Charitable trust, Oldham Active, has opened a women’s only gym at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, UK, following the success of women-only sessions run at the centre.

Open to women over the age of 16, the new workout space has a range of cardio and strength training equipment and is staffed only by female team members. This designated area is a progression from Women’s-Only Wednesday, where single-sex swimming, sauna, aquacise, and group exercise classes were offered.

Lauren Connis, health and fitness brand manager, Oldham Active says: “The feedback gathered through customer surveys was that some women prefer to exercise in women-only spaces. Oldham is very diverse town, with multiple faith groups living and working across the borough, and Chadderton has a high percentage of its population from the Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities. Our health and wellbeing programmes must reflect the community we serve.

“This space has been designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for women from all walks of life to enjoy, and we are working closely with local community groups and district partnerships to ensure it meets the needs of those who will be using it. We are also committed to training and upskilling local women so they can play an active role in supporting and shaping this space.

“In the coming months we will be rolling out a range of sessions and seminars focused on women’s health. From the benefits of strength training to postmenopausal heart health. To ensure we reach as many women as possible we will be taking our seminar programme out in the community too.”