Key Points
- Bannatyne Health Club in Banbury has introduced LES MILLS YOGA to its group exercise timetable.
- The new programme reflects a growing focus on holistic wellbeing, combining physical fitness with mental health and recovery.
- LES MILLS YOGA includes guided movement, controlled breathing and mindful focus.
- The class is designed to be accessible to a wide range of abilities and fitness levels.
- The sessions aim to support recovery, restoration, strength, mobility and stability.
- The programme is positioned as a complement to high-intensity and strength training.
- Bannatyne says the addition aligns with its wider wellbeing ethos, including stress management and mental resilience.
- Andrew Wallace, fitness advisor at the Bannatyne Group, said Banbury is among the first clubs to deliver the new Les Mills release.
- Sarah Gibbons, fitness advisor at the Bannatyne Group, highlighted the mental health benefits of yoga and relaxation.
- Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of The Bannatyne Group, said holistic wellbeing goes beyond physical fitness alone.
- The new classes aim to support sustainable routines for everyday life and long-term wellbeing.
Banbury (Oxford Daily News) January 30, 2026 – Bannatyne Health Club in Banbury has expanded its group exercise timetable with the introduction of LES MILLS YOGA, marking a further step in the club’s efforts to promote holistic wellbeing and balanced approaches to fitness among its members.
- Key Points
- What is LES MILLS YOGA and how does it differ from traditional classes?
- Why has Bannatyne introduced a new yoga programme now?
- How does the programme support physical and mental health?
- What did Andrew Wallace say about the new yoga classes?
- How does Sarah Gibbons view the mental health benefits of yoga?
- What is Duncan Bannatyne’s perspective on holistic wellbeing?
- How does this fit into wider fitness industry trends?
- Who is LES MILLS and why is their brand significant?
- How will the new classes benefit Bannatyne members in Banbury?
- What does this mean for Bannatyne’s wider wellbeing strategy?
- What should members expect from the new yoga sessions?
- How does this reflect changing attitudes to fitness and wellbeing?
The new programme has been launched as part of Bannatyne’s wider strategy to support both physical and mental health, reflecting increasing demand for recovery-focused and mindfulness-based activities alongside traditional cardiovascular and strength training.
According to reporting by the Banbury Guardian, the new class format combines guided movement, controlled breathing and mindful focus, with the aim of improving physical capability while also helping members manage stress and enhance mental clarity.
What is LES MILLS YOGA and how does it differ from traditional classes?
LES MILLS YOGA is a structured, instructor-led yoga programme developed by global fitness brand Les Mills. Unlike some traditional yoga classes that may vary significantly depending on instructor style, LES MILLS YOGA follows a standardised format designed to be consistent, accessible and progressive.
As reported by the Banbury Guardian, the programme blends flowing movement with breath control and mindfulness techniques. The focus is not only on flexibility, but also on building strength, stability and mobility, while encouraging participants to slow down and reconnect with their breathing.
The format is designed to be suitable for a broad range of members, including those new to yoga as well as those with more experience. The emphasis on accessibility reflects Bannatyne’s aim to make holistic wellbeing available to as many members as possible.
Why has Bannatyne introduced a new yoga programme now?
The introduction of LES MILLS YOGA comes at a time when many health and fitness providers are placing increased emphasis on recovery, stress management and mental wellbeing.
As reported by the Banbury Guardian, Bannatyne Health Club has recognised the importance of balancing high-intensity workouts with activities that support recovery and mental resilience. The new programme is intended to complement existing cardio and strength training options, offering members a more rounded approach to fitness.
The club’s wider wellbeing ethos acknowledges that physical performance is closely linked to rest, recovery and mental health. By adding yoga to the timetable, Bannatyne aims to help members develop more sustainable exercise habits that can be maintained over the long term.
How does the programme support physical and mental health?
According to the information provided by Bannatyne and reported by the Banbury Guardian, LES MILLS YOGA is designed to deliver benefits across both physical and mental domains.
Physically, the sessions focus on:
- Building strength and stability
- Improving flexibility and mobility
- Supporting recovery after intense workouts
Mentally, the programme encourages:
- Controlled breathing
- Mindful focus
- Improved clarity and concentration
The combination of these elements is intended to help members feel more balanced, both during their workouts and in everyday life.
What did Andrew Wallace say about the new yoga classes?
Andrew Wallace, fitness advisor at the Bannatyne Group, spoke about the importance of introducing the new programme for members.
As reported by the Banbury Guardian, Andrew Wallace said:
“It’s important to offer this to members because it’s all about that member experience and offering something new that they have never experienced before. It’s a brand new release from Les Mills and we’re one of the first places to deliver the class.”
His comments highlight Bannatyne’s focus on enhancing the member experience by bringing in new and innovative fitness offerings. Being among the first clubs to deliver the latest Les Mills release also positions the Banbury club as an early adopter of new group exercise formats.
How does Sarah Gibbons view the mental health benefits of yoga?
Sarah Gibbons, also a fitness advisor at the Bannatyne Group, emphasised the mental health and stress-relief aspects of the new yoga programme.
As reported by the Banbury Guardian, Sarah Gibbons said:
“It is very beneficial for members because there is a lot of emphasis these days on mental health. People are so stressed and running around right, left and centre they’re not even thinking about what they’re doing any more and taking a few minutes to just lie down and relax gives you a chance to clear out that busy mind. People feel so much better after a class and you can see a difference in them.”
Her comments reflect broader trends in the fitness and wellbeing sector, where increasing numbers of people are seeking activities that help them manage stress, improve mental clarity and take time out from busy daily routines.
What is Duncan Bannatyne’s perspective on holistic wellbeing?
Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of The Bannatyne Group, also commented on the introduction of LES MILLS YOGA at the Banbury club.
As reported by the Banbury Guardian, Duncan Bannatyne said:
“Holistic wellbeing is about far more than physical fitness alone. Practices such as yoga help people build strength and mobility while also supporting recovery, focus and mental clarity. Introducing LES MILLS YOGA at our Banbury club is about giving our members the opportunity to look after both body and mind in a structured, supportive environment.”
His statement underlines the company’s broader strategy of promoting wellbeing as a combination of physical health, mental resilience and sustainable lifestyle habits.
How does this fit into wider fitness industry trends?
Across the UK fitness sector, there has been growing recognition of the importance of recovery and mental wellbeing as part of a balanced fitness routine.
Many gyms and health clubs are expanding their offerings beyond traditional cardio and weight training to include yoga, Pilates, mindfulness and recovery-focused classes. This shift reflects changing consumer expectations, with members increasingly looking for experiences that support overall wellbeing rather than purely physical results.
The introduction of LES MILLS YOGA at Bannatyne Health Club Banbury mirrors these wider trends and suggests that demand for holistic fitness options continues to grow.
Who is LES MILLS and why is their brand significant?
Les Mills is a globally recognised fitness brand known for developing standardised group exercise programmes that are delivered in gyms and health clubs around the world.
Its programmes are widely used because they offer consistency, professional choreography and regular updates, helping clubs provide high-quality group fitness experiences.
By introducing a Les Mills product, Bannatyne is aligning itself with a well-established brand in the fitness industry, which may also help attract members who are already familiar with Les Mills classes.
How will the new classes benefit Bannatyne members in Banbury?
For members in Banbury, the new yoga programme offers additional choice and flexibility in how they structure their fitness routines.
Members who regularly take part in high-intensity or strength-based training may use yoga as a way to aid recovery and prevent injury. Others may be drawn to the class primarily for its relaxation and stress-relief benefits.
The structured, instructor-led nature of LES MILLS YOGA also provides reassurance for those who may feel uncertain about trying yoga for the first time, as the format is designed to be accessible and supportive.
What does this mean for Bannatyne’s wider wellbeing strategy?
The introduction of LES MILLS YOGA is consistent with Bannatyne’s broader emphasis on wellbeing as a holistic concept.
By promoting recovery, mental health and sustainable exercise habits, the company is positioning itself not just as a provider of gym facilities, but as a partner in members’ long-term health and lifestyle goals.
The Banbury club’s adoption of the new programme may also serve as a model for other Bannatyne locations, depending on member feedback and uptake.
What should members expect from the new yoga sessions?
Members attending LES MILLS YOGA sessions at Bannatyne Health Club Banbury can expect:
- A structured class format developed by Les Mills
- A focus on breath, movement and mindfulness
- Exercises designed to build strength and mobility
- Time dedicated to relaxation and mental clarity
- An environment aimed at reducing stress and supporting recovery
According to Bannatyne representatives quoted in the Banbury Guardian, the goal is to create a supportive and inclusive space where members can focus on both body and mind.
How does this reflect changing attitudes to fitness and wellbeing?
The launch of LES MILLS YOGA at Bannatyne Health Club Banbury reflects broader societal changes in how people view health and fitness.
There is increasing awareness that long-term wellbeing depends not only on physical activity, but also on managing stress, prioritising rest and maintaining mental balance.
By incorporating yoga into its group exercise timetable, Bannatyne is responding to these changing attitudes and offering members tools to support a more balanced and sustainable approach to health.
