After Work Wellness in the South West: Top Gyms, Spas and Fitness Classes for Professionals

Balancing a high pressure job with a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean hauling yourself miles out of the way. South Western Railway’s network puts some first class wellness venues almost on the station platform. Below is a handpicked circuit of gyms, spas and classes in eight key SWR served cities, ideal for squeezing selfcare into your commute. 

Top Gyms Near SWR Stations that Keep the Lights on Late 

Whether you prefer a quick high-intensity workout or a full gym session, the South West offers a range of fitness centres near key SWR stations that are perfect for catching a session before heading home. 

1. PureGym Southampton Central 

Nearest station: Southampton Central station (2-min walk) 
Why it works?: Step off the train, stash your laptop in a locker, and you can be on the treadmill before the inbox pings again.  

PureGym keeps its doors open 24 hours, so whether you roll in after a late client dinner or squeeze in a dawn session before the 06:57 to Waterloo, the kit is always ready and the classes run well into the evening.  

With three hours of free parking on the same street you can even drive on the days you don’t commute, handy if hybrid working has scrambled your wellness routine. 

2. Parkwood Health & Fitness Salisbury  

Nearest station: Salisbury station (5‑min drive or 15‑min bus along London Rd) 
Why it works?: If you’ve been hunched over spreadsheets all day, Parkwood’s 20metre pool and spacious sauna are a fast track to decompressing shoulders and mind alike.  

Evening Float Fit and Aquafit classes kick off just after the London commuter trains arrive, so you can swap the carriage seat for a paddleboard without clockwatching.  

Last entry isn’t until 21:00 on weekdays, giving you ample time even when meetings overrun. 

3. Anytime Fitness Basingstoke 

Nearest station: Basingstoke station (opposite the station in Crown Heights) 
Why it works?: True to its name, this fitness club never shuts. Swipe in with a key‑fob at 23:45 after a late finish in the city or catch a 06:00 express class before the office morning stand‑up.  

Because this gym sits directly above the concourse you can go from platform to squat rack in under three minutes, shower, and still make the next London service. A complimentary “Get Started” session helps desk‑bound newcomers build a programme that fits an erratic work calendar. 

4. PureGym Poole 

Nearest station: Poole station (10min drive or frequent bus from the station) 

Why it works?:  Tower Park’s PureGym branch caters to the Bournemouth and back commuter who sometimes terminates at Poole with late staffed hours (06:00–22:00), acres of free parking and no long-term contract.  

Most trains from Waterloo arrive around 18:20; the 18:45 Box Fit or Cycle Express sessions mean you’ll be showered and home before 20:00. Touch in entry gates and a slick app let you rebook if your evening call runs over. 

Best Spas for Post-Work Relaxation in the South West 

After a stressful day, treating yourself to a spa session can work wonders for your mental and physical wellbeing. These spas near SWR stations combine luxury and accessibility to help turn your commute into a mini retreat. 

1. Village Health & Wellness Portsmouth

Nearest Station: Portsmouth Harbour station (15-min walk) 
Part of the Village hotel, this club is open to public members and day guests. The heated pool, whirlpool, big sauna and eucalyptus steam room stay open until 22:00, giving you plenty of headroom if the 18:37 leaves Waterloo a shade late.  

Pair a sweat session in the gym with a soak or skip the burpees altogether and slide straight into the hydro pool while the traffic clears on the A27. 

2. The Retreat Spa, Hotel Indigo Exeter 

Nearest Station: Exeter Central (6-min walk) or Exeter St. David’s (15-min walk) 

With a rooftop aromatherapy sauna that looks out over the cathedral’s spires, there’s no faster way to swap your spreadsheets for some zen time.  

The spa’s two hydro pools and a Niagara Falls style rainfall shower knead out commuter knots, while 30 and 45 minute facials make the treatment list distinctly after work friendly.  

With last appointments at 20:00, London bound professionals staying overnight can nip in after dinner while local commuters can still catch the 21:14 back to Honiton or Exmouth. 

3. R1SE Fitness & Wellbeing, Hilton Bournemouth 

Nearest Station: Bournemouth (15-min walk) 

Housed in the Hilton’s glass fronted top floor, R1SE combines a 20 m pool, sauna, steam room and functional fitness zones under one roof, so you can choose between a gentle float or a sweaty battle ropes blast depending on how brutal the inbox felt.  

Treatments run until 20:30; book a thirty-minute back neck shoulder massage and you’ll still catch the 21:18 train to Poole or Southampton relaxed and robe fresh. 

Fitness Classes Tailored for Busy Professionals 

If you prefer a structured class environment with like-minded people, the South West has a vibrant fitness class scene. These studios near SWR stations offer flexible schedules perfect for after-work sessions. 

1. Yoga Lounge Bournemouth  

Nearest station: Bournemouth (10min walk) 
Yoga Lounge’s three temperature controlled studios run hot, warm and cool flows on a rolling timetable that starts as early as 06:15 and finishes as late as 21:00.  

Their nifty app lets you book while the inspector is checking tickets; pick a 45minute Express Vinyasa straight after arrival and you’ll be heading home limber by 20:15. Mat hire means you can leave the bulky kit bag at work. 

2. Spin Studio, Exeter Golf & Country Club  

Nearest Station: Exeter St Davids (10-min drive) 
Les Mills RPM rides run back to back from 17:30, so commuters off the Bristol train glide into the saddle with zero dead time.  

Showers and hairdryers are right outside the studio; change, ride, rinse and you’re back in a cab and on the 20:04 to Plymouth with legs like jelly and inbox stress evaporated. 

3. Group Cycle @ BH Live Active Pyramids 

Nearest Station: Portsmouth & Southsea (15min walk) 

Colour tracking Technogym bikes show live wattage zones on the big screen, ideal for keeping you motivated after an Excel heavy day. Evening classes run until 20:30 Monday-Thursday, so even if your meeting in Gunwharf drifts you won’t miss the calorie torch.  

Pack away lockers mean you can stash a laptop securely and change back into office gear for a post ride meal on Albert Road. 

4. Boutique Yoga, Five Star Gym Windsor  

Nearest Station: Windsor & Eton Riverside (10min walk) 
Class sizes max out at eight, so there’s zero jostling for mat space and the instructor has capacity to tweak posture knotted by commuter shoulders.  

The studio’s 19:15 Yin session is a commuter favourite: 60 minutes of long holds and mindful breathing that land you in a calm headspace for the short stroll to the 20:37 back to Waterloo. 

Make the Most of Your Commute with SWR 

With these wellness options located near SWR stations, fitting after work fitness and relaxation into your routine has never been easier. Plan your journey so you can stop by a gym or spa on your way home, or time your train to match class schedules. Discover more about our commuter offerings such as Business Direct for easier management of your business travel.