The Alternative: A new health and wellbeing studio opens in Sale Moor
Sale Moor has a brand-new addition – and it’s bringing something unique, and very welcome, to the local area. The Alternative, Manchester’s first LGBTQ+-run wellbeing studio, has opened on Northenden Road.
The Alternative is located above Tiny’s in Sale Moor © Life in Sale
Co-founded by partners Rae Brown and Paige Hughes, The Alternative is a space designed to be welcoming, inclusive and free from the intimidation that can often come with traditional fitness environments. Life in Sale spoke with Paige to learn more about the vision behind the studio and what locals can expect.
A safe space for fitness and wellbeing
More than just a ‘place to workout’, The Alternative is built on the idea that wellbeing should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. “We wanted to create a space where people feel comfortable, supported and free from judgement,” Paige said. “Our focus is on community, inclusivity and making fitness work for real people.”
The studio offers 1-2-1 personal training, small group training and a range of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, HIIT and body conditioning. Unlike larger fitness spaces, group training here is intentionally kept small, with a maximum of four people per session. This allows for a tailored approach, where clients can build confidence, get to know their coach and progress at their own pace.
Women’s groups and a holistic approach
One of The Alternative’s key offerings is its women’s group sessions, designed as a judgement-free space where women can focus on strength, movement and feeling good in their bodies. Paige leads these sessions with an emphasis on functional training and positive energy.
In addition to physical training, The Alternative takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, incorporating mental health into its programmes. “We understand that fitness journeys don’t happen in a vacuum,” Paige says. “People are dealing with stress, pregnancy, chronic health conditions, neurodiversity – we take all of that into account.”
One particularly groundbreaking service is the studio’s menstrual coaching and cycle-led personal training. The Alternative is one of the first health studios in the UK to offer this, supporting people with conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, as well as those navigating menopause or coming off hormonal contraception.
Rae Brown (L) and Paige Hughes (R), The Alternative co-founders
Community first
Community is at the heart of The Alternative. Rather than dictating a rigid class schedule, Paige and Rae are actively seeking input from locals about what classes and times would work best. “If the community tells us they want Saturday morning yoga, we’ll do it,” Paige says. “We really want to listen and create something that works for people here.”
New mums are also encouraged, with sessions that accommodate babies to help remove barriers to fitness. Plus, with a private treatment room offering sports massage, the studio provides a well-rounded approach to self-care.
Opening offers
To celebrate its launch, The Alternative is offering 50 per cent off personal training for the first month, 50 per cent off its menstrual coaching course, and 50 per cent off all classes throughout March using the code LAUNCH-OFFER.
With state-of-the-art equipment, expert coaching and a genuine focus on inclusivity, The Alternative is set to raise the standard for fitness and wellbeing in both Sale Moor and wider Trafford. Whether you’re looking to build strength, recover from pregnancy or just find a space where you feel seen and supported, this very well could be the place for you.
For more information or to book a session, visit thealternativemcr.com or WhatsApp 07359 522192.
🕙 Open Monday–Friday 10am–8pm
📍 The Alternative, 124 Northenden Road, Sale M33 3HD
Images © The Alternative, unless otherwise stated
