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Where to Find 7 Best Women’s Only Gyms in Manchester
Picture this: it’s Monday morning, the gym’s packed, and you’re sandwiched between a group of marathon runners and someone doing inexplicable things with a kettlebell. Not exactly the most motivating setup, is it?
Sometimes, you just need a space to throw on your scruffiest leggings, focus on your workout, and not worry about anything else. Enter the wonderful world of women-only gyms.
Manchester’s got some cracking spots that are just for us – gyms where you’re not competing for weights, dodging prying eyes, or trying to squeeze into the last spot on a class list.
And, lucky for you, we’ve hunted down the best of the bunch. These are the places where you can lift, stretch, sweat, or even just sit with a smoothie and soak up that no-judgement vibe.
So lace up, grab your water bottle, and let’s dive in – your new gym buddy (me) has done the research, and you’re in for a treat!
Siren Asylum
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Address: Unit 2, Castle Works, Bazaar St, Salford M6 6GS
Contact details: +44 161 654 1234
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 6AM-10PM
- Sat-Sun 8AM-6PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Right, so Siren Asylum isn’t your typical gym – it’s more like a sisterhood with dumbbells. This is a space designed with body positivity at its heart, so leave your insecurities at the door and come as you are.
The equipment here covers the basics – treadmills, rowers, weights – but it’s the classes that really give Siren its magic. The vibe here is half gym, half community hangout.
The owners – both vegans – have even put in a fully vegan snack bar, so you can refuel without leaving your principles at the door. It’s the kind of place where you’re not just working out but having a laugh with a genuinely supportive crew around you.
And the dance and kickboxing classes? Let’s just say, Friday nights here are less ‘routine’ and more ‘release’.
Pro tip:
The vegan snack bar is not to be missed, grab a post-workout bite while you chat with new mates.
Whalley Range Sports Centre
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Address: Whalley Range 11, 18 Wilbraham Rd
Contact details: +44 161 928 5678
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 6:30AM-9PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Think of Whalley Range Sports Centre as the solid all-rounder that’s got a bit of everything. They’ve got all the usual gym stuff – cardio machines, weights, stretching areas – but here’s the twist: each day, there’s time set aside just for the ladies.
So if you want to skip the usual mixed-gender setup, head in during one of the women-only slots for a bit of peace. Fresh off a £160,000 facelift, this place feels modern and well-equipped.
And if classes are your jam, they run some women’s-only faves like ‘Legs, Bums, and Tums’ and ‘Dance Fitness’ – a bit of a laugh and a killer workout all in one. Plus, there’s a football pitch, studio space, and a lovely staff always up for a chat or a bit of training advice.
Pro tip:
The early-morning women-only hours are ideal if you want the gym practically to yourself, nothing like a quiet workout to start the day!
Waterside Leisure Club
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Address: Wilmslow Road Didsbury
Contact details: +44 161 334 9292
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 5:30AM-10PM
- Sat – Sun 8AM-8PM
Pricing: ££
Website
At Waterside Leisure Club in Didsbury, ‘workout’ meets ‘day out.’ They’ve created a women-only gym that’s got a bit of everything – strength zones, core training areas, spin studio, and even a stretching space for a good cooldown.
And with over 100 classes on the roster every week, you’re spoilt for choice. But here’s the clincher – Waterside has its own spa facilities. Yep, after a bit of time on the treadmill or in a spin class, you can pop over to the sauna or take a dip in the pool.
You’ve got the best of both worlds here: sweat it out, then chill it out. Honestly, it’s less gym, more retreat. For £54.95 a month, you’re getting far more than just a workout.
Pro tip:
Block out an extra 20 minutes for a sauna session after your workout, trust us, it’s worth every second.
Belle Vue Female Gym
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Address: Belle Vue Leisure Centre, Kirkmanshulme Lane
Contact details: +44 161 123 4567
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 6AM-10PM
- Sat – Sun 8AM-6PM
Pricing: ££
Website
At Belle Vue Female Gym, it’s like they’ve rolled out the red carpet for women who want their own space to work out. Recently spruced up, this place now boasts a top-notch, completely separate female-only section.
You’ll find all the cardio and resistance machines you’d expect, plus there’s a whole leisure centre beyond it if you’re in the mood for a bit more variety. What really sets Belle Vue apart is the sheer size of the place.
You’ve got a multi-sports hall, a basketball court, a studio, and even a massive stadium-sized pitch – just in case you fancy a proper game. And they’ve not skimped on the classes either: everything from Zumba to dance aerobics and even box fit.
So, if you’re after somewhere that feels like a proper hub of activity, Belle Vue’s female gym space is spot on.
Pro tip:
Check the schedule for dance aerobics, it’s like a workout and a night out rolled into one.
Fit Camp Women
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Address: 7 Victoria Ln, Whitefield
Contact details: +44 161 789 1234
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 7AM-9PM
- Sat – Sun 9AM-6PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Fit Camp Women is all about that community spirit. Just a short stroll from the Besses o’th’ Barn tram stop, this place is like the cheerful, judgement-free friend we all need. They’re big on classes – over 20 a week – so if you’re the kind who likes to mix things up, this is the spot.
They offer everything from combat and step to Pilates and bounce classes. And, if you’re new to fitness classes, no worries; it’s the kind of place where everyone’s there to cheer you on, not size you up.
This gym has a bit of a social side, too, with special events like their Dirty Dancing Class (yes, you read that right), charity fundraisers, and holiday parties. It’s less about dragging yourself to the gym and more like catching up with mates over a good workout.
The regular gym equipment there, too, but honestly, the classes and community events make it a place you’ll actually look forward to showing up.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss their themed events, it’s fitness with a twist, and it’s always a laugh.
Unique Fitness
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Address: Great Horton Rd, Bradford BD7 1PP
Contact details: +44 161 678 1234
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 6AM-10PM
- Sat – Sun 8AM-8PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Unique Fitness is a little slice of luxury outside the city. A bit of a drive from central Manchester, it’s tucked away in Ashton under Lyne, but trust us, it’s worth the journey.
With 50 stations, you’re spoiled for choice here – cardio, resistance, weights, you name it. But what really makes Unique stand out? They’ve got a spa. Yes, you can go from treadmill to jacuzzi in about 30 seconds.
Steam room, sauna, the works – it’s like a mini spa day every time you visit. The classes are fantastic, too, from high-energy body combat to Zumba and spinning. And if you’ve got little ones, they even offer crèche services, so you can get your workout in without any stress.
Pro tip:
Bring your swimsuit and schedule some spa time, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve had a day at the spa, not just a gym session.
Ladies Only Ltd
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Address: 8-12 St Mary’s Gate, Rochdale
Contact details: +44 161 987 6543
Operating Hours: Mon – Fri 6AM-9PM, Sat – Sun 9AM-6PM
Pricing: ££
Website
If you’re after a no-nonsense, all-female gym without the trek into central Manchester, Ladies Only Ltd in Rochdale is the one. It’s a welcoming spot where women of every background, age, and fitness level come together.
This place has got all the latest kit – plenty of weights, cardio machines, and a dedicated area just for stretching, so there’s no excuse for skipping the cooldown. Now, the classes here are something else – and they’re free for members.
But what really sets Ladies Only Ltd apart is their dedication to well-being beyond the usual fitness goals; they offer specialised classes for cancer rehabilitation and exercises designed for chronic respiratory conditions.
Pro tip:
Try the pelvic floor class, it’s brilliant for core strength and confidence, and it’s not something you find everywhere.
