The integration of fitness facilities directly into the workplace is more than just a passing trend – it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses prioritise employee health and wellbeing. Providing an on-site amenity like a gym has now firmly taken root in office shemes in the North West seeking to provide premium facilities for their tenants and helping them to attract top talent.
Why Should My Business Choose an Office with an On-Site Gym?
While they might not boast the volume of machinery found in a regular gym, office gyms offer undeniable advantages that contribute directly to a healthier, more productive workforce.
The Business Case for Workplace Wellness
The impact of regular exercise extends far beyond physical fitness, translating into tangible business benefits:
- Reduced Sick Days: Mentally and physically healthier staff leads to fewer absences.
- Boosted Productivity: Exercise improves focus, energy levels, and cognitive function.
- Talent Attraction: High-quality wellness amenities are a powerful tool for recruitment and retention.
Key Employee Benefits:
- Convenience: Located within the workplace, they eliminate travel time, making it easier for employees to fit a workout into their lunch break or before/after work.
- Cost Savings: Employees save money by not needing a separate gym membership.
- Community: Teams can foster relationships through communal gym events, challenges, and group classes.
Where are the best Office Gyms in Manchester?
117 – 119 Portland Street
Located right in the heart of Manchester, 117-119 Portland Street recently completed a 12-month refurbishment programme and offers fully-fitted, furnished workspaces. Its gym stands out as one of the best-equipped in the city, catering to both strength and cardio enthusiasts, whilst also offering premium shower and changing facilities.
Fitness Facilities:
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Cardio machines
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Strength and free-weight zone
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Functional training area
Exchange Quay
Exchange Quay (EQ) takes a slightly different approach, distinguishing itself by offering a class-centred, community-focused scheme rather than relying solely on machinery. Located within its dedicated Wellness Centre, EQ provides a range of services designed to support both individual tenant goals and broader corporate wellness objectives.
This gym is accessible to occupiers at Exchange Quay and Boatshed.
Focused on Personalised Wellbeing
The offerings at EQ go beyond basic gym access, aiming for physical and mental health:
- Diverse Fitness Classes: Tenants benefit from a variety of engaging fitness classes, including Yoga, Pilates, Hyrox, and more. Classes are offered at multiple intensities, ensuring everyone can find the perfect session.
- Specialised Services: The centre provides dedicated services such as 1:1 Personal Training sessions and structured team wellness workshops to boost and maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
- Personalised Wellbeing Plans: The on-site team at UrWellbeing elevates the service by offering personalised health checks and creating bespoke wellbeing plans. This tailored approach helps cater to individual schedules and specific fitness needs.
By prioritising instructor-led classes and personalised planning, Exchange Quay provides a high-engagement wellness amenity that fosters community and consistently drives tenant participation.
Blackfriars House
Blackfriars House offering both traditional leases and serviced space, combines one of the best equipment offerings in Manchester with excellent shower and changing room facilities. The gym provides an extensive range of machinery and free weights, all supplied by Matrix.
Fitness Facilities:
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Good range of cardiovascular equipment
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Strength and resistance equipment
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Free-weights and benches
Jackson House
Jackson House in Sale offers a well-balanced fitness facility that prioritises cardiovascular health alongside traditional strength training. The gym provides a solid foundation of equipment while distinguishing itself through an active class schedule that encourages tenant engagement and variety in workout routines.
Fitness Facilities:
- Cardiovascular equipment
- Weight machines and dumbbells
- Strength training zone
Class-Based Wellness
Beyond the standard equipment offering, Jackson House enhances the fitness experience through regularly scheduled classes. Tenants can participate in sessions such as Boxfit, providing structured workout options that complement individual training routines and foster a sense of community among building occupiers.
249 Church Street
249 Church Street in Altrincham delivers one of Manchester’s most comprehensive office gym offerings, combining extensive equipment with dedicated space for diverse workout styles. The facility’s generous layout and varied machinery cater to all fitness levels and training preferences.
Fitness Facilities:
- Extensive range of cardiovascular machines
- Multiple power racks
- Comprehensive dumbbell selection
- Large open area for stretching and yoga
Supported Fitness Journey
The gym enhances its equipment offering with a class schedule and dedicated personal training services. The spacious open area provides an ideal environment for flexibility work, yoga sessions, and functional training, while the on-site PT offers tenants personalised guidance to help them achieve their specific fitness goals.
