Total Fitness is set to unveil a specialized 4,500 sq ft women’s gym at its Wilmslow location later this summer, following the successful launch of The Women’s Gym concept earlier this year at its Whitefield site.
The initiative aims to empower women on their fitness journey with tailored workout spaces, strategic gym floor layouts, dedicated stretching areas, and thoughtful design features. These elements are crafted to foster learning, enhance confidence, and support progression.
In developing this new facility, Total Fitness conducted extensive research involving 3,800 women to validate and refine its design principles. This process included 150 in-depth interviews, revealing crucial insights into women’s attitudes towards fitness and their specific needs within health club environments.
Key findings emphasized the importance of a comprehensive fitness space that accommodates changing requirements, avoids intimidation often felt in mixed-gender settings, and provides a supportive environment for learning and self-improvement at one’s own pace.
Kerry Curtis, brand development director at Total Fitness, highlighted the increasing demand for women’s-only gym spaces: “We’ve observed a growing interest among our members for dedicated facilities that cater to women’s unique fitness needs. This purpose-built gym is our commitment to providing a comfortable and empowering environment for women to achieve their health goals.”
The gym’s design focuses on practical elements such as optional mirror use, a wide range of equipment suitable for varying abilities, and an interior layout prioritizing comfort, natural light, and privacy.
Sophie Lawler, CEO of Total Fitness, reflected on the evolution of their approach: “For many years, a unisex approach was the norm in fitness. However, our research and insights from thousands of women have shown us the value of dedicated spaces that acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of women’s fitness journeys.”
Acknowledging that not all women may seek a women’s-only space, Lawler emphasized Total Fitness’ commitment to addressing the needs of those who do, aiming to fill a gap in the fitness industry where such options have been limited.
The launch of The Women’s Gym concept follows an 82% increase in online searches for ‘women-only gyms’ over the past year, indicating a significant demand shift among Total Fitness members.
Existing women’s-only spaces across Total Fitness’s 15 clubs will continue to be available to members, ensuring ongoing support and inclusivity within the broader membership framework.
As Total Fitness prepares to open its new women’s gym in Wilmslow, anticipation is high among members eager to experience a fitness environment designed expressly to meet their needs and preferences.
For further updates and insights into the development of Total Fitness’s women’s gym initiative, stay tuned as the launch date approaches.