Claw collective vs. uetligym vs. balboa vs. templeshape: the zurich gym comparison

Zurich's fitness scene is huge, and finding the right studio can quickly become overwhelming. It's no longer just about the classic «poses» in the gym. The city is buzzing with boutique studios that offer special concepts, a strong sense of community and a holistic approach.

The fundamental difference between the four big names - Claw Collective, Uetligym, Balboa and Templeshape - lies in their philosophy. Claw Collective focuses fully on intensive group workouts, while Uetligym lures you outside into the fresh air. Balboa exudes an urban boutique feel with a strong community focus. Templeshape takes a different approach: here, the focus is on you with a holistic approach that combines fitness, mindfulness and personal development.

Which Zurich boutique gym really suits you

This guide is your compass through the jungle of offers. It will help you find the gym that not only suits your goals, but also your lifestyle.

The trend towards a more conscious lifestyle is also reflected in the figures. In 2024, the Swiss fitness industry will have 1.37 million active members set a new record - that is growth of 4.7 percent compared to the previous year. Basically, every sixth adult in Switzerland is now registered at a fitness center. If you want to delve deeper into the figures, you can find more information in the study on the Development of the Swiss fitness industry exciting insights.

We take a close look at the four most popular providers and compare what really makes them stand out.

The four Zurich fitness concepts at a glance

This table gives you a quick overview of the core features of Claw Collective, Uetligym, Balboa and Templeshape as an initial guide.

After this article, you will not only know which studio offers the best classes, but above all, where you will feel most comfortable. Are you more the type for tough outdoor workouts, an urban boutique atmosphere or a holistic approach that goes beyond just sweating?

If you are specifically interested in Pilates, take a look at our guide to the best Pilates classes. Pilates studios in Zurich districts 1 to 4.

The offers in direct comparison

Choosing the right gym is a very personal decision. It depends on what you are looking for, how you train and what is good for you. The details make all the difference here - from the variety of courses to the prices and accessibility. So let's take a closer look at what Claw Collective, Uetligym, Balboa and Templeshape have to offer so that you can make the right choice for you.

Each studio has its very own philosophy, and this is directly reflected in the offer. Some focus entirely on high-intensity training, while others offer a broader range that also includes regenerative elements such as yoga or breathwork.

Range of courses and special formats

The heart of every studio is, of course, the course schedule. And this is where the four providers take really different approaches.

Claw Collective stands for a clear, focused program. The emphasis is on functional training and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). The classes are tough as nails and designed to push you to your limits quickly. If you like intense, sweat-inducing workouts in a group, this is the place for you. Imagine, for example, doing a series of burpees and kettlebell swings with others to loud beats until the last drop of sweat falls.

Uetligym is moving its training completely outdoors. The offer consists almost exclusively of outdoor boot camps on the Uetliberg. Here you train using your own body weight and what nature provides - for example, push-ups on a tree trunk or sprints up a forest path. This makes every workout unique and is perfect for you if you're not in the mood for the typical gym grind.

Balboa probably has the largest variety of urban fitness classes in Zurich. From classic strength training and intensive cardio sessions to boxing and yoga, you'll find almost everything here. On a Monday, for example, you can attend a boxing class, squeeze in a yoga session on Wednesday to relax and give it your all during strength training on Friday. This huge selection is great for you if you like to try out different training styles and want maximum flexibility.

A little tip on the side: The variety at Balboa can be a bit overwhelming at the beginning. My advice: ask specifically for beginners' courses. That way you'll get off to the right start and won't feel under pressure straight away.

Templeshape takes a holistic approach. In addition to the classic HIIT and bootcamp courses for your physical fitness, there is a strong focus on Pilates, yoga and mindfulness.

What makes it special, however, are the formats that go far beyond pure training:

• Ice bathing: Imagine stepping into a cold pool of water on a winter morning under professional guidance - an unbeatable way to boost your immune system and mental resilience.
• Breathwork: Here you will learn how to reduce stress and find your emotional balance through guided breathing exercises.
• Retreats: These are breaks lasting several days that combine fitness, wellness and personal development, for example at a sunny location by the sea.

It is precisely this mix of intensive workouts and regenerative practices that makes Templeshape so special. If you are interested in the topic of breathing techniques in more depth, take a look at our article on Breathwork offers in Zurich to.

This decision tree can give you an initial orientation, depending on your lifestyle, your goals and your desired vibe.

The graphic makes it clear: the choice depends heavily on your personal priorities - whether you are looking for pure performance enhancement, a connection to nature or holistic well-being.

To make your decision even easier, here is a detailed overview.

Detailed performance comparison of the gyms

A detailed comparison of the offers, prices, locations and special formats of the four fitness studios.

This table should help you to recognize the most important differences at a glance and to better classify the offers.

Price structures and flexibility

Let's move on to the money. Here, too, there are clear differences that should match your budget and training frequency.

Claw Collective and Balboa are in the higher price segment, which is not unusual for boutique studios in Zurich. Both offer flexible models such as 10-pack subscriptions or drop-in classes. This is great if you don't want to make a long-term commitment. Balboa tends to be a little more expensive, but justifies this with its huge selection of courses and well-equipped studios.

Uetligym is somewhat more moderate in terms of price. Of course, there is no expensive rent for studio space, which is reflected in the price. The subscriptions are often seasonal, which fits in perfectly with the outdoor concept.

Templeshape is in the medium to high price segment and has a transparent structure. You can choose between different subscriptions that give you access to all course formats - from HIIT to yoga. This creates real added value because you don't have to pay extra for different offers.

Locations and accessibility in Zurich

One factor you shouldn't underestimate is the location of the gym. If you have to drive across town to go to a gym, you will simply visit it less often in the long run.

• Balboa and Claw Collective have the edge here with several very central locations in popular districts such as Seefeld or Kreis 4. Perfect for you if you want to train directly before or after work and are reliant on good public transport connections.

• Uetligym is logically linked to the Uetliberg. The meeting points are easy to reach with the SZU (Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn), but of course you have to plan for the journey.

• Templeshape has positioned itself strategically. The Health Temple CITY is centrally located in district 1, ideal for you if you work in the city center. The Health Temple AIRPORT in Kloten is perfect for the region around the airport and the surrounding communities.

At the end of the day, the choice depends a lot on where you live or work. Having a gym around the corner lowers the barrier to regular attendance enormously and helps you to stick with it.

Which gym really suits you? A decision-making aid

A gym is much more than just dumbbells and treadmills. It's a place that has to fit your life - your job, your goals, your personality. The best equipment is useless if you don't feel comfortable or if getting there is a workout in itself.

To help you make the right choice between Claw Collective, Uetligym, Balboa and Templeshape, I've outlined a few typical Zurich profiles for you. See where you are most likely to find yourself.

Anna (32), the efficient professional

Anna has a demanding job in the banking district. Her days are long and her calendar is full. She needs a workout that Maximum efficiency preferably something she can do quickly during her lunch break or straight after work. Her main goal: to reduce stress and find a balance to hours of sitting.

• Top recommendation for Anna: Balboa or Templeshape.
• Why? Both are strategically located in the heart of the city (districts 1 and 4). Anna's biggest problem is time. Balboa offers an incredibly high density of classes, so that she can spontaneously find a suitable workout at practically any time of day. Templeshape in circuit 1 gives her the ideal mix: intensive HIIT units to work out and at the same time regenerative formats such as yoga or breathwork to clear her head.

Lukas (28), the nature-loving adventurer

Lukas can't stand the typical gym smell of sweat and disinfectant. He hates closed rooms. For him, life takes place outside, and his training should too. No matter what the weather. Fitness is not an appointment for him, but part of his active lifestyle.

• Top recommendation for Lukas: Uetligym.
• Why? The matter is clear. Uetligym is the only concept in this comparison that takes place entirely outdoors. Training on the Uetliberg gives him exactly the variety and closeness to nature that he is looking for. The uncomplicated, friendly atmosphere of the outdoor boot camps suits him perfectly.

Sarah (25), the performance-oriented athlete

Sarah already has a solid basic fitness level and is now looking for the next challenge. She loves pushing herself to her limits and wants to see her progress in black and white. A competitive environment spurs her on and she needs coaches who really push her - technically and mentally. Relaxed, feel-good training is definitely not her thing.

• Top recommendation for Sarah: Claw Collective.
• Why? Claw Collective thrives on an intense, almost electrifying atmosphere that is fully geared towards performance. The HIIT workouts are standardized, which makes it easy for Sarah to track her performance over weeks and compare herself with others. This is about performance. Period. Exactly what she needs to get to the next level.

My most important thought for you: There is no such thing as „the best“ studio. There is only the studio that for you works best. In the end, your personality and your circumstances are the only factors that really count.

Lena (35), the young mother

Lena recently became a mom and wants to get fit and strong again after her pregnancy. She is looking for an understanding environment with courses that are tailored to her needs - in the morning, for example. Just as important to her is the exchange with other mothers in a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere.

• Top recommendation for Lena: Templeshape.
• Why? With offers such as the „Motherhood Club“ and special mommy workouts Templeshape is clearly geared towards the needs of women before, during and after pregnancy. Here, Lena not only finds safe postnatal training, but also a real community of like-minded people. The holistic philosophy, which does not preach the perfect „after-baby body“ but focuses on sustainable well-being, gives her exactly the safe space she needs right now.

Understanding the community and culture of gyms

The atmosphere in a gym often tips the scales. It decides whether you enjoy going there and feel motivated or whether training becomes purely a compulsory program. The right community can really make the difference between sticking with it and giving up.

So let's take a closer look at the vibe at Claw Collective, Uetligym, Balboa and Templeshape. Where can you find like-minded people, where can you be yourself and what culture awaits you behind the front door?

Claw Collective - full of energy and performance-oriented

At Claw Collective, you can feel the energy as soon as you enter the room. The music is loud, the tempo is high and everything is geared towards performance. It's a place for people like you who want to push each other and really test their limits.

The community is tight, but the focus is clearly on workout performance. If you love to compete in a competitive but fair environment and get carried away by the energy of the group, this is the place for you. The vibe is intense, focused and perfect for you if you want to feel like you've really given your all after every workout.

Uetligym - companionable and close to nature

Uetligym thrives on a completely different kind of community. Out here in the forest, far away from mirrors and chrome dumbbells, there is a strong sense of camaraderie. You fight together against the elements - be it rain, mud or the incline of the Uetliberg.

The social aspect is deeply rooted here. People help each other over obstacles and motivate each other with a smile instead of loud shouts. The culture is down-to-earth, uncomplicated and absolutely close to nature. A perfect choice if you not only want to train, but also be part of a group that shares a love of the fresh air.

Balboa - urban, dynamic and social

Balboa is something like the social epicenter of the urban fitness scene in Zurich. It's not just about training here, but also about seeing and being seen. The atmosphere is dynamic, modern and extremely social - many members come to sit together over a coffee after their workout.

The culture at Balboa is open and welcoming, making it easy for you to meet new people. It's a lively meeting place where fitness and lifestyle merge seamlessly.

This social factor is a huge motivator for many. If you are looking for a gym that is also a social hub and where you can easily make friends, then the vibe of Balboa is perfect for you. The community is large, diverse and always on the move.

Templeshape - supportive and non-judgmental

Templeshape has consciously opted for a culture of benevolence and support. Here, it is not you who is in competition, but your growth together - physically and mentally. The atmosphere is deliberately non-judgmental and inclusive, which makes a huge difference, especially for you as a beginner or if you feel uncomfortable in typical gyms.

The community is smaller and more personal, which encourages the development of real relationships. It's a place where you can be who you are without having to compare yourself.

• Support instead of competition: The coaches and members motivate each other in a positive, encouraging way.
• Mindful handling: The focus is on a healthy relationship with your own body and mind.
• Safe space: Here you will find a safe environment to try out new things, be it an intensive boot camp or a quiet breathwork session.

This approach attracts people who are looking for more than just a workout. They are looking for a place of balance where they can strengthen themselves holistically. The comparison between Claw Collective vs. Uetligym vs. Balboa vs. Templeshape clearly shows that the culture at Templeshape is uniquely geared towards mindfulness and personal support.

The holistic approach of Templeshape

Where Claw Collective focuses on pure intensity, Uetligym on the experience of nature and Balboa on urban diversity, Templeshape deliberately takes a different approach. It's not just about burning calories or building muscle. The whole concept is based on the conviction that true health can only be achieved in harmony between body and mind.

This approach specifically combines physical exertion with mental regeneration and personal development. It is a workout that not only makes you fitter, but also more balanced and aware.

Fitness and wellness from a single source

What Templeshape has to offer in direct comparison Claw Collective vs. Uetligym vs. Balboa vs. Templeshape - is the seamless combination of elements that seem like opposites at first glance. You can do a really sweat-inducing HIIT workout one day and take part in a guided breathwork session the next.

This combination is no coincidence, but the heart of the philosophy. Intensive training sessions reduce stress and strengthen your body, while practices such as yoga, Pilates or meditation provide the necessary balance and mental clarity.

• Intensive workouts: HIIT, bootcamp and functional training to build up your strength and endurance.
• Mindful practices: Yoga, Pilates and Breathwork to promote flexibility, inner peace and body awareness.
• Special formats: Ice bathing to strengthen your immune system and mental resilience.

This mix ensures that you work on your physical and mental fitness at the same time. If you're curious about what this balance feels like, you can easily find out. You can read more about this in our guide to non-binding Pilates trial lesson at Templeshape.

More than just training: the power of retreats

The retreats are another clearly unique selling point. Templeshape regularly takes the holistic experience to inspiring locations outside of Zurich, for example to Morocco. These multi-day breaks are so much more than just an ordinary fitness vacation.

They are an intensive opportunity to immerse yourself in the connection between exercise, nutrition, mindfulness and community. Here, the principles that are practiced in the studio are condensed once again and brought to life for you in a completely new environment.

Templeshape creates a space in which you see fitness not as a duty, but as an act of self-care. It's about building a sustainable and positive relationship with your body and mind.

This philosophy fits perfectly with the current trend. Today, you may already be using 50 percent of the Swiss population, fitness trackers and apps to keep an eye on your health, with yoga and meditation among the most popular applications. Almost 90 percent of users see real added value because they feel motivated to exercise more.

Who is this approach ideal for?

Templeshape's holistic approach is not the ultimate solution for everyone, but for a very specific target group it can make all the difference.

This path is just right for you if you:

1. Looking for a balance: Your everyday life is demanding and you need more than just a physical outlet. You want to actively reduce stress and strengthen your mental resilience.
2. want to free yourself from the pressure to perform: You feel uncomfortable in traditional, competitive gyms and want a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere.
3. Are interested in personal growth: For you, fitness is a building block in your personal development and you want to learn to listen better to your body's signals.

In short: Templeshape is the right choice for you if you understand that true strength comes from the inside as well as the outside. It's the place to go for people like you who want to build a sustainable health routine that focuses on the whole person - not just the muscles.

Conclusion: How to find the perfect gym for you now

After all the details and comparisons, you're faced with the big question: Which studio really suits me? The good news is that you now have all the pieces of the puzzle in your hand. It's not about finding the objectively „best“ gym in Zurich. It's about finding the one that fits seamlessly into your life and brings you closer to your goals.

The first step? Be honest with yourself. Take a moment to really clarify your priorities. The following questions will help you to clear the fog.

What is really important to you?

Sometimes we don't know what we're looking for until we say it out loud. This little checklist will sharpen your focus and help you separate the wheat from the chaff.

• Your main goal: Is it primarily about reducing stress? Or do you want to build visible muscle, lose weight or simply find a mental balance?
• Your motivation: Does the raw energy of a large group pull you along (Claw Collective, Balboa)? Or do you thrive in a quieter, almost familiar atmosphere (Templeshape)?
• Your budget: How much are you willing to invest each month for your fitness and well-being? Are you looking for a flexible subscription model or are you happy with a longer commitment?
• Your location: Where do you live or work? A gym on your daily commute lowers the hurdle immensely. Check whether the locations of Balboa, Claw Collective or Templeshape are practical for you. Or does the idea of working for Uetligym consciously take the path up the mountain?

As soon as you have clarity here, the selection in the large comparison - Claw Collective vs. Uetligym vs. Balboa vs. Templeshape - suddenly much easier.

Use trial training sessions strategically

Theory is one thing, the feeling on site is quite another. Almost all providers have trial training sessions or discounted introductory offers. Make sure you take advantage of this opportunity - but proceed with a plan. A trial training session is more than just a free workout; it's your most important tool for making a decision.

A trial training session reveals everything that a website doesn't: the genuine atmosphere, the quality of the coaching and the feeling of being part of the community. Pay close attention to your gut feeling.

Pay attention to these points during your visit:

1. The welcome: Do you feel immediately welcome and in good hands or more like a number that is quickly dispatched?
2. The coaching: Does the coach respond to you and the other participants? Are there corrections to the attitude and is the motivation positive and constructive?
3. The community: What is the vibe like among the members? Is there an open, friendly atmosphere or does everyone train for themselves?
4. The feeling afterwards: Are you full of energy and inspired after the lesson? Or do you just feel drained and unwell?

Your honest answers are the best compass. Trust your instincts. In the end, you'll make the right choice with confidence and find the perfect partner for your fitness trip in Zurich.

frequently asked Questions

After all this information, you may still have a few specific questions buzzing around in your head. Here we take care of the most common ones so that you can compare Claw Collective vs. Uetligym vs. Balboa vs. Templeshape the last uncertainties out of the way.

Do all four studios offer flexible memberships?

Yes, but «flexible» doesn't mean the same thing everywhere. Balboa and Claw Collective are known for their very loose subscription models and drop-in options. Perfect if you don't want to commit to a whole year.

At the Uetligym the flexibility often depends on the season - the offers adapt to the outdoor activities, which creates a completely different kind of freedom. Templeshape also has flexible course packages, but also focuses on more in-depth programs and retreats that promote conscious commitment. Fortunately, the trend in boutique studios is clearly moving away from rigid annual contracts.

A quick look at the providers' websites will always reveal the latest subscription conditions. Prices and models change regularly, so it's always worth checking directly.

Which studio is best suited for beginners?

If you really are starting from scratch Balboa and Templeshape often an excellent choice. Balboa has a very open and welcoming community culture, and the coaches really take the time to get it right - no matter what level you join.

Templeshape is also extremely beginner-friendly thanks to its holistic approach. It is not primarily about performance, but about increasing your general well-being and building a positive relationship with your own body.

Can I do a trial training session with all providers?

The conditions for getting a taste of it vary. Most boutique gyms don't offer a completely free first training session, but often a heavily discounted one. This is a fair way to experience the atmosphere, the trainers and the community before deciding on a subscription.

It's best to check the websites of Claw Collective, Uetligym, Balboa and Templeshape for the latest introductory offers. This small investment is definitely money well spent for your decision.

Which provider has the best offer for pure strength training?

If your focus is clearly on classic strength training with weights, then Balboa and Claw Collective probably your strongest options. Balboa often has special „lifting“ classes in its program and has well-equipped areas where you can train with free weights.

Claw Collective also packs a large portion of strength training into its intensive HIIT workouts. However, here you will usually find it in a highly dynamic group setting. Uetligym, on the other hand, relies primarily on your own body weight and functional tools outdoors.

Are you ready to find a place that combines fitness, mindfulness and a great community? At Templeshape GmbH is about establishing movement as a fixed and positive part of your everyday life. Find out how our holistic approach can also enrich your life.

Discover the courses and offers from Templeshape now