Your Gym in the Alpujarras: A Guide for Expats and Visitors
If you're looking for a gym in the Alpujarras, Iron House Gym in Ugíjar is the only fully equipped fitness centre in the eastern Alpujarra region. Day passes cost 4 euros, monthly membership is 40 euros with no contract, and the gym is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 22:00. I'm Jesús García, the owner — I have a degree in Sports Science and 11 years of experience in the fitness industry, including competitive bodybuilding.
What you'll find
Iron House Gym is a proper weight room, not a hotel gym or a garage with a few dumbbells. Here's what's available:
| Equipment | Details |
|---|---|
| Free weights | Full dumbbell rack, barbells, Olympic plates |
| Power rack | Squat rack with deadlift platform |
| Cable machines | Multi-station, lat pulldown, cable crossover |
| Leg machines | Leg press, leg curl, leg extension |
| Isolation stations | Preacher curl, chest press, seated row |
| Lockers | Available for your session |
Over 100 people train here regularly. The atmosphere is welcoming and no-nonsense — serious about fitness, but not intimidating. You'll see everyone from 20-year-olds building muscle to 60-year-olds recovering from injuries.
Pricing for visitors
| Option | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Day pass | 4 euros | Tourists, hikers passing through |
| 8-session pass | 28 euros (3.50 euros/session) | Visitors staying 1-2 weeks |
| Monthly | 40 euros | Expats, longer stays |
| Personal training | 15 euros/hour | Anyone wanting guided training |
No contracts. No sign-up fees. No permanencia. Pay for what you use.
Where we are
Iron House Gym is on the Carretera Granada N2, the main road through Ugíjar. Ugíjar is the commercial hub of the eastern Alpujarra — the town with the supermarkets, the health centre, the banks. If you're staying anywhere in the area, you're likely already coming here for supplies.
| From | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Válor | 10 minutes |
| Nechite | 8 minutes |
| Cherín | 5 minutes |
| Cádiar | 15 minutes |
| Bérchules | 20 minutes |
| Trevélez | 25 minutes |
| Órgiva | 35 minutes |
The nearest alternative gym is 30-45 minutes away in Berja or Órgiva. Neither offers the equipment or professional guidance you'll find here.
Why expats choose Iron House
The Alpujarra has a growing international community — British, Dutch, German, Scandinavian residents who moved here for the quality of life. Many come from cities where going to the gym was part of their routine. The challenge is that rural Spain doesn't usually have fitness facilities.
Iron House Gym solves that. A few things that matter to international visitors:
- Bilingual service. The website is in English and Spanish. Jesús can communicate training instructions in English.
- Professional credentials. Sports Science degree from Universidad Miguel Hernández. This isn't a hobby gym — it's run by a qualified professional.
- Flexible hours. 7:00 to 22:00 on weekdays. If you need a different time, ask — we can usually arrange it.
- Injury rehabilitation. If you've got a bad back, dodgy knee, or recovering from surgery, Jesús specialises in rehab programming. Better than resting and hoping it heals.
A day pass experience
Walk in, say hello, pay 4 euros. Jesús will show you around if it's your first visit — where everything is, how the machines work. Train at your own pace. If you want a personalised session, book an hour of personal training (15 euros) and get a proper workout designed for your goals and level.
No app required. No booking system. No QR codes. Just walk in.
Get in touch
The easiest way to reach us is WhatsApp: 669 597 541. Send a message in English or Spanish and we'll sort you out.
You can also just walk in during opening hours. We're on the main road — you can't miss the sign.
Your gym in the Alpujarras. No excuses left.