Attitudes toward physical activity are noticeably shifting in Madrid: residents are increasingly choosing mindful workouts over extreme exercise, focusing on routines that truly improve well-being without causing injuries. This change is important for a city where the pace of life is accelerating and health is becoming a top priority. New studios are offering more than just classes—they’re introducing a whole movement philosophy that prioritizes lasting results and mutual support.
FS8: Energy Without Overload
In the Chamberí district at General Arrando, 12, the FS8 studio recently opened—an international chain originating from Australia. Here, sessions blend reformer Pilates, functional exercises, cardio, and flexibility training. Each workout lasts 50 minutes, groups are small, and 16 instructors oversee the process. This format helps achieve visible body changes without putting joints and the spine at risk. According to the studio manager, demand for these kinds of sessions is growing: people want results, but they’re not willing to sacrifice their health for trendy fitness crazes. At FS8, every session follows a structured plan: warm-up, strength and cardio block, then mobility work and final relaxation. Sometimes a short meditation is included. In just six months, the studio has attracted around 200 regular clients, and the average cost per visit is €22.
Koleo Barré: Fitness and Support
In the same district, at General Ampudia, 2, the Koleo Barré studio has opened, focusing on barré—a discipline that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and strength training. Here, the emphasis is not just on physical development but also on the atmosphere: the founders want everyone to feel part of a community, not just to attend a workout and leave. The schedule also includes Pilates, and occasional themed events are held. The audience is growing gradually, without aggressive advertising. At Koleo Barré, they believe that quality of interaction among participants matters more than numbers. Booking in advance is required, and the price per class with a membership ranges from €10 to €12.
Estiro: Stretching as a Foundation
In the Salamanca district, at Serrano, 58, you’ll find Estiro studio, where the main aim is to teach people how to stretch correctly. They offer individual sessions of 25 or 50 minutes, led by a professional using a specially developed method based on 39 exercises. Unlike traditional flexibility classes, sessions here aren’t about mastering difficult poses, but about building functional mobility to make everyday life easier. Since opening, more than 3,000 training sessions have been conducted. This Sunday morning, Estiro will host the event ‘Conversaciones que estiran,’ where participants will discuss the role of mobility in modern life. The average session price is around €35, depending on the format and membership chosen.
The City and New Habits
The emergence of such studios reflects not only changes in the fitness industry but also in urban culture. Madrid is becoming a place where people value not just speed, but also quality of life. Notably, these new formats do not aim for mass appeal, but instead focus on an individual approach and long-term results. This sets them apart from previous trends, where popularity was driven by viral fads and extreme workouts. Incidentally, other cities in Spain are also seeing changes: for example, the authorities in Valencia recently tightened the rules for street campaigns, impacting the organization of sports and community events — you can read more about this in the article on new restrictions on urban events.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in projects focusing on health and prevention rather than records and competition. Studios with similar concepts are opening in Barcelona and Valencia: small groups, a personalized approach, and an emphasis on recovery and support. More and more people are choosing workouts that help them not only look better but also feel more confident in everyday life. This approach is gradually changing the market and setting new standards for the whole country.
