The Library

Time-poor, cash-rich, batwing-sporting west Londonites have been blessed with the arrival of The Library. The boutique gym is headed up by Zana Morris, a trainer who understands the failures of high street gyms – namely that they leave you to your own devices, free to wander around the machines aimlessly wasting time instead of intensely working out – and has come up with a solution. At the centre of her beautifully-decorated centre is a serious-looking network of weights machines designed to work various muscle groups to exhaustion. The idea is to complete a 15-minute, one-to-one supervised, high-intensity programme on the machines just three times a week. In return you'll see muscle toning, fat burn and improved overall fitness. You have to be a private member to give the concept a go – and take part in the small-group yoga, pilates and boxing sessions – and it isn't cheap. But as well as fast-working, effective training, you'll get to treat the gym like your own personal club. Housed in a former synagogue, the space is serene and immaculately decked out with relaxation areas, a plush private garden and changing rooms that would make a five-star hotel bathroom look like a public lav.