We watch trends closely at Stylist and we’ve seen a real growth in women strength training as a way of reclaiming a traditionally male space

Women’s fashion magazine Stylist has entered the fitness market by opening a female-only boutique studio in London’s affluent Mayfair district.

The studio will be operated under a new lifestyle brand, Stylist Strong, which the magazine hopes to develop into a leading women’s fitness line.

The Stylist Strong studio will specialise in class-based strength training specifically tailored for women. It will also host classes, events, talks and panel discussions on fitness and strength-training.

Classes have been designed to build both physical and mental strength in a “smart and informed way”, with trainers having been educated to help women optimise their workouts – from aligning training with their menstrual cycles to taking into account individual lifestyles.

A tailored training programme, created by Nike Global Master Trainer Joslyn Thompson Rule, will also be available.

Lisa Smosarski, editor-in-chief at Stylist, said: “We watch trends closely at Stylist and we have seen a real growth in women strength training – for body, for mind and as a way of reclaiming a traditionally male space.

“This trend challenges the idea of exercising for a specific body shape but instead embraces exercise for general health and wellness as well as boosting confidence and mental health.”

Master trainer Thompson Rule added: “I am both honoured and incredibly excited to be part of Stylist Strong; they have given me a platform to spread my passion – getting women unapologetically stronger.

“Women’s training is undergoing a refreshing and much-needed reboot on every level, this is just the beginning.

“I spend a lot of my time educating women on the importance of strength training for every aspect of their lives, but the educational piece can still be limited in terms of delivery and there is still a little stigma around lifting weights.”