I'm looking for a gym, walking distance from my office in Levent, and Essporto at Metrocity and Mars at Kanyon seem to be my two options. I was given the grand tour of Mars yesterday - very impressive. I've not been to Essporto yet, but from the website, looks just as good, if not better.

Mars annual membership is $1850 and I see from a previous topic here on EiT that Essporto costs even more - annoying that neither do shorter memberships as I have no idea how long I'm here in Istanbul.

Anyone use either of them, or know of anywhere else near Levent metro station?

Hillside is not too far away in Alkent and I think that they do 1/2 yearly memberships. It is not very big though (not many places to stretch), but does have excellent squash and tennis couts.

Essporto boasts a running track and swimming pool but it is in Metrocity.

Can you tell us a bit about the facilities in Mars Athletic Concept?

Just push them to get a 6-month membership - sure they'll budge. My mate got that at Essporto.
My BF goes to Mars to use the pool mainly. Seems happy with it.

Mars - Gym has loads of cardio and resistence machines, as well as free weights. Most of the machines are hooked to a central computer on which to keep track of your sessions. 28m swimming pool (only 3 lanes), sauna, steam room, hammam, loads of classes (including pilates!!!!), most of which are included in the membership. They have an outside skiing/snowboarding slope as well, use of which is extra, and an indoor basketball area and volleyball court.

I wouldn't use most of it, but it is a very slick setup.

Does anybody know anything about the new gym in akatlar : sporium or sth like that. I have seen billboards everywhere.

My 2 cents: I´ve been a member of Essporto more than a year now and I am very satisfied. Before I renewed my membership I had a look at Mars. It is very fancy, but to me it didnt seem very convenient.

Defintily the pool and outside area is a lot better at Essporto. Also the choice is better. Who needs a Snowboard Treadmile??? A squash hall is more useful I think.

I´d go for Essporto!

I also took a tour trough Mars Athletic today. It's definitely different than other gyms.... but eventually I think that I wouldn't really make use of the different extra's such as the ski tredmill or the video simulation equipment. The pool is way too small and there is no squash court.
I also had a look at Essporto some time ago. The listed prices are indeed higher at Essporto but they are bargainable. I am wondering however if there are any ppl going to Essporto in the evenings. Is it very bussy in the evenings? And how are the classes?

In Essport, between 18.00 and 21.00 the Cardio machines can be very busy. Never done any classes.