Are Regular Gyms On The Way Out?

Keeping fit is now a major part of everyday life in the UK for many, but perhaps as a result of the unpredictable British weather, a recent study has shown that more and more people are turning to gyms and health clubs for their exercise needs rather than venturing to local parks to play Sunday league football, cycling outdoors or going for long walks. Other theories are that increasing pollution in inner cities is making it simply un-pleasurable to get fit outdoors, may also cite the social aspects of the gym as a major moot point.

A developing theme within this trend is a gravitation towards cheaper health club chains or hotel gyms. Many of the major chains such as Cannons, Virgin Active and LA Fitness charge very high monthly fees, especially if the user does not desire to buy into a yearly contract and wants to visit at peak times. These monthly fees can be in advance of £70, and often more expensive in London. This has sparked a backlash from gym-users who resent the prospect of paying out over £600 per year, leading them to seek out more affordable alternatives.

An new concept pioneered by the sports wear and equipment outlet chain JJB is a ‘no frills’ gym. This does away with unnecessary and unwanted extras such as the quasi ‘spa breaks‘ feel to wet areas, badminton halls, class areas, snack bars and beauty therapists offering such non-gym related services such as the pedicure, in fact some of the facilities lack any changing areas whatsoever. This is designed to appeal to hardcore gym rats only and weed out the idle time-wasters who expend more effort applying skin care products in the changing rooms and lifting weights.

This is not quite a complete turnaround in the way gyms and health clubs operate in the UK, the bare-bones, ‘in-and-out’ format will not appeal to everyone, there is a very large market for large health clubs with all the trimmings. For those who simply use a gym to exercise, a £20 monthly fee at the JJB centers will sit well, and the fact there is no pretty receptionist and no caf© selling probiotic yoghurt drinks will be a help rather than a hindrance!

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