Leeds vs. London: Why this northern city is the new destination for boutique fitness
Interest in wellness and boutique fitness activities is on the rise, with search uplift for fitness classes like ‘barre’ rising by 43% this year so far and ‘pilates’ by 85% this year.¹ In fact, this reflects a shifting trend where wellness activities are replacing traditional social activities for Gen Z, with 47% reporting a reduction in alcohol consumption in the past six months.² Following a recent study by MattressNextDay surprisingly revealing Leeds as the best city for health and wellbeing, the sleep experts spoke to Paige Wang, owner of boutique fitness studio, Barrecore Leeds, to find out what makes Leeds the best destination for healthy living in the UK.
Boutique fitness – Moving from the US to Leeds
When Paige Wang moved from the U.S. to Leeds in 2015, she noticed something missing—an accessible, high-quality boutique fitness scene like the one she had been used to in America. Seeing the opportunity, she took a bold step by opening Barrecore Leeds.
“When I first moved to Leeds in 2015 from America, there were hardly any boutique fitness studios in the city centre, and none which provided barre & Pilates in the way I was used to having in America.
“When I decided to open my Barrecore Leeds franchise, I chose Leeds as I wanted to be a part of the beginning of an influx of wellness to Leeds, especially after the difficulties many people had during the Covid pandemic. It was a risk, but it has been extremely satisfying seeing the huge wave of interest growing in Leeds year on year in boutique fitness and wellness/wellbeing in general – and we take huge satisfaction in having been a part of that.”
How does the attitude towards fitness in Leeds compare to cities like London?
Paige explains how Leeds has a much more community-driven and welcoming approach in comparison to cities like London, where many feel they need to be a certain demographic or have a certain body type to join in with wellness activities.
“Leeds now has a thriving wellness scene, but what makes it unique is the balance between accessibility and quality. Unlike London, where boutique fitness can sometimes feel exclusive and like you must have a certain body type or style to attend, Leeds has a much more community-driven and welcoming approach.
“People here are genuinely invested in their wellbeing, whether that’s through fitness, nutrition, or mental health. That supportive atmosphere has definitely been a reason to stay and grow my business here – it’s a city where people truly appreciate what we offer at Barrecore Leeds.”
What is accessibility like for wellness in the city?
“Leeds has made great progress in making wellness accessible to all. At Barrecore Leeds, we welcome people of all fitness levels, and I think that’s something a lot of studios in the city prioritise – creating a space where beginners feel just as comfortable as experienced athletes. While there’s always room for improvement, I do believe Leeds is moving in the right direction in terms of inclusivity, from community fitness initiatives, discounts for nearby residents, and more diverse class offerings.”
The study by MattressNextDay also found that Leeds is the fourth cheapest city in the UK for gym prices, with the average membership costing £27.85.
There is a deep sense of community within the fitness space
“Wellness in Leeds isn’t just about individual fitness journeys – it’s about people supporting each other. Whether it’s through group classes, wellness events, networking events, or simply encouraging healthier lifestyle choices, there’s a strong sense of community in the city. At Barrecore Leeds, we see this every day – clients who come for a workout but stay for the connection, motivation, and support that comes with being a part of something bigger.
“The wellness community here is inspiring – being surrounded by like-minded people who prioritise movement and self-care has definitely deepened my own practice and passion for what I do.”
Leeds’ commitment to healthy living
“Leeds has already made steps in the right direction with its green spaces, cycling initiatives, and independent wellness businesses. But I think continued investment in sustainable urban planning, accessible fitness facilities, and mental health support will only enhance the city’s reputation as a leader in wellness.”
Martin Seeley, Senior Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay, explains why the study was conducted: “It’s no secret that taking care of your health and wellbeing has a significant impact on your sleep health. We wanted to investigate the cities that give Brits the best opportunity to do so by looking into factors such as fitness classes available, gym membership prices, the amount of green space, noise and light pollution, air quality and spas available.
“It was surprising to see Leeds come out on top and Brighton and Newcastle to closely follow. These are all cities that are overlooked when it comes to healthy living, often disregarded for places like London and Manchester that have a huge selection of fitness options available. This study challenges those perceptions and highlights which are truly the best places to live for those prioritising their health.”
To see the study, please visit: https://www.mattressnextday.co.uk/snooze-news/post/which-are-the-best-uk-and-eu-cities-for-healthy-living
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