BLOK: Hackney workout studio perfecting the balance between sweat & style

There are umpteen stylishly designed and trendy workout spaces in London now, but BLOK London really grabbed my attention.  Situated in a converted Victorian tram depot in Clapton, it’s way out of my normal stomping ground – but is so damn beautiful that I am more than willing to make the trek there.  It helps that the workouts are super slick too.


Think high ceilings, industrial light fittings, screed concrete and exposed brick, accessed via an unassuming, seemingly uninhabited alley… but then add in neon strip lights, underfloor heating, Bamford toiletries and an evolving exhibition space, and you have yourself a pretty dreamy space.


There’s a café in-house too, for juices, shakes, coffee, and – this is a first – bone broth (high levels of protein, vitamins, minerals, collagen and keratin make bone broth a fab carb-free post-workout snack).




There are two studios at BLOK, each with very a different focus – restorative yoga vs boxing, pilates vs primal movement, vinyasa vs HIIT – you get the idea…


Each class is high calibre and specialist, taught by hand-selected fitness experts.  Boxing is taught by a Cuban pro – who’s not afraid to bop you on the chin if you drop your guard; BLOK Fit (a circuits class) by the taut, toned and highly energetic Corinne.

You can kick off your weekend with BLOK Party (an intense hour of non-stop beats for a dance cardio burnout!) or learn how to nail a handstand or a muscle-up in Calisthenics – the possibilities and class combinations are endless, and at just £10-£14 a pop (that’s about a third cheaper than most boutique fitness studios in London) it won’t break the bank either.

This is a balanced gym experience that places equal focus on the workout and the luxurious experience – and they’ve totally nailed it.

BLOK London
The Tram Depot, 38-40 Upper Clapton Rd, London E5 8BQ
www.bloklondon.com
Instagram @bloklondon