For International Women's Day 2026, we're shining a spotlight on three of the increasing number of women run fitness venues and gyms in Lincolnshire.

Across the fitness industry, women are increasingly redefining what strength, leadership and community look like. While gyms have traditionally been male dominated environments, female-run spaces are helping to shift the narrative.

Some female run spaces offer women only membership, while others welcome everyone. What they have in common is they often place greater emphasis on inclusivity, and the lived experience of women in fitness - recognising that confidence, safety and a feeling of community matter just as much as results.

By designing environments that consider how women actually feel in gym settings, female founders are not only building businesses, but enabling and encouraging more women to feel confident about working out and keeping active.

Gerry Leanne and team Evolve Fitness studios

Based in Skegness, Evolve Studios was created to offer something distinctly different from traditional gym environments. This boutique, adults-only coaching space is built around support, professionalism and experience.

Proudly women-owned and women-run, the studio was established by founder Gerry Leanne on a simple belief: exercise should feel empowering, not intimidating.

Over the past year, the business has grown into a team of three highly qualified female professionals. Founder Gerry Leanne has been joined by coaches Sam and Emma, whose combined expertise spans strength training, nutrition, mobility, yoga and rehabilitation. Together, they support clients at every stage of their fitness journey.

For Gerry, success has never been about filling a gym floor, but about creating a space where people feel capable — often for the first time.

“People don’t fail at fitness because they lack motivation They often just haven’t had the right environment or professional support. When coaching leads the experience, consistency follows naturally.

The studios programmes are designed to support different goals and energy levels, from high-impact strength training and lifting sessions to slower, restorative practices such as yoga and Pilates. Evolve also introduced Skegness’ first dedicated Reformer Pilates studio, expanding access to specialist, coached movement in an area where private fitness provision had previously been limited.

Evolve continues to grow as a coaching-led fitness venue rooted in community, professionalism and long-term wellbeing, demonstrating how women-led spaces are reshaping the fitness industry by prioritising both results and human experience.

Vicky Morris and Team, EmpowHER

EmpowHER in Sleaford is a women-focused boutique fitness gym designed to be a supportive and empowering space where women of all levels can work towards their health and wellbeing goals.

Founded by Vicky Morris June 2023, EmpowHER was created with a clear mission, to provide an environment where women feel comfortable, encouraged and confident to prioritise their health. Vicky recognised that many women feel intimidated by traditional gyms, and wanted to build a space where women could feel welcomed from the moment they walk through the door.

Our ethos at EmpowHER is to encourage women to work out who may not normally consider that they could. We welcome all shapes, all sizes, all ages and all stages of life, creating an environment where women can improve their fitness and wellbeing in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Vicky now leads the gym alongside a passionate all female team including coaches Meg and Lara, and gym supervisor Kim. Together they have built a collective community of strong, like-minded and supportive women where encouragement, positivity and inclusivity are at the heart of every session.

The studio offers a range of classes to support women at every stage of their fitness journey. From welcoming community sessions that bring women together in a fun and supportive space, to structured courses designed for those looking for more personalised coaching and accountability.

EmpowHER also offers Mama and Me fitness sessions for new mums to attend with their babies, providing a supportive environment where women can reconnect with their bodies, build strength and connect with other local mothers.

Beyond the gym itself, EmpowHER is committed to supporting the wider community. Through scholarship programmes with local schools, the team helps young women access fitness opportunities and start to develop knowledge in a career in the fitness industry. Vicky also regularly attends and speak at local events, and schools sharing messages around body confidence, self-belief and empowering women through fitness.

At its core, EmpowHER is about far more than exercise. It is about building confidence, creating connections and ensuring women feel supported in taking time for their own health and wellbeing

Angel, Old School Gym

As the owner of Old School Gym, in Mablethorpe, Angel is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where her clients feel supported.

In 2024, at just 22 years-old Angel Sweet invested her life savings to open her own gym in Mablethorpe. Old School Gym is a successful 24 hour access gym that creates opportunities for those in the local area to fit training around work, childcare and other commitments. Angel has ASD and ADHD, which has both helped and hindered her in the world of self employment.

Angel is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. As a women, she is committed to supporting women in the area feel safe to train. The gym builds confidence in its members and creates a friendly community where members support each other. Angel offers a personal approach that is kind and welcoming to all. She gives in depth explanations to help those new to training to feel comfortable in the gym.

"I build peoples confidence. Being a woman myself, I have created an environment where women in the area feel safe to train and feel looked after. Within this I have built a community where not only do I support the members but they support each other.

To further support the women in her gym Angel recognised a need to expand her knowledge and offer tailored guidance to women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Supported by the Active Lincolnshire Skills Fund, Angel has enrolled in a Level 3 Pre & Post Natal Course which will enable her to better support women during all stages of their pregnancy journey. By gaining the specialist knowledge this course provides, Angel is enhancing the services her gym can offer, creating a safe and supportive environment for women during pregnancy and postnatal recovery.

Supporting Women in Sport & Physical Activity

Find out more about supporting Women in sport and physical activity on our Knowledge hub. From campaigns like This Girl Can to advice and training to help you welcome and support women and girls to your spaces or sessions.

Visit our Knowledge Hub