Women-only gym at Leyton Leisure Centre set to expand following fantastic customer feedback

Leyton Leisure Centre’s new women-only gym is set to expand following an overwhelmingly positive response from customers since opening on 1st September.

The dedicated facility was introduced following feedback from customers and the local community, providing women with greater choice, privacy and confidence when exercising. Since opening its doors, the space has already made a positive difference to women using the centre, with more than 300 visits recorded since its launch.

Following the launch, customers were invited to complete a survey about their experience of the new gym, including what they liked about the space and what they would like to see added in the future.

The response has been extremely positive, with customers highlighting how having a dedicated women-only environment has helped them feel more comfortable and confident while exercising.

One customer told us:

“I prefer a women-only gym because I feel more comfortable and relaxed exercising in a female-only environment. It gives me privacy and allows me to focus on my fitness without feeling self-conscious. As a Muslim woman who wears hijab, a women-only gym also makes it easier for me to exercise comfortably.”

Another simply said:

“A BIG THANK YOU.”

While another customer commented:

“I like the fact we have an exclusive space for women so we can feel comfortable doing exercise that we otherwise do not feel comfortable with in the main gym.”

You said, we listened – Phase 2 is coming

When the women-only gym was first announced, we made a commitment to listen to the women using the facility and use their feedback to help determine how the space should develop.

We’re delighted to confirm that, following the response to our customer survey, Phase 2 of the women-only gym has now been confirmed and will begin from the week commencing Monday 23 November.

The next phase will significantly increase the range of equipment available and reflects many of the suggestions made by customers.

New equipment will include additional resistance and cardio equipment, including:

• Leg press
• Leg extension
• Leg curl
• Shoulder press
• Chest press
• Recumbent bike

We will also be introducing two new large stretching mats, an additional bench, more hand weights and additional kettlebells, providing even more choice and variety for customers using the gym.

The investment demonstrates how customer feedback can directly influence the facilities and services available at Leyton Leisure Centre. The initial gym was deliberately launched with a focused range of equipment, allowing us to understand what women using the space wanted before progressing with further investment.

You said, we listened – and we’re excited to now deliver the next phase.

Further improvements to first-floor facilities

The investment in the women-only gym forms part of wider improvements to the first floor at Leyton Leisure Centre.

To better support the growing number of customers using these facilities, we are also improving the first-floor toilet and changing provision.

Currently, one accessible toilet and shower serves the floor. The existing space will be reconfigured to provide two separate toilet and changing facilities, helping to improve convenience and the overall experience for customers using this increasingly busy part of the centre.

A space designed around our customers

The feedback received since September reinforces why the women-only gym was introduced in the first place: to give more women the opportunity to exercise in an environment where they feel comfortable, confident and able to focus on their own health and wellbeing.

As a charitable social enterprise, GLL continually invests in its facilities to ensure they remain accessible, affordable and relevant to the communities they serve. Working alongside Waltham Forest Council, the women-only gym and wider improvements at Leyton Leisure Centre form part of our continued commitment to helping more local people become active, more often.

The facility also compliments Leyton Leisure Centre’s existing programme of fitness classes and popular women-only swimming sessions, giving local women even greater choice over where and how they exercise.

A huge thank you to everyone who has used the new gym and taken the time to share their thoughts with us. Your feedback is helping us develop the facility, and we look forward to seeing customers enjoy the additional equipment as Phase 2 is rolled out.

Remember to book your session.

Customers using the women-only gym should book their session in advance through the Better UK app.

Simply open the Better UK app, select Leyton Leisure Centre and book your session under Gym – Women Only.

The women-only gym is available during the centre’s normal opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 6.30am-10pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8am-6pm

If you’re not yet a member, Leyton Leisure Centre offers a range of flexible membership options, including competitively priced monthly memberships and concessionary discounts. Visit the centre to speak to a member of the team and have a tour, or check out our membership options online.

We look forward to welcoming you to the women-only gym and continuing to improve the facilities available to our customers at Leyton Leisure Centre.