Balance Studio

Balance Studio sits just outside Kendal and specialises in indoor fitness classes - yoga, pilates, spin, and strength work mostly. It's the sort of place that caters to people who want a proper workout or a quiet stretch session without the gym theatre of it all.

The studio itself is fairly standard - clean, modern, nothing fancy. Classes run throughout the day, which means you can fit something in whether you're an early riser or prefer evening sessions. Beginners are welcome, though regulars clearly make up the core crowd. The instructors know their stuff and won't patronise you if it's your first time on a mat.

For a Lake District holiday, this works best if you've got a rest day planned or the weather's turned properly grim. Campers at Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site (just 1.2 miles away) could easily pop in for a morning class before heading out to the fells. It's also a legitimate option if someone in your group needs a fitness fix while everyone else tackles the hills.

You'll want to check their website for current class times and costs - they do memberships as well as drop-ins. Realistically, allow 90 minutes door-to-door if you're doing a full class with changing time. It's worth knowing about if you're staying nearby, but don't base a Lake District trip around it. The valleys and peaks do that job better.