Lack of diversity and inclusion in London gyms prompts the launching of werk., DEI consultancy

A new consultancy specialising in improving inclusivity within the fitness and health industry has launched.

werk. are currently working with fitness spaces and retailers to make fitness more inclusive for everyone to promote better mental and physical health.

werk. launched in 2022 and has built a community predominantly of women and LGBTQ+ folk through holding inclusive and fun fitness classes around London. In order to accelerate improvements to the industry, founders Niahn Ho and Phoebe Singer chose to work directly with fitness spaces and businesses to improve fitness for all.

Building on Ho’s experience working at commercial gyms around London, werk. sees a real lack of diversity among gym staff and lack of understanding around how to support marginalised communities. Studies have shown that the lack of inclusion, along with ‘gymtimidation’ (feeling intimidated in gyms) is directly impacting individuals’ health, as well as having repercussions on fitness businesses’ reputations and revenue.

“There is a real opportunity for fitness and health businesses to make a difference for marginalised communities,” Niahn Ho, Co-Founder and CEO said. “We are combining two industries people are incredibly passionate about in werk. - fitness and DEI - and we’re excited to continue to promote inclusivity and work with underrepresented founders.”

werk. is the UK’s only DEI consultancy specialising in the fitness and health industry, and aims to be the gold standard for building a diverse and inclusive fitness business. They have previously worked with SoulCycle Soho, Danceworks London, Off the Rails, and work.life, and have raised money for charities Not A Phase and Hip Hop to Help.

About werk. 

werk. is a fitness community and consultancy working to improve inclusivity within the fitness industry. werk. Consultancy supports gyms, fitness spaces and other businesses in the fitness and wellbeing space with their DEI strategy and implementation. werk. specialises in improving the representation of marginalised groups among internal teams, increasing the sense of belonging among customers, and helping brands to market themselves in a genuine way.