The 10 most interesting fitness and wellness studios in Manchester

Designed for people looking to become gym regulars with a great community, Sweat Shed in Reddish is an independent gym operated my incredibly qualified people who really know their stuff. They proudly don’t offer one-off sessions – you sign up for classes or a tailored programme – meaning that this is the place to head if you want to change you habits as well as your fitness. Not just a gym, their instructors will help you out with things like nutrition and metric tracking too.

A vast haven of wellness therapies, FIX is located (mercifully perhaps) a stone’s throw from one of Manchester’s most stressful locations, Piccadilly Gardens. As well as offering saunas and ice baths which you can oscillate between at your own pace, dispelling all sorts of nasty toxins in the process, they also offer breathwork, sound healing, stretching, meditation, reflexology, self massage and aromatherapy. So whatever’s getting you down, mental or physical, you’re likely to leave floating on air. You can book in for a guided or unguided session (which have themes like ‘hot stretch’ and ‘stress regulation’, and there are loads of different membership packages available.

If you’re one of those people who is always skipping your stretches, or if you love yoga and want something a bit more, Stretched have a unique offering. They’ll assess your needs and then a skilled therapist leads you through a session designed to relax, rejuvenate and recover. This is seriously luxurious, and you’ll leave feeling like a new, more flexible, you.

Do you know spin class has had a makeover? The classic 90s workout has been reimagined by the people at RYDE, a studio just off Deansgate. Even if you think you hate cardio, it’s almost impossible to not feel motivated by their high-energy spin classes, perfectly soundtracked to keep you motivated for the whole session. If you prefer your workouts on solid ground, they also offer pilates and barre classes too. 

Pitch isn’t your standard driving range. It’s more like a private members’ club crossed with a sports bar, with ten high-spec Trackman simulators and a central bar that looks out over the square through floor-to-ceiling glass. Five bays are reserved for members, five are open for public bookings – so you don’t need to sign up to get a taste.

Narali is a little slice of tranquility in the heart of Altrincham’s town centre. Incense and atmospheric lighting set the scene, and skilled yoga instructors take you through 60 mins of guided practice. Whether you’re a high-octane yogi who likes the intensity of a heated class, or are more into sessions which resemble relaxing on the floor in different restorative shapes, there’s a class for you. 

Jumping into an ice bath might not be the most enticing prospect, but it has all sorts of health benefits, both physical and mental. At Kontrast, you can opt for the sub-zero plunge experience, or enjoy their traditional sauna at the community spot for ultimate wellness. Afterwards, grab a coffee or drink before heading out into the world again, refreshed and revitalised.

Located close to Victoria station, GFFDamian dance studio combines a passion for fitness and performance. You’ll find three separate studios where you can practice pole as well as all sorts of circus-style aerial arts. And while that might sound intimidating, their whole ethos is about creating an inclusive environment where absolutely everyone, from beginners to pros, are welcome. If you’ve always been tempted to give pole a try, we couldn’t think of a better place to give it a whirl (or a twirl, in fact).

Reformer pilates is the fitness craze preferred by seemingly-perfect Instagram personalities, but Restart believe it can be for everybody: from newbies wanting to start their fitness journey, to people recovering from injuries, gym regulars looking to improve mobility and form. And it’s not just about fitness, according to founder Min it’s also possible to see your confidence grow and your mind being transformed alongside the body. Restart have studios in Cheetham Hill and Circle Square, and lessons pitched for different levels and specialities, from ‘strength and sweat’ to ‘stretch and relax’.