Balboa Bar and Gym, Zurich

ZürichLifestyle

Balboa Bar and Gym, Zurich

The unconventional Rocky-inspired Zürich gym that comes with its own surprise knockout blow...

Zürich fitness fanatics are getting the full workout at Balboa, a new gymnasium that occupies two floors of a former Credit Suisse canteen; the upper of the two delivering a surprise knockout blow.

Balboa Bar and Gym, Zurich

The sister gym to Erich Züger’s Balboa Garage sees empowering classes ranging from yoga to boxing and warrior training — each designed to fit the client’s lifestyle, encouraging enjoyment as you’re put through the rounds in a relaxed, contemporary environment. Creative director Paco Savio brought helsinkizurich architects into his corner for the collaboration, working on a punchy aesthetic that revels in its rawness — concrete and leather, wood and steel punctuate an invigorating space.

Dedicated to challenging the common perception of what a gym should be, Züger — who founded Bilboa after becoming fed-up of his city job in finance — had an eye-catching spiral staircase connecting the floors fitted, leading to the sucker punch: a long copper bar where speciality coffees, smoothies, and light dishes are available. Staying with the unconventional, booze (and all its unhealthy qualities) is on tap too — after all, nobody owes nobody nothin’. You owe yourself. (A post-workout beer.)

A concept store, lounge, and terrace area complete the Rocky-inspired venue.

@balboamove
@helsinkizurich

Balboa Bar and Gym, Zurich
Balboa Zurich
Balboa Bar and Gym, Zurich
Balboa Bar and Gym, Zurich
Balboa Bar and Gym, Zurich
Balboa Zurich
Balboa Zurich
Balboa Zurich

Photography, Jochen Splett