I'm a comedian and a massive great big creep for PE. I love it. Especially weightlifting. I'm big into getting stronger, and a huge advocate for the continued use of carbohydrates for increased power and joy-taking in all sport.
The gym scene is getting better but sometimes women — myself included — can still feel unwelcome in the weights section. You can feel pressure to show all the men there you know what you're doing, which has the knock-on effect that I won't push as hard because I don't want to fail in front of lads from a local sixth form having their weekly bro-sesh.
London does have a number of women-only gyms. But there are also some mixed gyms where you will never run the risk of feeling out of place as a woman, whatever body you're in.
I've outlined three of my favourites below: why they're great for women, and where you can get some grains post-workout.
Commando Temple, Deptford
This under-the-arches gym offers group classes, personal trainers and all sorts of types of strength training and conditioning. That includes powerlifting, strong person stuff like atlas stones and tyre flipping — through to an array of martial arts. The coaches at Commando Temple are the soundest, most friendly and committed people you'll ever meet. They even run 'queer strong' competitions which are trans and non-binary inclusive. I did a competition here once and ending up pulling a whole bus. If that doesn't sell it I don't know what would. Afterwards, head to Taca Tacos. Or Badger Badger for amazing Japanese street food and a cerebral workout courtesy of one of their board games. Commando Temple
Stone Fight Academy, Welling
Fancy something different? I dropped in to this female owned gym for a Thai kickboxing lesson and came away feeling like a new woman. There are PTs or group classes available. Everyone's welcome. I cooked up some stuff I was sad about on the way there and I've never come away from something feeling more cheerful and calm in my life. OK, the gloves did make my hands smell of cheese, but you can't have everything. And it reminded me I needed to buy bread on the way home. If you need a proper refuel afterwards, Brasa Bar & Grill is ready and waiting. Stone Fight Academy.
CrossFit Catford
This is my gym. Mirror-free and all about what your body can do, not what it looks like. Set up by a brilliant young woman, Nicola Stiddard, in 2020, CrossFit Catford is possibly the most lovely community of adults who do PE together that you could ever imagine. Workouts are all coach led (many of them women). It's not cheap but the coaching is so amazing, it's worth it. All workouts are also adaptable to all levels of fitness, strength and ability and injuries — as well as disabilities. Things here are always carefully considered, and adapted so that they work for you. Oh and it's opposite a Nando's. CrossFit Catford
Jessica Fostekew is on tour with her show Mettle, including Guildford (18 April), Maidenhead (24 April), Oxford (2 May), and London's Leicester Square Theatre (21 June).
