
WHY WE’RE UNIQUE
With the world being an increasingly busy and divided place, we wanted to create a welcoming and safe space for women and LGBTQ+ people to prioritise their health and wellbeing.
We all deserve better than burnout and the clanging and banging of traditional gym environments.
We don’t shy away from mental health and we wanted a positive, progressive community space.
So, we built one.
WE STARTED THE ALTERNATIVE BECAUSE WE FELT SOMETHING NEW WAS NEEDED.
THE ALTERNATIVE APPROACH™
WE’VE DESIGNED A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PERSONAL TRAINING WHICH PRIORITISES YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, ALONGSIDE YOUR PHYSICAL GOALS.
Traditionally, personal training mainly focuses on the physical and appearance-focused goals, and then tries to get you there as fast as possible. This can work for some people, but it doesn’t work for everyone.
We treat you like a person, not a project.
Life can be intense, and stressful. You probably have a lot going on, and they’ll be many factors which influence your goals and commitments. We’re not drill sergeants, we’re not perfect either, and we’re not here to judge.
Don’t just work on your body, work with it.
OUR VALUES
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We’re always honest, and building trust is very important to us. We don't screw anyone over and we won’t sell out.
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Good vibes guaranteed. We love what we do, and wholeheartedly believe in it.
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We show empathy and go the extra mile to make people feel safe. We do our best to work affirmatively, and show care to our community.
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We bring our full selves to work, only deliver within our competencies, and admit when we make mistakes.
THE ALTERNATIVE APPROACH™
WE’VE DESIGNED A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PERSONAL TRAINING WHICH PRIORITISES YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, ALONGSIDE YOUR PHYSICAL GOALS.
Traditionally, personal training puts the focus how you want to look, and then tries to get you there as fast as possible.
This can work for some people, but it doesn’t work for everyone.
We treat you like a person, not a project.
WHAT ELSE MAKES US UNIQUE?
WE’RE ONE OF THE FIRST HEALTH STUDIOS IN THE UK TO OFFER MENSTRUAL COACHING, AND DELIVER CYLCE-LED PERSONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS.
Whether you’re suffering with Endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, PMDD, want to address issues such as fatigue and bloating, or just want to live more in line with your period cycle, we can help.
We also work affirmatively with people who don’t have a bleed, including Trans Women, Trans Men, Non-Binary people and those who have been through Menopause or are coming off hormonal contraception.
Is this the service you’ve been waiting for?
WHO DO WE WORK WITH?
Women: all ages, shapes and sizes
Trans and non-binary people
Those who are pregnant or post-natal
Those who identify as Neurodivergent
People with chronic health conditions
Those who have never stepped foot in a gym before!

THE ALTERNATIVE STUDIO
PRIVATE. WELCOMING. PERSONALISED.
Our health studio based in the heart of Sale Moor is designed to make you feel at ease.
If you sign up as a member on a wellbeing package, you can expect there to be one other member training in the studio space at most, and we can offer completely private sessions.
We deliver a personalised experience, so you can take control of the music, bring your own, and customise the lighting.
We do also offer pet-friendly and child-friendly sessions by arrangement. So whether you’re a dog parent, a new mum, or need to come straight after the school run, we’ve got you.
THE ALTERNATIVE TEAM
RAE
CO-FOUNDER
Loves trainers, coriander, soft-close cupboards, hates social obligations.
RICO
“THE BOSS’ SON”
Loves ‘big man tings’, wanted to be on the website, hates touching grass.
PAIGE
CO-FOUNDER
Loves a nap, pigeons, conspiracy theories and hates AI.
NAFEESA
“THE BOSS’ MATE”
Loves ‘big man tings’, wanted to be on the website, hates touching grass.
TAYLER
PSYCHO-THERAPIST
Loves the Roman Empire, a diet coke, exercising her legal rights and hates loud noises.
QUINN & RU
HEAD OF OPERATIONS (JOB SHARE)
Red Brick Uni alumni, interior design enthusiasts, gifted and talented
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Packages give you discounts on classes, but no, you don't need one! Book here.
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We offer 30% off Package 1. We have a limited number of slots available and they are for those on low-income, with priority given to Trans+ people. Learn more here.
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We offer Wellbeing Packages in our fitness studio, but we are not a public gym. Many of our clients also have a gym membership elsewhere, but come for Personal Training, Classes and our other services.
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That's fine, we know we do a lot! Just send us a general enquiry and we'll get back to you to a book a visit and chat through your needs.
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Some people wish to have the studio just for themselves and their coach. We prioritise these limited sessions for Neurodiverse people, those who feel nervous about exercise, or those who need to bring a child or pet. We do not charge extra for this.
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Yes. We offer paired training for friends or couples. We also offer group training. Please note, this will depend on your goals - as they'd need to be similar to get the most from your sessions. Book your consultation here.
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Regrettably, we are not wheelchair accessible. There’s no excuse for this, but we feel it’s important to just own it, because it’s crap, and we do want to do better. As a small and new business, our options were limited. We had to start somewhere, and when we can do better, we absolutely will.
Whilst we are not as accessible as we’d like to be, we are adaptable. If you wish to use our services, and we can’t accommodate you (yet), we can offer online sessions. If you want to have in-person sessions, we can deliver our services offsite if you have an appropriate space that you’re comfortable in.
If you don’t use a wheelchair but require adaptations in order to access our facility, which is up one short staircase - please let us know. We are happy to make adjustments and support you to make it as easy as possible.