The HT FiiT gym has been set up by fitness coach Hanh Tran to help them stay fit, with a creche laid on so that busy mums can also work out.
Hanh has been training women in mixed-sex gyms for years — but found a pressing need for a women only fitness environment.
“Many expressed discomfort working out in spaces with men present,” she told the Recorder. “This often limited their ability to feel at ease, whether taking off their headscarves or wearing lighter clothing to avoid overheating.”
Hanh wanted to create a space “where women can feel free” to focus on their fitness without reservations.
It follows research showing lower physical activity levels in the Asian community compared to the general population.
Obesity is a public health concern, government statistics released last month show.
It is linked to chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes with reduced life expectancy.
Many Asian women are at greater risk of obesity and similar conditions — yet they are less likely to get help to reduce their weight, Hanh has found.
“I’ve seen these challenges in my own community,” she adds. “This fitness studio is not just a gym — it’s a safe haven where women can focus on becoming the best versions of themselves.”
There was also a “cultural barrier” where expectations for Asian women were to prioritise homemaking while exercise was seen as inappropriate.
Regular physical activity reduces risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, breast cancer and respiratory disease, it is pointed out.
The new gym in Horns Road aims to tackle these health issues with a programme to get women through an holistic approach to fitness, from strength training to cardiovascular exercises at all fitness levels to build physical strength and self-confidence.
It even has a play area where children are looked after while their mums focus on workouts in this “inclusive and supportive environment” for women from all walks of life.
