If the idea of working out in a big soulless gym, full of grunting men who look at your like you’ve grown two heads when you venture into the weights area, is enough to bring you out in a cold sweat, then The Studio at Bartlow is the place for you. This cute boutique studio is set in a gorgeous converted barn surrounded by acres of countryside, just outside one of our favourite Cambridgeshire villages – Bartlow. As well as being a beautiful space to workout, think hundreds of fairy lights and stunning living walls that will give you house plant envy, it’s a completely stress-free experience with plenty of free parking and a brilliantly friendly vibe that’ll put you straight at ease.

The Studio was opened in 2021 by inspirational personal trainer Jess Abbey, who has turned it into a brilliant community of people who want to move, get fit and feel good (and have a good old chinwag while they’re at it!). There’s a class to suit every taste here, including Studio: Strong for ladies who want to lift, Stretch & Tone, Studio: Conditioning, Gentle Yoga Flow, all year round Outdoor Bootcamp, Trigger Point Pilates, Flow & Restore, Energising Yoga Flow, Power Yoga and Chair Yoga.

As well as the idyllic setting, the USP here is just how friendly the environment is. Group classes are small and welcoming, and there’s no fear of people making you feel self-conscious or that you don’t belong. Jess immediately integrates new members into the group and actively encourages chatting amongst participants. Don’t let the pretty drapes and twinkly lights fool you though. You’ll get real value for money out of the classes here thanks to the encouragement and expertise of Jess, and you’ll definitely know you’ve done a workout the next day! The classes are focussed and full on and are the perfect length of time – 45 mins (long enough to work up a sweat, but short enough to ensure you give 100% throughout).

At The Studio the focus isn’t just on fitness and physical strength, but on wellbeing as a whole. As well as classes that target the mind and body such as candlelit Gentle Yoga Flow and the self-myofascial release you can experience through Trigger Point Pilates, Jess runs regular creative workshops and events with guest teachers to help you achieve overall contentment. These workshops include Sketch & Stretch (30 minutes of yoga and pilates followed by 45 minutes of sketching), a make your own macramé plant hanger class and flower arranging events.

There’s no pressure to sign up to a lengthy and expensive contract either. The plan is as flexible as you will be after a few sessions of Stretch & Flow. There are special offers like a two-week intro pass where you can go to unlimited classes for £20; a full membership for £80 a month, which entitles you to unlimited classes, discounts on workshops and two guest passes; a regular £60 a month membership for eight classes plus one guest pass; or pay as you go class passes for one, five and ten classes.

Love the sound of giving both your body and mind an overhaul in a safe, friendly and idyllic countryside retreat? Head to The Studio Bartlow and you’ll never want to set foot in a traditional gym again!