How London’s most sought-after gyms are reopening in unique ways

BXR – which sells itself as ‘the world’s first high-end boxing gym’ – is back in full force as of today, and demand for its services is outstripping supply. “It’s reminiscent of when we first opened BXR [in 2017],” says Brand Manager Dalia Ali. “The team and members have been so excited for our doors to reopen and we were thrilled to see our gym appointments for the first week all sold out.”  

The Marylebone establishment’s MO is to develop a championship mindset and offer members the standard of training, facilities and advice expected by professional athletes. No surprise, then, that it is extremely popular among wealthy Londoners.

Director Alex Nicholl explains that the gym has taken Covid safety extremely seriously and that “members are booking in advance, so we can restrict the amount of clients on the premises at one time.” The studio is also offering private household bubble classes where clients can book any workout with their favourite trainers. Such classes include versa climbing (a unique machine that mimics the natural motion of climbing and allows for a full-body cardio workout), pilates and strength and conditioning. 

While bubble and one-on-one classes can be done in the studio and are proving popular even on day one of Stage Two, BXR has also launched a parks service. “We are very fortunate to have access to Paddington Park next door to BXR, where we have been hosting strength and conditioning, boxing and pilates classes,” says Nicholl. And after experiencing great demand for online classes over lockdown, the team will continue to run its yoga and pilates Zoom sessions until the end of May. 

24 Paddington St, W1U 5QY; bxrlondon.com

Lanserhof at The Arts Club

Cost: annual membership from £5,000