28/01/2026
A little thought piece for anyone who’s ever told us “boutique studios are too expensive”…
And look, if what you want is cheap, that’s totally fine. Go to Pure Gym, The Gym Group, Anytime Fitness. They serve a purpose, and for a lot of people, they work.
But let’s be honest about what you’re actually buying.
You’re walking into a huge space full of machines and equipment. You’re largely on your own. Are you fully motivated? Do you know what programme to follow? Are you being pushed, corrected, coached, and progressed?
Probably not.
Yes, you can get that in a budget gym, but only if you add a personal trainer. And on average, that’s £50+ an hour. Suddenly, that “cheap” membership isn’t so cheap anymore.
On the other end of the scale, you’ve got places like David Lloyd. Incredible facilities. Pools. Spas. Premium spaces. And £200+ a month memberships. But try booking a class. Timetable opens, and it’s a 10-day scramble to get a spot.
That’s where boutique studios live.
We are boutique for a reason. We sell a premium service, not because we have marble floors and a spa, but because we sell coaching, community, capacity, and care.
We’re independent. We’re not a corporate chain. You’re not a number on a spreadsheet. We don’t oversubscribe our memberships by 400% and hope you don’t turn up while £25 quietly leaves your bank every month.
We want you here.
We sell to our capacity. When classes fill up, we add more. Because your experience matters.
Here’s a reality most people don’t see:
The average cost for an instructor to deliver a class is around £20–£30 per class. More for specialist sessions like reformer where it’s £45 a class.
Our coaches have spent years training and thousands on education.
Then there’s equipment, rent, VAT, business rates, utilities, insurance, licences…. all rising, all before we even turn the lights on.
And then look at the timetable.
Bungee. Pole. Aerial Yoga. Reformer Pilates. TRX. Zumba. Step. Yoga. Pilates.
Show me a £25-a-month gym that offers all of that.
Comparing a boutique studio to a budget gym is like comparing an Aldi rump steak to a Wagyu ribeye from an independent butcher. Both feed you. Only one is built for people who care deeply about quality.
So yes, always pick what’s right for your budget.
But understand this: you get what you pay for.
And when our memberships start from £65 a month for expert-led, specialist, small-group coaching across some of the most unique classes you’ll find anywhere, we still think that’s a bargain.
If you’re serious about your fitness, your health, and your wellbeing, you know where to find us. 💚 www.hype-fitness.com
