-kept gym usually indicates a well-managed building. Photos, or a visit where possible, are the most reliable way to judge.

Short-stay renters should also check the house rules. Some buildings restrict gym access to owners or long-term tenants, require a separate registration or key fob, or close facilities for maintenance during certain months. Confirming in writing that access is included for the length of the stay avoids a common disappointment.

The trade-off

An in-building gym adds convenience, but it usually adds cost as well, since buildings with extensive shared facilities tend to command higher rents. For someone staying a few months, the comparison is straightforward: the extra rent set against the price of a membership and the time spent getting to a commercial gym.

For people who train regularly and work long hours, the convenience can justify the premium. For others, a well-located apartment near a good commercial club may offer better value, particularly in neighborhoods where several gyms compete for members and offer flexible monthly passes. In both cases, the decision is easier when the rent, amenities and terms are clear before booking.