This London gym named the UK’s most welcoming independent gym for women

Women are far more likely than men to feel “gymtimidation”, according to the latest report from PureGym, with 17% of women affected compared to just 5% of men. Cost is also hitting women harder, with more likely to quit memberships for financial reasons.

Despite this, experts stress the wide-ranging benefits of exercise, from reducing the risk of serious illness to boosting mood, sleep and energy, with resistance training highlighted as particularly valuable during menopause.

In response, new analysis from JD Williams of over 8,000 Trustpilot reviews has identified the UK gyms creating the most welcoming environments for women. By tracking keywords like “friendly”, “safe” and “inclusive”, the study reveals the chain and independent gyms where women are most likely to find supportive, confidence-building spaces to work out.

Best Gym Chains For Women

The analysis found that smaller, community-focused venues consistently outperform major brands on inclusivity, friendliness and support.

Topping the rankings, Snap Fitness was named the UK’s most welcoming gym chain for women, with 55% of reviews rated positively. However, independent gyms dominated overall, with London’s Crowns Gym achieving an impressive 72.2% positive feedback, the highest of any UK gym analysed. The findings highlight a growing trend towards more supportive, confidence-building fitness environments, with women placing increasing value on feeling comfortable, safe and encouraged when they work out.

The UK’s most welcoming gym chains

Rank
Chain gym
Percentage of positive reviews
1
Snap Fitness
55%
2
Lifestyle Fitness
53.1%
3
Energie Fitness
45.6%
4
Orangetheory Fitness UK
45.5%
5
Anytime Fitness UK
43.9%
6
easyGym
38.5%
7
Everlast Gyms
36.6%
=8
F45 Training
35.4%
=8
Nuffield Health
35.4%
10
Everyone Active
33.7%
11
The Gym Group
33.3%
12
Bannatyne
31.8%
13
Fitness First UK
31.3%
14
Third Space London
30.7%
15
FRAME #moveyourframe
29.5%
=16
Better
28.6%
=16
tribe
28.6%
=18
JD Gyms
27.5%
=18
David Lloyd Clubs
27.5%
=18
Golds Gym
27.5%
1. Snap Fitness

The research found that Snap Fitness is the UK’s most welcoming and supportive gym, according to reviews from women. With 55% positive reviews overall, with 50% of these mentioning how “friendly” the gyms are and a further 5% highlighting how “safe” members feel.

Snap Fitness operates more than 100 gyms across the UK and also offers a free app designed to help members stay motivated and track their fitness goals. While its gyms provide 24/7 access for members, the company also has safety policies in place for periods when staff are not on site.

2. Lifestyle Fitness

In close second place is Lifestyle Fitness, with 53.1% of reviews from women highlighting positive experiences. 48% of the reviews mention how “friendly” the gym is, while a further 10.3% describe their experience as “welcoming”. Overall, women rated the gym an impressive 4.6 out of five.

With 24 gyms across the UK and more than 40 years of experience in the fitness industry, Lifestyle Fitness offers a wide range of classes designed to support both mind and body. From strength and cardio to wellbeing-focused sessions, members can try a variety of workouts and discover new ways to stay active.

3. Energie Fitness

Energie Fitness ranked third on the list of the UK’s most welcoming gyms for women. The chain received 45.6% positive reviews from women, with 4% highlighting how supportive the gym feels and 3.7% mentioning the sense of safety it provides.

With locations across the UK, Ireland and Spain, Energie Fitness prides itself on its “zero intimidation” ethos. This approach aims to create an environment where everyone, including women who may feel nervous about joining a gym, can feel comfortable exercising.

4. Orangetheory Fitness UK

With only a handful of locations across the UK, but more than 1,500 worldwide, Orangetheory Fitness received 45.5% positive reviews from women. The gym focuses on expert coaching in a supportive environment, helping members make sustainable lifestyle changes without added pressure.

The research found that 9.1% of reviews highlight how supportive the gym feels, while 16.9% mention how welcoming it is among women sharing their experiences.

5. Anytime Fitness UK

Anytime Fitness rounds out the top five most welcoming gyms in the UK, with 43.9% of reviews from women describing a positive experience. Among the reviews analysed, 35.5% use the word “friendly” to describe the atmosphere, while a further 7.7% mention how “welcoming” the gym feels.

With more than 180 gyms across the UK Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access for members. With high-quality equipment, personalised coaching programmes and social training sessions, Anytime Fitness stands out as one of the UK’s top gyms for creating a welcoming environment for women.

Best Independent Gyms for Women

Beyond the major chains, the research also uncovered which independent gyms across the UK offer the most welcoming environments for women.

The UK’s most welcoming independent gyms

Rank
Independent gym
Percentage of positive reviews
1
Crowns Gym
72.2%
=2
P1 Fitness
66.7%
=2
Space
66.7%
=4
Graft Haus
62.5%
=4
CrossFit Leeds
62.5%
The study found that Crowns Gym in Beckenham, London, is the UK’s most welcoming independent gym for women. An impressive 72.2% of reviews from women reported a positive experience, with 11.1% specifically highlighting how supportive the gym feels and a remarkable 55.6% celebrating its friendliness.

Following Crowns Gym are several other independent gyms that excel in creating a positive environment for women. P1 Fitness in Manchester and Space in Glasgow both scored 66.7% positive reviews, while Graft Haus and CrossFit in Leeds achieved 62.5%.

The UK’s Friendliest Gyms

Here are the UK’s friendliest gyms, based on the percentage of reviews from women that mention the word “friendly.” These gyms stood out for creating warm, welcoming environments where women feel comfortable and supported while working out.