Boutique fitness chain Heartcore has launched its eighth studio, this time in the London district St John’s Wood, as the operator continues its focus on prestigious postcodes in the city.

Sited in a former church, the new location has a heavy emphasis on design – with the Heartcore team creating the entire concept in-house. The property’s soaring ceilings lend an airy, ‘Californian-feel’ to the studio, which is complemented by natural wood floors, large windows and skylights.

“When we found this property, my heart skipped a beat," said Heartcore founder and celebrity trainer Jess Schuring. "I knew right away this would be special and it certainly feels that way already. The classes are buzzing and the warm welcome we’ve received from everyone here has absolutely blown me away.”

Schuring said the latest site – which follows last year’s openings in the City of London and Mayfair – has been launched in response to demand from local residents.

The 3,000sq ft (279sq m) venue boasts two studios offering Heartcore’s tried and tested mix of Pilates, TRX and Barre classes.

Speaking to CLAD Heartcore co-founder Brian Schuring described the St John’s Wood studio as Heartcore’s “best launch to-date.” He said after three weeks, the studio was already running at 80 per cent of capacity on the Pilates side and around 60 per cent in the second studio, with forthcoming yoga classes expected to get good takeup.

Disused churches are becoming an increasingly popular destination for leisure and sports facilities. Last year, a crumbling 100-year old church in northern Spain was transformed by local skateboarding enthusiasts into a spectacular art-filled indoor skate park.

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