In line with current government guidelines, our outdoor gym will re-open on 29 March and our indoor studio will remain closed until 17 May 2021.
Our policies will continue to be reviewed and updated in-line with government guidance.
Strict social distancing
Participants side to side (never face to face)
No shared equipment
Equipment cleaned before and after use
Regular hand washing encouraged and sanitiser provided
Dettol spray provided in bathrooms
Frequent deep cleaning
Controlled flow of people in/out of the building and to/ from toilets
Shower area closed until further notice
Classes where social distancing cannot be maintained (such as boxing with pads) currently removed from the schedule
Circuit style classes that required sharing of equipment currently removed from the schedule
More flexible cancellation policy for those showing symptoms
Our own ‘track and trace’ system implemented
A capped number of memberships to limit the number of people utilising the space and mixing with one another
Masks
Customers and staff are not required to wear masks while exercising, but are requested to wear masks when heading inside to use the toilet facilities.
Equipment
Equipment such as kettlebells and yoga blocks will be deep cleaned thoroughly and frequently, but we also need your help to clean equipment after each use.
Hands-on assistance
No hands-on assistance will be offered in any of our classes.
Showers / Changing
Please arrive in your exercise kit with minimal belongings with you. The shower area will be closed, but the disabled toilet can be used for changing if urgently needed.
Storage
The lockers are out of use to avoid crowding inside.
Belongings will remain with you outdoors, but under cover from the rain.
Toilets
Facilities will be disinfected before and after each class. In addition, for peace of mind, a dettol spray will be provided should you wish to use it.
Cancelling a class due to Covid-19
If you cancel a class due to coronavirus symptoms or as you’ve been advised to quarantine, we will credit your account even if our usual cancellation window has passed. You must let us know before the class begins. A credit will be issued and your account will be put on hold until a) you’re able to demonstrate a negative test result or b) your isolation period is complete (please refer to current government guidance).
For all other circumstances we operate a 12 hour cancellation window. This means if you cancel 12 hours or more before the start of the class you’ll still keep your class credit and can use it against a future class. If you cancel less than 12 hours before the class start time the class credit will be taken from your account. If you book onto a session within 12 hours of its scheduled start time, you are unable to change or cancel it.
Reporting Covid-19 symptoms
If you show coronavirus symptoms or have a positive test result and have visited the studio in the last 2 weeks, you must let us know.
Whilst not mandatory according to the government guidelines for gyms, we will notify all people who have been in the same class as you.
Turns out someone in my class has Coronoa Virus – what happens?
If we discover that you have attended a class with a customer or instructor who subsequently tests positive or shows symptoms of coronavirus we will let you know. The government guidelines do not mandate this, but we feel it’s our responsibility.
We will consult the latest government guidelines with regards to testing and / or the requirement to quarantine.
Due to our strict mitigating measures it’s extremely unlikely that you will have contracted the virus, even if someone else at the studio is infected.
Data
We will share requested information with the government’s track and trace system should we be requested to.
Outdoor classes:
Arrive in your kit with minimal belongings
Drop your belongings at a marked point. Belongings will remain outdoors, but undercover.
Wash hands at the outdoor sink. If you’re waiting to wash your hands, please keep your distance from the person in front of you
Head to a marked ‘zone’ in the exercise garden.
For Kettlebell classes, the instructor will call each person in turn to collect and return their equipment to avoid crowding. Use the disinfectant provided to spray the handles before and after the class.
Please head inside only to use the bathrooms.
We will sanitise the equipment and bathrooms after each class and will be carrying out frequent deep cleaning.
Our policies will continue to be reviewed and updated in-line with government guidance.
Thanks for choosing Strong + Bendy. We look forward to welcoming you to your first class.
Please bring your own water bottle and as few personal belongings as possible.
The locker and shower areas are currently closed, but the bathrooms are open. We ask you to come ready in your kit if possible, but if you really need to change you’re able to use the large disabled toilet.
Outdoor classes will go-ahead outdoors in all weather so please dress accordingly. The willow tree and canopy shades offer some protection from the elements but aren’t watertight.
Indoor classes are unfortunately not running until we can reopen the indoor studio in May.
Please read through our Coronavirus Measures to see all of the ways we’re working together to keep you and our team safe.
Classes are subject to our 12 hour cancellation policy: if you cancel your class more than 12 hours before the class start time you get to keep your credit to use against another class. However if you cancel less than 12 hours before the start time this will use up one of your credits.
Unless you’re cancelling due to suspscted coronavirus. In which case you may cancel at any time before the class begins and will not lose your credit. However, you will be
If you run out of classes more can be purchased either on our website or via Mindbody app. If you regularly use more than your class allocation you may want to discuss upgrading your subscription to unlimited access.
All classes must be booked in advance by logging into your account on our website, or by downloading the MINDBODY app and searching for Strong and Bendy.
No. All classes must be pre-booked either via our website or MINDBODY app. We cannot accept cash or face to face bookings.
We are nice (promise!) but please don’t ask that we credit classes back onto your account you either cancelled late or did not show up for. It’s against our nature to be strict, but we have to be in order to run a viable business and keep Strong + Bendy open for the customers who love visiting us. Please see Can I cancel a class once I’ve booked in for our cancellation policy (which has recently been made more flexible to discourage anyone with suspected coronavirus symptoms from attending the studio)
If a class is at capacity a waitlist opens up.
If you’re on a waitlist for a class, please regularly check your emails as if someone cancels their reservation you will be automatically added onto the class list and notified via email.
No, only show up if your account shows you as booked in. We’d hate to have to turn you away.
Please bring your own water bottle and sweat towel if you use one.
Due to Covid-19, please bring your own mat for yoga and pilates.
Otherwise we will provide all equipment you need for your class.
Please bring as few belongings with you as possible as the locker area is currently closed to prevent crowding indoors. You will be able to keep your valuables with you in sight.
If you miss the warm up (the first 5 – 10 minutes of class) it may not be safe to participate so we would have to turn you away. Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the class start time.
If you want to visit Strong + Bendy regularly, a membership is the most cost effective way to do so. If you sign up to a membership via our website your card will be automatically charged each month and your membership will renew.
However, you are not tied into a minimum period, just email rhian@strongandbendy.co.uk and you can cancel at any time.
The classes included in your membership must be used within the month and do not roll over.
No, unused passes do not roll over into the following month, so make sure you use them in your membership period!
No, the minimum membership is just 1 month, cancel anytime by emailing rhian@strongandbendy.co.uk
You can buy one off classes or a bundle to tide you over until your subscription renews. You can buy them the same place you book into your classes (either via our website or the MindBody app).
If you’re consistently exceeding your class limit it will be more economical for you to upgrade your subscription to include more classes each month. You can email rhian@strongandbendy.co.uk to help choose the right package for you.
Studio co-owner Rhian Cowburn offers Personal Training at Strong + Bendy.
In addition to a Diploma in Personal Training, Rhian is also qualified in POP Pilates, TRX, core conditioning, and kettlebells. She has a long list of her own sporting achievements behind her including; endurance triathlons such as Ironman and The Warrior, long distance swims such as the Dart 10km, along with extreme upper-body challenges such as Red Bull’s Neptune’s Steps (the world’s only swimming and climbing event held in ice cold water).
Strong + Bendy is kitted out with pull-up bars, gymnastic rings, kettlebells, battle-ropes, slam balls (+ more) so no session will ever be dull. Rhian is also available for sessions outside of Strong + Bendy when needed (E.g.: for triahtlon training).
Rates per hour:
1 session £65 / 5 sessions £300
We have shower facilities for those who identify as female.
However, they are currently closed due to coronavirus safety measures.
We ask that you arrive in your kit ready to exercise. However, if you do really need to change at the studio you are welcome to use the large disabled toilet.
If you’re pregnant you can typically continue exercising at the same level of intensity you were used to pre-pregnancy. However, as a general rule it is not encouraged to increase the intensity of your exercise once you are pregnant. Please let us know in advance of the clases you wish to attend.
If you’re postnatal you’re welcome to attend a class as soon as you have the go-ahead from a health professional (usually 6 weeks post birth) and you feel ready.
We don’t currently offer specific pre/ postnatal classes, but we do have numerous instructors with pre/ postnatal qualifications who can offer appropriate modifications to make their classes safe and fun for you! Please email studio co-owner Faye (Mouse) if you have any questions or need reassurance: faye@strongandbendy.co.uk. Mouse is pre/post natal qualified and exercised safely throughout her own pregnancy.
For yoga we have classes specific to beginners – look out for those on the schedule. For all other classes we welcome beginners and there’s always modifications in each class to make the exercise appropriate to all fitness levels. If you’re new to exercise or have any concerns about getting back into it – let us know. We’d be very happy to offer advice over the phone before you book in.
It’s often possible to accommodate an injury or pain you have by modifying the class to suit your individual needs. It’s really dependent on the nature/ severity of your complaint and the advice you’ve been given by a health professional.
Often participants come with mild knee, ankle, wrist, and lower back pain; which can be worked around. It’s a good idea to come early to class to discuss your needs with the instructor. For anything more serious please contact us in advance to discuss rhian@strongandbendy.co.uk
Each disability and individual experience is unique and we recognise that not all disabilities are visible. If you need additional support in order to enjoy a class at Strong + Bendy please get in touch so we can discuss how to best support you.
We’re esaily accessible by bike, walking or public transport from Victoria Park, Chobham Manor, Leyton, Clapton, Homerton, Hackney and Stratford.
We’re a few minutes walk from Hackney Wick overground station.
Bike racks are available on site. Please do not wheel your bike into the Strong + Bendy entrance: the bike racks are located to the rear of Thingy Cafe which is through the gate to the right of the Strong + Bendy entrance.
