CAPITAL GAINS FOR YOUR FITFAM

The biggest gym to open in London in a decade, Third Space Islington fuses fitness, luxury and intergenerational fun – all under one (very big) roof

After several years and plenty of problems with building contractors, Third Space gyms finally opened its north-London outpost in early 2020. “We like to refer to it as ‘highly anticipated’,” says general manager, Ryan Le Quesne. And so it turned out to have been: after just four days, it had to close applications to new members and start a waiting list. Then, of course, it shut its doors.

But COVID-19 has not dampened spirits here. The shutdown has given Third Space a chance to perfect its offering before reopening. And it’s quite an offering. The training space remains the star attraction, but there are also a mind-and-body studio and a hot yoga studio, as well as a super-sized pool and spa, plus an extended lounge area for flexible workers – not to mention meditation pods.

“We even have a smart lighting system to make sure it doesn’t feel like you’re underground,” explains Le Quesne. “It matches your circadian rhythm, so it’s brighter in the mornings and moodier in the evenings.”

All of the studios and floors are Myzone connected, too, creating a digital community for members to compete in. The Islington gym is also launching IRL events such as Nutrition Lab Q&As with gut doctor Megan Rossi and meditation sessions with the Just Breathe founder, Michael James Wong.

The standout feature, however, is Little Space: a gym for children. Its kids’ schedule dovetails with the adult classes, letting you drop off little Cuthbert while you try a Sweat X class. “In the 8-11-year-old class, we even start coaching the kids through the six main movement patterns,” says Le Quesne, “though it’s all hidden in the games we play.”

All of which makes a strong case for joining that waiting list. Do it quickly, before the doors reopen.