Fitness with a focus
With a focus on both physical health and mental wellbeing, Natural Fit in Tunbridge Wells offers a distinctive, premium approach to fitness. Eileen Leahy speaks to director Shaun Harris about the philosophy behind the brand, its growing presence in the South East, and why improving the whole person – not just the body – is at the heart of everything they do.
Stepping into Natural Fit’s Tunbridge Wells entrance is like entering a five-star hotel: think velvet-studded banquettes in the brand’s trademark turquoise, chic statement lighting, a well-stocked bar – complete with bouquets of fresh florals and delicious seasonal salads, quiches and cakes – and a cool lounging area with board games and bookcases.
So far, so luxurious and welcoming – and that’s without even telling you about the state-of-the-art spa, also on the ground floor, or the impressive gym and workout areas that occupy the second floor of this cleverly renovated former Barclays Bank, situated right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells on Calverley Road.
Anyone else who has been here will testify that as gyms go, Natural Fit is really something special – but it’s not just the stylish décor and premium workout equipment that gives this club its edge. It’s the Natural Fit ethos of supporting your mind as well as your body that really sets it apart.
“We are here to help you achieve your fitness and wellness goals, whatever stage of life you are at,” says Natural Fit’s director Shaun Harris.
“Whether our clients are exercising for sport, want to improve their health and flexibility, or are recovering from an injury and looking to build their strength again, our unique approach will help you feel rejuvenated and confident. And crucially, we understand that every single client and their needs are different.”
Natural Fit opened in Tunbridge Wells in August 2020 and although the original date was delayed due to the pandemic, it has proved to be enormously popular.
Before Shaun tells me the reasons why, he informs me that the first Natural Fit opened in Brighton and a third will open in Maidstone in early 2026.
Does the business have plans for more? “Yes we do, but we will concentrate on the South East because we are very hands-on and want the ability to drop in and meet our teams whenever we can.”
But back to some of the key reasons why this first-class fitness and wellbeing club has proved so popular with the people of Tunbridge Wells – and beyond.
“Because we are very much focused on each client and their journey, we are very flexible and try to offer as many classes and levels as possible. People really like that,” explains Shaun.
Shaun admits that many members spend a lot of time at Natural Fit, dipping in and out of classes while they work or socialise.
“Our top membership gives full access seven days a week, from 6.30 am to 9 pm to the gym, classes and spa. So we see a lot of people working from here, enjoying the complimentary Wi-Fi and also doing five or six classes during the day.
“Covid really changed the working dynamic, so previously where you had to fit in going to the gym either before or after work – or during your lunchtime – there is now so much more flexibility if you work remotely. It really is more about being able to easily incorporate fitness into your everyday routine.”
Another of the club’s USPs is that it offers 200-plus personal training video sessions, so all you have to do is book a time and then follow a tailored virtual workout from an expert personal trainer.
Add to that a super comprehensive selection of classes. They include everything from traditional yoga and Pilates to boxing, circuit training and Latin groove dance classes. Then there are Natural Fit’s bespoke and exclusive core, movement and frame classes, which are designed to align with the nervous system and work at a level that suits each individual client.
“Our exercise ethos is based around moving how you were born to. It’s about re-engaging the nervous system’s natural in-built mechanisms that give you mobility and stability,” explains Shaun.
“We take people through a series of screenings to first identify how they are moving at the moment, and importantly, note any weak links which could be causing an injury or a recurring one. It’s a need-driven approach.”
Then, of course, there is the added bonus of Natural Fit’s spa, which boasts a fabulous heated pool – a luxury for the centre of Tunbridge Wells – plus a steam room, sauna, hydra pool and various massage treatments.
But Shaun says you will never see an aqua class going on in the spa.
“Feedback from our members is key and the pool area is very much a place for our clients to experience in a relaxed way.”
Shaun adds that the team have placed QR codes around the gym so people can offer their opinions.
“We’re always looking to add more classes and will increase or decrease things as and when the need is there.”
Talking of the Natural Fit team, Shaun tells me there is no ‘pigeonholed’ staff system in place.
“All our team are trained to work behind the bar as well as take a class. That way, you can retain so many more staff for longer, as they are not doing something 100 percent of the time. There is variety and flexibility, which you just don’t find in the health and wellbeing industry.”
With its sizeable, stylish and light-infused workout areas, 15 on-site parking spaces and pioneering fitness equipment – which boasts trendy wooden detailing – plus all the benefits of having a café that serves up delicious healthy snacks, it’s hard to see how anyone wouldn’t be motivated to come here.
“Ultimately, we are here to help you achieve your fitness goals on your own terms,” smiles Shaun.
And in an inspiring, friendly and inclusive environment such as this, I am sure finding the motivation to ‘get down to the gym’ has never once been an issue for Natural Fit’s clients.
For more information or to enquire about membership visit:
Website: naturalfit.co.uk/tunbridge-wells
Email: tunbridgewells@naturalfit.co.uk
Socials: @naturalfit
