1Rebel - Angel

1Rebel - Angel

London, UK

four

The 1Rebel Story

1Rebel was founded in 2014 by James Balfour and Giles Dean in the belief that the fitness industry at the time was “broken and in need of disruption”. He set out to create a per-session pay-as-you-go model that created fitness experiences that felt more like events, than fitness classes.

1Rebel quickly established itself as one of London’s most exciting fitness brands, with superstar coaches and ‘Prosecco Fridays’, where a glass of bubbly would be waiting for you after your evening session.

1Rebel initially offered a boxing concept called Rumble, a treadmill and floor strength work concept called Reshape and a cycling class, Ride. They have since added Reformer, a pilates-inspired workout, as well as Rig, a strength training concept. A personal training service, Rebel Labs, is also available at select branches.

International expansion has seen 1Rebel launch locations in Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Australia.

How Did 1Rebel Angel Score Overall?

The full client experience at 1Rebel Angel was great, achieving The Fit Guide Award Of Excellence.

The class experience was positive, achieving our Recommended rating.

The Highlights

Our knowledgeable and energetic coach helped make it a positive experience for someone new to this method of training.

The equipment and studio was clean, well-designed with interesting lighting features, helping it score top marks in this category.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“As a first-timer and beginner, I felt comfortable and well looked after.”

“All explanations were combined with clear visual demonstrations and strong verbal cues, which made them easy to follow.”

“I felt welcome at the gym as upon departure, the receptionist patiently and enthusiastically explained the packages.”

What To Expect From A 1Rebel Reformer Session

1Rebel’s Reformer sessions offer the trademark Rebel spin on the classic training method of Pilates. No experience is required in this low-impact 45-minute workout on 1Rebel’s signature reformer beds.

As you would expect from any 1Rebel concept, there will be movements to the music, lazers and lights, all combining to create an immersive experience and environment.

Reformer is available at Oxford Circus, Victoria, Angel, Bayswater, St John's Wood, High Street Kensington and Holborn.

The Reception Service

The phone call was clear and reassuring, giving us a good sense of what to expect from the Reformer class and leaving us feeling ready for our visit. A little extra detail, like a friendly heads-up about footwear or towels, would have been a bonus, but overall it was a smooth start.

When we arrived, we were greeted straight away and given a helpful orientation that made it easy to find our way around. The process felt simple and stress-free, and while there weren’t many personal touches, the welcome was warm and upbeat.

After class, the team shared package options confidently and tailored suggestions to how often we might want to train. It felt friendly and approachable, and with just a touch more enthusiasm, it could have been even more motivating to book our next class on the spot.

The Class Experience

1Rebel Angel received our Recommended rating for the Class Experience.

The class was well-paced, structured, and offered a good challenge that left us feeling like we’d worked hard in the best way. Instructions were clear, demonstrations were easy to follow, and thoughtful regressions made the session accessible for all levels. It felt safe, effective, and professionally delivered from start to finish.

While the workout hit the mark physically, the session could have been warmer and more engaging on a personal level. There wasn’t much of an overview at the start, so we weren’t entirely sure of the structure or goals, and interactions stayed fairly surface-level. A few more personal touches, like checking in on first-timers or adding a bit of community spirit, would have taken things up a notch.

The Equipment And Studio

The studio absolutely delivered on first impressions – the space was spotless, well-organised, and felt distinctly 1Rebel from the moment we walked in. The reformers were branded, and the layout made it easy to move around and train without feeling cramped. Everything about the setup screamed professional and polished.

The atmosphere was just as thoughtfully designed as the equipment. The darker lighting, punctuated by purple and blue tones, gave the room a sleek, immersive vibe that added to the energy of the class. The sound system was crystal clear, keeping the music and cues sharp without ever overpowering the space.

Overall, it felt like a studio that takes pride in every detail – from the condition of the reformers to the branding woven into the design.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The public areas struck a great first impression, with strong branding and an industrial-chic design that felt very 1Rebel. The vertical wall of plants and upbeat music added character, and the overall layout was tidy and easy to navigate. Lockers were spotless, towels were fresh and free, and the smoothie bar brought an extra premium touch with protein shakes ready to go after class.

There were a few minor issues. The waiting area wasn’t the comfiest, with a stone ledge doubling as seating, and some wear and discolouration showed up in the wet areas. A little more warmth from staff in shared spaces, like a friendly greeting from cleaners or floor staff, would also go a long way.

Overall, the space felt well-maintained and aligned with the brand’s energetic, high-end feel.

Digital And Technology

The digital experience was smooth and on-brand, giving us confidence before we even set foot in the studio. Booking through the app was seamless and user-friendly, and the website mirrored the high-energy, premium vibe of the club with bold imagery, sharp copy, and an easy-to-follow layout. It was clear how to book, and what to expect.

There were a couple of small gaps that stood out – the website booking engine link didn’t work, so we switched to the app, and the confirmation emails, while polished, could have felt more personal. That said, the branded tone carried through everything from the app to the socials, where their Instagram game in particular brought the club’s energy to life.

Pricing

1Rebel Angel offers an introductory deal of three classes for £49 for first-time clients. 

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available from £90 per month for five classes to £249 per month for unlimited classes. It should be noted that these prices are based on a six-month contract and that prices vary for three or 12-month commitments.

Drop-in sessions are available at £26 per class, with smaller commitment packages also available, starting at a three-pack for £75.

Top Scoring Categories

Equipment & Studio
five
Public Areas
four
Digital & Technology
four

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