Tiny Gyms: A Review

By Olivia McCormack & Eilidh Paterson

In November last year, Tiny Gyms opened its first location in St Andrews. The gym is situated slightly to the west of town, just a four-minute drive from the student union. They’re also looking to open a new location in Dundee, which could be ideal for commuter students. As a new competitor to the university sports centre, what makes Tiny Gyms a worthwhile workout experience? 

Credit: Mike Forbes

Speaking about the idea behind Tiny Gyms, founder Mike told me that, despite his own enjoyment of gyms, he knows many people who ‘couldn’t think of anything worse’. It’s not that these people are lazy or don’t enjoy exercise; they simply don’t feel comfortable in traditional public gyms. Mike says that the set-up of most gyms causes many people to feel on show, embarrassed, and exposed. As a result, the gym can be an extremely intimidating environment. 

Despite being tiny, the gym has a treadmill, a stationary bike, a Smith Machine, a multi-gym with cable pulleys, and exercise mats. It also has air conditioning, WiFi, Bluetooth speakers, and a TV that can connect to your phone. The treadmill and bike both have virtual content via iFit, which lets users follow instructor-led studio classes or tours through various cities and nature trails. 

The price of a session varies depending on peak vs off-peak times, and whether you buy a single-visit or multi-visit pass. Generally, however, it's around £10 per hour. It’s a pay-as-you-go system with no monthly membership fee and no extra charge for bringing guests along. Although £10 an hour might sound a bit pricey for many students, the option to bring a friend and split the cost not only makes the experience more affordable but also more enjoyable. It’s easy to use Tiny Gyms. You register on the website, book a slot on the app, and then scan your phone at the door to get in. 

Mike notes that  ‘if you value privacy, 24/7 access, or not needing to wait to use equipment, then I’d recommend booking in a session at Tiny Gyms and seeing what you think.’

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Experientially, the gym offers a lot of benefits. Usually, when trying a new gym, it takes a while to settle in. Every space has its own etiquette and unspoken rules, and that initial uncertainty can be enough to put you off entirely. Tiny Gyms eliminates that stage; the space can be taken in at a single glance. 

Credit: Eilidh Paterson

The ability to adjust the temperature, go with a friend (at no extra cost!), play your own music, or even watch Deal or No Deal to experience an emotional high as well as a physical one, truly makes the gym feel instantly customizable. Privacy is total, and the sense of control over the environment is something that public gyms cannot offer. Similar to a home gym, it is entirely curated to your needs.  

As its name suggests, the gym really is tiny. At times, my friend and I bumped into each other, the equipment, or even the wall, and if you’re planning a hyper-serious workout, it’s probably best experienced solo . Despite the limited space, I managed to do everything I wanted. While it’s not built for bodybuilders chasing personal records, it feels ideal for beginners, nervous gym-goers, or people who are simply short on time.

Many people fear taking up too much space in gym environments. As Mike explains, “The most common reason people tell us they use Tiny Gyms is that they get the whole gym to themselves. They find the idea of visiting busy public gyms to be emotionally exhausting.” 

Typically a male-dominated environment, gyms can feel governed by an unspoken rule that the heavier you lift, the more justified your presence becomes. That feeling is particularly pronounced in the University gym, which is small, crowded, and famously limited to three benches. Of course, gyms are for everyone, and most gym-goers are friendly. But the unease still exists.

In that context, Tiny Gyms was refreshing. It’s a contained environment where taking up space isn’t something you have to justify. I found myself trying exercises I might usually avoid because I knew no one was watching – for example, my ongoing inability to do a pullup is much less embarrassing alone. For days when you’ve been busy, overwhelmed, or simply can’t face small talk, it offers a calm, efficient alternative.