Most of us spend more time thinking about going to the gym than actually going to the gym. Gym Simulator 26 is hoping to change that, at least virtually.
Playable on Xbox Series X|S, available now for £8.39, it hands players the keys to their own fitness centre, tasking them with transforming a modest workout space into a thriving business packed with equipment, members and plenty of profit.
Whether you’ve always fancied running your own gym or simply enjoy the steady progression that management games tend to provide, this latest simulator is now ready to test your entrepreneurial muscles.
At A Glance
Game: Gym Simulator 26
Developer: Red Axe Games
Publisher: Red Axe Games
Platform: Xbox Series X|S
Price: £8.39
Genre: Management Simulation
From Empty Room To Fitness Business
Gym Simulator 26 starts players off with a small space and a simple goal – make it successful.
From there, it’s all about expansion. New equipment can be purchased, workout areas can be redesigned and customised, and attracting more members becomes the key to generating the income needed for further growth. The loop will be familiar to anyone who enjoys business management games. Invest wisely, improve the experience for your customers and steadily build towards something much larger than the humble gym you started with.
More About Management Than Muscle
While some fitness-themed games focus on getting players active, Gym Simulator 26 takes a different route.
This isn’t about counting reps or following workout routines. Instead, the challenge comes from planning layouts, managing upgrades and making the right decisions to keep your members happy while your business continues to grow.
It’s a concept that has found success across countless simulation genres, from hospitals and theme parks to farms and cities. This time, the setting just happens to be treadmills, weights and workout benches.
A Different Kind Of Fitness Game
The arrival of Gym Simulator 26 also serves as a reminder of how differently fitness games are approached today.
Back in 2015, we reviewed Xbox Fitness, Microsoft’s Kinect-powered workout platform, awarding it a 4/5 score and praising its ability to fit exercise into busy schedules. At the time, the appeal came from actually getting players moving.
Gym Simulator 26 sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. Rather than working up a sweat yourself, you’re focused on creating the perfect environment for everyone else to do it. And while it won’t be winning any awards for cutting-edge visuals – the presentation feels decidedly, um, old-school – management fans may still find some enjoyment in the steady process of building a business from the ground up.
Gym Simulator 26 is available right now on Xbox Series X|S for £8.39. The Xbox Store awaits your cash.
