The Rise of LGBTQ+ Wellness in South London: Community, Fitness and Self-Care
South London has been popular with the gay community for decades. You’ll find three gay bars within a 10 minute walk of our Clapham massage studio. A little further away, the Vauxhall party scene has been infamous since the 1980s when Freddie Mercury snuck Princess Diana into The Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
However, in more recent times, a new gay scene has emerged in South London away from the hedonism, focusing instead on wellness. From fitness and community events to emotional support and body care, LGBTQ+ wellness initiatives across South London are thriving.
Male Massage London is proud to have been part of South London’s gay wellness movement since 2008. Beginning life in Camberwell, SE5 before moving to our current Clapham North home in 2013. In this blog post, I want to shine a light on three other standout LGBTQ+ wellness offerings in South London that are re-defining what queer self-care looks like in 2025.
💪 Gayns – Fitness, Friendship, and Movement for All Bodies
Social wellness brand, Gayns is on a mission to improve gay and queer people's health, fitness and connection to the community. Established in 2024, Gayns hosts indoor and outdoor events across London — many right here in South London.
Their weekly ‘Roadrunner’ social run has become a Saturday morning institution for many. So much so, it now claims the title of world’s biggest weekly gay run club. What’s more, it’s completely free to join! Starting on the South Bank, it takes a 7km route along the Thames finishing in Elephant & Castle, with pace groups for all levels.
But Gayns isn’t just about running. They also offer:
Fold: restorative, beginner-friendly queer-led yoga
Rush: a strength & conditioning circuit class
Zone: drills, sprints intervals and race prep
The Pack: group online personal training with Gayns founder Connor Minney
Alongside wellness activities, Gayns has also created a vibrant new social scene. Post Roadrunner kiki at The Ministry is as much a part of the event as the run itself. Other one-off socials take place throughout the year, often themed around popular gay cultural events such as Pride and Eurovision.
For those looking to connect and socialise through movement in an affirming, unashamedly gay environment, Gayns is a shining example of community-focused wellness.
Book your chosen Gayns event on Eventbrite
Find out more about Gayns on Instagram
🏋️♂️ The Weekending – Strength Training in a Safe, LGBTQ+-Led Gym
The Weekending started out as a gay-friendly weekend HIIT class on Clapham Common before metamorphosing into a fully-fledged LGBTQ+ fitness club. Tucked away under the arches in Elephant & Castle, it offers structured strength and conditioning classes in a dedicated gym space.
This isn’t your average gym. It’s a group personal training programme, designed to help queer folk build strength, confidence, and community through P.T. guided sessions. Think progressive overload, expert coaching, and a class model that feels more like teamwork than a chore.
Why it stands out:
Welcoming for all fitness levels
Strong emphasis on inclusivity, community and support
Yoga, stretching and mobility classes to complement your training
Pay per session or per month
Free trial week to see if its the right fit for you
In a world where gyms can feel intimidating for many LGBTQ+ people, The Weekending offers an antidote: a safe, supportive queer space to get strong and connect with like-minded folk.
📍 Location: Arch 6, Manor Place Depot, SE17
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Community Centre – Hopton Street: Holistic Support for Queer Wellbeing
Not all wellness comes from movement. Sometimes, healing comes from being present, feeling supported, and knowing you’re not alone. That’s where the LGBTQ+ Community Centre near Blackfriars comes in. Launched as a pop-up in 2021 it’s now a thriving permanent social hub and café. The centre offers a variety of wellness sessions focusing on mental health, mindfulness and peer support. Current wellness events that have caught our eye include:
Guided Group Meditation
Shake It Off with TRE (Somatic Stress Management)
Breathwork Workshop
Morning Wellness Hour - Meditation and Light Stetching
For queer folks navigating isolation, marginalisation, or mental health struggles, this South London centre is a lifeline. It’s a space where being your full self isn’t just allowed — it’s celebrated.
All events can be booked through their Eventbrite page. Many are free or low cost.
📍 Location: 60 - 62 Hopton Street, SE1 9JH (by the Tate Modern)
Why LGBTQ+ Wellness Matters
Wellness — true, meaningful wellness — goes far beyond a spin class or green smoothie. For the LGBTQ+ community, especially in a city as fast-paced as London, wellness means:
• Moving without judgement
• Connecting without fear
• Healing without shame
Whether it’s lifting weights at The Weekending, running with Gayns, or holding space at the LGBTQ+ Centre, South London is now home to some of the most varied and inclusive wellness offerings in the UK.
Male Massage London is part of that same tapestry: providing a safe gay-friendly space to relax, recharge and repair. We all need to take a moment to connect with our bodies — and know we are safe, seen, and supported. Visit us and discover how our bodywork can enhance your mental, physical and emotional health as part of your wellness journey. Book your massage now.
