THE LOWDOWN

A relatively new addition to the Kent fitness scene, Natural Fit, is more than just classes and equipment. So much more. It takes a 360-degree approach to well-being and certainly stands out from the wealth of boutique gyms and studios in Tunbridge Wells. Essentially, Natural Fit is a member’s club with a gym, studio, café, work space, and best of all: a spa. For those short of motivation to exercise on a grey rainy day (Muddy included) this gym has all the bells and whistles and coffee, a pool, and a sauna to get even the most reluctant of gym bunnies out of bed. Yes, really.

THE VIBE

Located in the centre of Tunbridge Wells on Calverley Road, tucked away behind the handsome, Georgian façade. It’s a haven for both your body and mind. While on the treadmill, beams of sunshine were pouring in helping distract me from the pain of running. Actually, it’s a really good-looking gym, no, not just the patrons and staff – it’s all about a natural interior which must do something to calm and reduce stress as that’s certainly the effect it had on me.

Machines and equipment are all in a natural colour palette – wooden where possible and the use of mirrors is used appropriately. You won’t catch anyone taking a gym selfie (thankfully) and the staff aren’t prancing around posing, they’re passionate fitness experts who are warm and friendly and there for everything you need. They even had a water bottle ready for me on arrival with a choice of still or sparkling water to fill it with. Impressed.

CLASSES

I’m a bit of a class junkie, leave me in the weights section of the gym and I am completely lost and often intimidated – which I know is a common theme for a lot of us ladies. But Natural Fit creates enough space to work out without feeling as if you’re the centre of attention. There are up to 90 (wow, that’s a lot) of classes a week to choose from and each of the three studios has been designed to cater for that specific class.

For example, there are the peaceful yoga classes, or for a more active class, you’ll find the usual culprits: boxing, TRX, and circuit training as well as some creative options including frame & core – a military-style workout using apparatus including a wobbly bridge (aka climbing frames for adults), sounds fun, right? And my personal favourite: Latin grooves and cardio moves. The boxing area is far away enough from the Pilates class so while you focus on breathing someone throwing punches won’t disturb or distract you.

If I miss a class for whatever reason, usually in January it’s because I can’t (make that, won’t) move from bed until the sun comes up, that’s it for my exercise plans for the day, I simply don’t go. But Natural Fit have found a way to put a stop to that. Round of applause to their ‘virtual PT’.  These run every half hour – so I’ve no excuse. You simply find a station, and choose between the rowing machine or bike, pop your headphones in, and follow the instructions – it’s a full body workout and all the equipment you need is at the station.

EQUIPMENT

Talk about good-looking! The machines are almost too good to work out a sweat on. I say almost, because I was straight on the treadmill to give it a go. The weights area has the right ratio of mirrors to wall so you can check your form but also has dumbbells and kettlebells on offer and there’s a weight training class if you’re after more guidance. Speaking of, there are QR codes around the gym where you can scan on the Natural Fit app which will take you to videos that’ll talk you through the right technique. Failing that, if you’re a little more old school the staff are warm, friendly, and approachable so they’ll help with any questions too. 

POOL & SPA

Now for the best bit: floating around in the jacuzzi. There’s a perfectly proportioned pool where you can certainly do more than a few lengths if that’s your workout of choice. I’m more of a float-around swimmer so I dipped in for a short spell before lying down in the sauna – there’s a steam room too. I went midweek in the afternoon and the spa was perfectly serene, enough people for it not to feel eerie but certainly space to relax. There are loungers by the pool where people were at their laptops, but I chose to read Vogue.

There’s a hatch from the pool to the café where you can order and be served food and drink. I felt as if I was on holiday, something that’s really hard to achieve at my normal gym! The changing rooms are a little on the petite side, but readily available are different-sized towels, I always need an extra for my hair and there’s shampoo and conditioner in the showers – something that I find a serious bonus as well as cotton wool and, wait for it, hair straighteners as well as hairdryers.

FOOD & DRINK

The reception area and café double up as one space making it feel relaxed and unpretentious, if you choose to sit nearer the entrance you get more of a café vibe with lower armchairs and coffee tables – perfect for a post-workout gossip, caffeine fix, and pastry if you’ve worked extra hard. There are salads, sandwiches and everything else you’d want for breakfast or lunch. If you prefer a little more privacy and a calmer atmosphere you can eat by the pool or in one of the other areas throughout the building where there is more secluded seating. 

CO-WORKING

Natural Fit is a gym, but it’s hard-working and has more than one talent. It’s also a social space with table tennis, a buzzing atmosphere in the café and as a member’s club, it can also be used for co-working. Calls are allowed and there are more private spots where you can do this without interruption of fear of irritating others. As you climb the staircase there are several nooks where you can set up camp with coffee and your MacBook, or simply take a little time for yourself. 

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR: Someone who wants everything in one place it covers work, rest, and play – with gym space, a location to work from as well as the incredible spa.

NOT FOR: Posers or anyone wanting to take gym selfies, this is a mini haven for well-being and workouts. 

Gym and class membership with up to 12 classes a month, is £120 per month without spa access, for unlimited class, gym, pool, and spa access it’s £190.

Natural Fit, Bank House, Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UZ