BLOK’s new industrial fitness complex gets pulses racing in Shoreditch

A new gym on the block has opened in Shoreditch. The second instalment of the Clapton-based ‘award-winning fitness meets art, design and fashion’ boutique BLOK, founded by Reema Stanbury, Ed Stanbury and fashion photographer Max Oppenheim, is located on the corner of Norman Foster’s Principal Place. It’s part of a larger redevelopment plan to bridge the City and Shoreditch, that will also house Amazon’s new headquarters.

BLOK Shoreditch is designed by Daytrip Studio (Iwan Halstead and Emily Potter) and lighting design studio There’s Light. The latter have made the whole space feel like one, long corridor animated by light, colour and reflections, which mingle with the smell of coffee and Malin & Goetz bespoke products, alongside photography by Oppenheim and installations by Ben Cullen Williams.

The café at BLOK, Shoreditch

The complex also features a café bathed in natural light and a small shop. Beyond, an industrial floating staircase leads you up to the studios. The designers have used a combination of materials (concrete, glass, steal, wood and fabric) to create contrasts between hard and soft surfaces, light and shadow; illustrating the divide between the hectic London urban environment and the relaxing energy of the practice rooms.

Apart from great coffee, the café offers a menu of smoothies, protein boosters and a choice of nutrient-dense, plant-based grab-and-go pots, curated by Essence Cuisine.

Signature workouts include the BLOK take on boxercise

The studios offer a wide range of classes, including a variety of yoga styles and pilates, to boxing and signature workouts (like BLOKFIT, BLOKFLEX, BLOCKORE) deisgned to ‘push you to your limits’. We tried Lila’s Power Yoga and the teacher carefully choreographed an intense, flowing sequence with clear instructions and experienced, insightful adjustments.

Friendly, lively and fun, the BLOK brothers have built a strong and unique brand, aiming to promote the social, artistic and cultural aspects of east London’s fitness scene.