The Women's Gym Wilmslow - Women-Only Training Space
Location: Total Fitness, Wilmslow - Handforth Bypass, Handforth, Wilmslow SK9 3PE
Type: Women-Only Gym (part of Total Fitness)
Access: ClassPass accepted (4 credits) | Day passes £12.50 | Members £16/month bolt-on
Opening Hours: Check Total Fitness app for current hours
A 4,500 sq ft purpose-built women-only gym attached to Total Fitness Wilmslow. Separate entrance to the side of the main building, though you can also access through Total Fitness itself. Designed based on research with 3,800+ women to address specific needs - equipment sized for smaller frames, mirrored and non-mirrored workout zones, dimmed lighting, natural wood ceilings.
ClassPass works at 4 credits. Entry is slightly complicated for ClassPass users - the automated door system doesn't provide a code, so you'll need to go through the main Total Fitness reception first to check in.
Visited 7am and found about 10 women training, mixed ages, with a couple of personal trainers working with clients. Calm, focused atmosphere. For those who find mixed gyms intimidating or want a more private training space, this offers that option while being attached to a large commercial facility.
Equipment
Two lifting platforms with Olympic bars. Smith machine available. Hip thrust bench and glute builder machine (one of few in the UK). Pin-loaded machines cover shoulder press, chest press, lat pulldown, leg extension, leg curl, and leg press. Assisted pull-up/dip machine. Cable stations for isolation work.
Dumbbells to 24kg with multiple benches. Functional training area with kettlebells, medicine balls, and space to move. Five treadmills, three cross-trainers, three exercise bikes spread across the cardio area. Equipment specifically chosen to suit smaller frames where relevant.
Stretching and relaxation areas separate from main training floor. Natural wood ceilings, dimmed lighting throughout. Mix of mirrored and non-mirrored zones - work on form or train without mirrors, your choice. Yellow turf flooring in functional areas.
The Arnold Score: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Equipment ★★★☆☆
Two lifting platforms with Olympic bars. Smith machine available. Dumbbells to 24kg. Hip thrust bench and glute builder for posterior chain work. Solid machine selection but limited compared to dedicated strength gyms. Works for progressive training with the equipment available.
Convenience ★★★☆☆
ClassPass accepted at 4 credits. Separate entrance with automated door (complicated for ClassPass - need to check in through main Total Fitness first). Attached to large facility with additional amenities. Day passes £12.50.
Community & Facilities ★★★★☆
Women-only environment. About 10 women training at 7am with relaxed atmosphere. Personal trainers available. Separate stretching and relaxation areas. Thoughtful design focused on comfort and privacy. More intimate than mixed commercial gyms.
Total: 10/15 - Good option for women wanting dedicated space while maintaining access to proper equipment.
The Radcliffe Score: ⭐⭐⭐½ / 5
Equipment ★★★★☆
Five treadmills, three cross-trainers, three bikes. Solid cardio selection for a specialist gym. Functional training area with space for dynamic work. Equipment spread allows comfortable training without crowding.
Convenience ★★★☆☆
ClassPass accepted. Part of Total Fitness complex (pools, facilities available separately). Day pass option at £12.50. Separate entrance but ClassPass requires main reception check-in.
Community & Facilities ★★★★☆
Calm environment at 7am. Women-only space reduces intimidation factor. Stretching and relaxation areas for warm-up and cool-down. Dimmed lighting and thoughtful design create comfortable atmosphere.
Total: 11/15 - Well-equipped for cardio with thoughtful environment design.
The Wim Hof Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Equipment ★★★★☆
Equipment specifically sized for smaller frames where relevant. Machine circuit covers major movements safely. Hip thrust bench and glute builder for focused posterior work. Functional area with varied equipment. Mirrored and non-mirrored zones support different training approaches.
Convenience ★★★★★
Attached to Total Fitness with pool, spa facilities available. ClassPass accepted. Day passes available. Separate entrance provides privacy. Relaxation and stretching areas built into design. Natural lighting and wood ceilings create welcoming environment.
Community & Facilities ★★★★★
Purpose-built for women based on extensive research. Calm, supportive atmosphere. About 10 women at 7am - mixed ages, comfortable environment. Personal trainers available. Dimmed lighting, thoughtful layout. Safe, inclusive space for varied fitness levels and backgrounds.
Total: 13/15 - Excellent for sustainable, confidence-building training in supportive environment.
Best for: Women seeking dedicated training space, those new to gym training, anyone wanting a less intimidating environment
ClassPass: Accepted at 4 credits (check in through main Total Fitness reception)
Notable: Purpose-built based on research with 3,800+ women • Glute builder machine • Mirrored and non-mirrored zones • Equipment sized for smaller frames • Attached to Total Fitness facilities
Location: Wilmslow - Handforth Bypass, SK9 3PE
Access: Separate entrance to side of Total Fitness building
Additional Info: Total Fitness pools, spa, classes available separately
