The best boutique fitness: Another Space gym review
Elegant interiors, luxe changing rooms and motivational instructors make Another Space one of the best fitness studios in London. We tried a week of yoga, HIIT and cycle classes
Another Space gym is all about exercise classes, with structured workouts, sleek interiors and motivational instructors. There are fitness studios in Bank and Covent Garden, each with different spaces for HIIT, Yoga, and Cycle classes. Instead of committing to a membership, you pay as you go by purchasing credits. Each and any class is one credit (£20) but you can bulk buy packages that can make it more like £13 per class.
We love how the packed timetable means there's something to suit all kinds of schedules, starting at 15-minute intervals so there's no need to risk getting to work late or settling for a Cycle class when you'd rather be boxing. You can book online up to a eight days ahead – but there's usually spaces available at later notice and the last minute.
Classes are broken down into three different types – within those types there are some variations between 60 , 45 and 35 minutes, different abilities and each instructor. Culture Whisper tried the core classes, in the morning, lunch hour and evening, to work out (literally) everything you need to know about getting fit at Another Space.
Culture Whisper Gold Members can claim a fee credit to try any class at Another Space in Covent Garden or Bank. Click here for more information.
The Crowd
Neither macho nor too girly, Another Space attracts a stylish crowd. Though there are plenty of glamorous people with sculpted bodies, Another Space feels accessible and welcoming thanks to the smiley and helpful reception staff. It's more of a city-slicker feel at Bank, where everyone seems to be slipping out of smart tailoring and into equally smart leggings. Whereas the vibe at Covent Garden is less corporate and more chorus line (we spotted a few West End backing dancers maintaining peak physical fitness in the cycle class).
The Changing Rooms
Thanks to the plentiful showers, you don't need to factor long queues into your workouts. Each lilac-tiled private cubicle has Cowshed bodywash, shampoo and conditioner to leave you smelling of essential oils all day. White, bright, walled with electric lockers, the Another Space changing rooms are designed to streamline your routine.
But the luxe touches mean you might just want to hang around longer. The thoughtful design avoids congestion with two areas: a dressing space with benches and lockers and a primping area with illuminated mirrors, hairdryers and enough space for even the most elaborate of make up routines.
Special Touches
It's the special touches that really set Another Space apart from other fitness classes. All the extra admin, equipment and faff that usually comes with squeezing in a workout is eliminated. Not only is all equipment provided, but it's laid out and ready for you. The towels are white, fluffy, big enough to wrap around your whole body, and plentiful enough to nab extras for hair turbanning. We love how you can pack lightly without scrimping on creature comforts: there's Cowshed Calming Cleanser and moisturiser, cotton wool and hairspray.
Tips from a regular
If you're new to a class try to book your first session off-peak (late lunch times are quiet) so you can get lots of time to go through things with the instructor. Pre-order a protein shake if you're skipping lunch to squeeze in a work-out. And if you're as forgetful as us, write down your locker number on the chalkboard in the changing room so you don't have to spend the whole class repeating it to yourself.
Yoga
The spacious minimalism of Another Space lends itself well to a serene yoga studio, which feels cocooned from the cardio intensity of surrounding classes. You're given a number when you check in so everyone has a designated with mat, block, straps and sweat towels set out already. The 'all abilities' post-work class we tried was totally full but not crowded.
Our instructor cultivated a convivial atmosphere, leading us through increasingly challenging moves while moving around the room to encourage and adjust postures. Dedicated yogis will want to seek out the advanced classes, but it's reassuring to see a full spectrum of bendiness around you. And look out for extra special shavasana sessions (we were treated to a some live music as we breathed into that final rest).
Cycle
Cycle classes have all the trimmings of any spin class, with cleated shoes and state of the art bikes. We appreciated having plenty of instructors on hand to help adjust saddle height and ensure a swift start and comfortable ride. You pedal to the beat, through a soaring soundtrack spanning Red Hot Chili Peppers to Beyonce.
Along with the standard high-octane sprints, hill climbs and muscle-targeting routines, the class also engages your mind. There's a few transportive moments of focus and plenty of impetus to push yourself and clear the brain of all distractions, leaving you feeling refreshed and buzzing with endorphins.
HIIT
You don't come to High Intensity Interval Training expecting a gentle ride. The throbbing bassline, low lights and screen showing the countdown to each interval helps bring you into the right head space for some serious sweating. Based on episodic energetic bursts with short rests between, the class includes and punishing series of boxing (bag and gloves provided), TRX suspensions, weights work and the obligatory squats, burpees, and bear crawling floor work routines.
Such volume of equipment and all-out cardio sounds and looks intimidating, but class sizes are kept small so there's plenty of guidance. The the breakdown, rest periods and variety of exercises works to trick you into forgetting how hard you're working. Plus the ferocity of sparring with a punchbag was curiously cathartic. The exercises are designed to trigger the metabolism and keep calories burning long after the cool down – certainly we can vouch for aching in muscles we didn't even know we had.
Culture Whisper Gold Members can claim a fee credit to try any class at Another Space in Covent Garden or Bank. Click here for more information.
