Two Leeds independent fitness spaces named among the UK's most welcoming gyms for women
A new national study analysing over 8,000 reviews has crowned Leeds a hotspot for female-friendly fitness, with two in particular leading the charge
For some women, stepping into a new gym can be a daunting experience.
That ‘gymtimidation’ many of us experience at times affects women at more than triple the rate of men, often acting as a major barrier to the wide-ranging physical and mental benefits of exercise.
However, a new national study has revealed that Leeds is officially a UK hotspot for creating safe, supportive, and inclusive fitness environments, and it is our fiercely independent gyms that are leading the way.
The study, conducted by JD Williams, looked at more than 8,000 Trustpilot reviews across 58 UK gyms to discover where women feel the most comfortable, and by tracking positive keywords like ‘friendly’, ‘safe’, and ‘inclusive’, the data showed that independent, community-driven spaces are vastly outperforming the major high street chains.
While SOS Dance are offering a safe space for people to let their hair down and dance, two city gyms in particular smashed the national rankings, both landing in the top five most welcoming independent gyms in the entire country, each boasting a massive 62.5% positive review rate from female members.
When it comes to a warm welcome, Graft Haus in Kirkstall is officially one of the best in the business.
The study ranked it as the second friendliest gym in the UK overall, with a staggering 54.2% of female reviewers specifically highlighting how "friendly" the atmosphere is.
Taking on a CrossFit workout can seem intimidating from the outside, but CrossFit Leeds proves that community is everything.
The study named it the second ‘most welcoming’ gym in the whole of the UK, with 37.5% of reviews from women specifically praising its incredibly welcoming environment.
The national data proved that smaller, community-focused venues consistently outperform big-budget major brands when it comes to inclusivity and support, proving that a budget price tag doesn't guarantee a comfortable environment.
Speaking on the findings, Rhiannon Cooper, a personal trainer specializing in body acceptance and empowerment-based fitness, explained what makes these independent spaces so successful.
“A genuinely inclusive gym is one where women feel welcomed from the moment they walk in, with supportive staff, thoughtful design, and a culture that prioritises comfort, accessibility and individual needs over intimidation or one-size-fits-all fitness goals," she said.