Once upon a time, office perks meant free tea and coffee. Today, employees are asking for something very different — gyms right where they work.
Health and wellbeing have climbed to the top of the workplace wishlist. The post-pandemic shift towards balance, flexibility, and wellness has changed what people expect from their employers — and office buildings are evolving fast to keep up.
In London especially, office gyms are no longer a luxury. They’re a sign of a company that genuinely cares about its people — and knows that happier, healthier teams do better work.
What is an office gym?
An office gym is a fitness facility located within or directly connected to a workplace. It could be a small studio with a few cardio machines and weights, or a full wellness suite with yoga rooms, showers, and recovery areas.
Some are private, designed exclusively for one company’s team. Others are shared facilities in serviced offices or coworking spaces, giving members access to fitness amenities as part of their workspace package.
Office gyms aren’t just about physical fitness — they’re part of a wider movement towards wellbeing-focused workplaces. From healthy snacks to green commuting options, businesses are rethinking how work environments can support both mind and body.
According to IMARC, the UK’s corporate wellness market is now worth over $2.8 billion (expected to reach $4.5 billion by 2033), with fitness spaces among the most in-demand workplace perks.
Why do office buildings have gyms?
Office gyms have become a hallmark of progressive workplace culture. They’re not just a bonus — they reflect a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.
Here’s why more London offices are adding gyms and wellness spaces:
1. Employees expect better wellbeing support
Employee wellbeing is non-negotiable. If you want to attract and retain talent, you need to address what your people want most. Recent research shows that 93% of employees believe wellbeing is just as important as their salary, and 87% would consider leaving a company that doesn’t prioritise it. Even more telling — 77% actively engage with the wellbeing benefits their employer offers.
That makes workplace fitness a smart investment, not just a nice-to-have. On-site gyms help teams build healthy habits, boost morale, and create a culture where wellbeing is genuinely part of the workday — not something people have to fit in around it.
2. Convenience and cost savings
London commutes aren’t exactly short. An office gym means employees can skip the trip to an external fitness club and work out before work, during lunch, or after hours.
It also saves money. With the average gym membership in London costing anywhere from £30 to £100 per month averaging £69.81 per month, having one included in the office package can make a real difference.
3. Stronger culture and collaboration
A gym can bring teams together in unexpected ways. Group classes, lunchtime workouts, or casual chats after a spin session build a sense of camaraderie that traditional team-building sessions can’t match.
And when people feel more energised and connected, that spirit flows back into their work.
4. Tax advantages for employers
There’s even a financial incentive. According to GOV.UK guidance, “sporting or recreational facilities” provided on-site for employees can be exempt from Benefit-in-Kind tax — as long as they’re available to all staff.
By contrast, paying for external gym memberships is typically treated as a taxable benefit. So, a company that installs an office gym may save both employer and employee National Insurance contributions in the long run.
The business case for an office gym
The return on investment for workplace fitness isn’t just anecdotal — it’s measurable.
Reduced absenteeism:Research shows that companies investing in wellbeing see up to 30% fewer sick days.
Higher productivity: Exercise improves focus, creativity, and problem-solving — all essential for high-performing teams.
For London businesses competing for top talent, this matters. An office gym can tip the scales for a candidate deciding between two job offers. It sends a message: “We care about your health, not just your output.”
For smaller businesses, choosing a serviced office with a shared gym is often a smart move. You get all the perks of a wellness-focused environment — without the overheads of building one yourself.
How to set up an office gym
If you’re considering adding a gym to your office, start with a clear plan. A well-designed fitness space can transform workplace culture — but it needs to be thought through carefully. From choosing the right layout to engaging your team, here’s how to make it work for everyone.
1. Choose the right space
You don’t need a huge area to make an impact. Even a small, well-planned gym can make a big difference to how your team feels. Aim for a well-ventilated, safe, and accessible space — around 20–30 sq ft per person is a good starting point.
Think about what will make people actually want to spend time there:
Natural light to boost energy and mood.
Durable flooring that supports different workouts.
Good airflow and soundproofing, so classes don’t disturb nearby desks.
If you’re short on space, consider multi-use rooms that double as yoga or meditation areas. Flexible zoning helps your gym evolve with your team’s needs.
2. Focus on functionality
The best office gyms are practical, welcoming, and easy to use. Think about how your team works — and moves. Not everyone wants high-intensity training. Some might prefer stretching, yoga, or low-impact mobility sessions.
Include a mix of equipment that supports different abilities and goals:
Treadmills or bikes for cardio.
Dumbbells and resistance bands for strength.
Mats, balance balls, or foam rollers for recovery and mobility.
If you’ve got limited space, focus on versatile, compact equipment. Adjustable benches, foldable racks, or modular rigs can make a small gym feel much larger.
3. Partner with professionals
It’s worth bringing in experts to get your design right. Specialist companies like Biofit create office gyms that reflect modern wellness trends — think eco-friendly materials, plant-filled spaces, and calming, biophilic design that promotes focus and recovery as much as fitness.
A professional designer can also help with the technical side: ventilation systems, weight-bearing floors, and layout planning to ensure every piece of equipment fits safely. They’ll also make sure your gym looks and feels like an extension of your brand — not an afterthought.
4. Make it inclusive
A truly great office gym caters for everyone. That means creating a space where all employees — regardless of fitness level, body type, or ability — feel welcome and comfortable.
Inclusivity might include:
Adjustable machines that suit different heights and strengths.
Clear signage explaining how to use each piece of equipment.
Gender-neutral changing facilities and showers.
Dedicated quiet zones or low-sensory areas for mindfulness.
Inclusivity isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business. When everyone feels confident stepping into the gym, usage (and morale) goes up.
5. Keep it safe and simple
Safety should be a priority from day one. Consult your building management about insurance, risk assessments, and equipment maintenance. Even a small gym must meet UK health and safety regulations.
Create simple policies to keep everything running smoothly — like booking systems to manage capacity or scheduled maintenance checks. And always keep emergency contact information and first aid supplies on-site.
The easier your gym is to manage, the more sustainable it will be long-term.
6. Engage employees
Your office gym should feel like it belongs to your team — not just your building. Involve employees early in the process by asking what they actually want. Do they prefer spin classes or yoga? Weight training or lunchtime stretch sessions?
Running a quick internal poll or inviting feedback through your suggestion box helps shape a gym people will genuinely use. You might even discover hidden fitness champions who’d love to lead group sessions or help onboard new joiners.
To keep momentum going, promote wellness challenges, friendly competitions, or team fitness goals. They’re great for morale and help make the gym part of your workplace culture — not just an unused room with a treadmill in it.
Do some offices have gyms?
Absolutely — and London is leading the way.
As wellness becomes a key factor in workspace design, more serviced and flexible offices are integrating gyms, yoga studios, and recovery spaces into their buildings. Some even partner with boutique fitness brands for exclusive classes.
Below are some of the best examples across the capital.
1. FORA
FORA’s wellness offering is hard to beat. Their partnership with Manor Gyms means members can access premium fitness facilities across 24 London sites, including standout locations like Chancery House and Brock House.
These aren’t your standard office gyms — they’re full wellness destinations designed to help you perform your best, whether that’s through movement, mindfulness, or recovery.
Highlights include:
Free access to 200+ monthly classes across the network
Open gym sessions from 6am to 9pm, Monday to Friday
A luxury sauna at Chancery House for post-workout recovery
A curated wellness events schedule to help you reset and recharge
Two complimentary corporate training sessions per year
Access to free fitness programming from Manor
Discounts at Manor’s flagship clubs
If your team values flexibility and wellbeing, FORA makes it easy to fit both into the workday — no commute to the gym required.
2. Uncommon Holborn
Uncommon Holborn puts wellbeing at the centre of everything. From ergonomic desks to mood-boosting greenery and calming scents, every detail is designed to make people feel good at work.
Their on-site wellness studio offers yoga, meditation, and stretch classes throughout the week — a great way to pause, reset, and build healthy habits into the working day. Natural light floods the space, creating a calm, restorative atmosphere that feels a world away from the busy streets of Holborn.
It’s a brilliant choice for teams who value both design and wellbeing — where productivity and peace of mind go hand in hand.
3. MYO King’s Cross
MYO King’s Cross is one of the newest additions to London’s flexible office scene — and one of the most impressive. This workspace features two fully equipped gyms under one roof, giving members more choice in how they move.
Expect high-end cardio machines, free weights, and functional training zones designed for every fitness level. Employees can join small group classes, use state-of-the-art equipment for solo sessions, or take part in community wellness events that bring the building’s tenants together.
With showers, changing rooms, and wellness areas included, it’s ideal for companies looking for a space that supports balance as much as business.
4. The Ministry (Borough)
Part coworking club, part private members’ gym, The Ministry in Borough sets the standard for fitness-focused workspaces. Its full-scale gym rivals most commercial fitness clubs, blending premium design with a strong community feel.
Facilities include:
A Technogym cardio suite with the latest equipment
Peloton bikes and on-demand digital training
A BLK BOX functional rig and Keiser strength kit
Group classes in yoga, HIIT, strength, and mobility
A Hyperice recovery suite for stretching, massage, and muscle care
The Ministry’s members enjoy more than just workouts — the fitness offering is part of a wider ecosystem that includes creative coworking spaces, a soundproofed meeting room suite, and a restaurant and bar. It’s designed for teams who want their workspace to double as a lifestyle hub.
5. LABS Holborn
LABS Holborn combines smart design with everyday practicality. Its in-house gym has a clean, minimalist feel — bright, modern, and fitted with both cardio and resistance training zones.
Perfect for a lunchtime workout or post-meeting de-stress, the gym helps tenants make fitness part of their day without disrupting their schedule. Paired with LABS’ sleek coworking environment and vibrant community, it’s an easy fit for businesses who want to make wellbeing part of their brand.
6. SQB Canary Wharf
SQB Canary Wharf brings a boutique touch to the world of office gyms. The space feels calm and curated, offering both Peloton bikes for high-intensity sessions and reformer Pilates for low-impact strength training.
It’s ideal for professionals who value flexibility and quality — with all the style you’d expect from a Canary Wharf address. The design encourages you to slow down, stretch out, and refocus between meetings, making it the kind of workplace that truly supports both body and mind.
7. Workspace Fleet Street
Workspace Fleet Street is a practical option for small and growing teams that still want access to wellness facilities. Its on-site gym offers all the essentials — cardio machines, free weights, and space for mobility work — right within the building.
It’s designed for ease and convenience, giving employees a quick, fuss-free way to stay active during the workday. Combine that with Workspace’s flexible office setups, meeting rooms, and breakout areas, and you’ve got everything you need for a productive, balanced team.
Why serviced offices with gyms are on the rise
London’s demand for wellness-focused workspaces is only growing. According to SME Business News, companies offering fitness perks see a 19% boost in employee satisfaction and a noticeably stronger workplace culture. It’s no surprise, then, that landlords and workspace operators are building wellbeing into their design from day one.
Many new office refits now feature shared gym and studio spaces, often managed by expert fitness providers who handle everything from programming to maintenance. At The Carter, for instance, tenants enjoy an immersive fitness and wellbeing experience that rivals boutique studios. Meanwhile, 100 Wood Street and 33 Kingsway have been retrofitted with premium gym facilities available for all tenants to use — a major draw for businesses looking to prioritise health without leaving the building.
Wellness is now part of the baseline for modern offices — right up there with meeting rooms, bike storage, and great coffee.
How to find office spaces in London with a gym
If you’re looking for an office with a built-in fitness space, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to spend hours searching.
Tally Workspace makes it simple to find offices in London with gyms, wellness studios, and other amenities that support healthy, happy teams. Whether you’re after a flexible coworking space with yoga classes or a leased office with a full fitness suite, we’ll find options that fit your team’s needs and budget.
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