Thinking about joining a gym? Whether you’re keen to build some muscle, boost your cardio, or simply stay active, a gym membership is one of the best ways to stay healthy. However, with the UK being home to so many gyms and leisure centres, you’ll need to spend some time comparing your options to find the best fit for your goals.
| Gym | Price | Membership Options |
|---|---|---|
| Puregym | From 15.99 a month + joining fee | Off peak, Core, Plus |
| David Lloyd Clubs | Starts at £94.50 a month | Club, Plus, Platinum, Diamond |
| The Gym Group | From £12.99 a month + joining fee | Student, Standard saver, Ultimate Saver, Off peak, Standard, Ultimate |
| Nuffield Health | From £44.99 a month + joining fee | Anytime, Family, Off peak |
| Bannatyne Health Club | From £44.00 a month + joining fee | Off Peak, Full Access |
| Virgin Active Gym | from £42.00 a month | 12 Month, 12 Month off Peak, Age 65+, Youth Options |
| Snap Fitness | From £29.99 a month | Month to Month, 12 Month |
| Xercise4Less | From £14.99 a month | Standard, Off Peak, Student |
What does the average gym membership cost in the UK?
Typically, the average cost of a gym membership in the UK is around £40 per month, but this can quickly rise to £50 - £60 for memberships at higher-end gyms. Why the steep difference in prices between the two? Well, it all boils down to what you’re getting for your money.
High-end gyms often come with all the bells and whistles included - the latest and most advanced gym equipment, fitness classes run by professionals, and luxury spa facilities. For many, these extra perks justify the higher overall costs.
However, this doesn’t mean lower-end gyms are bad. In fact, many budget gyms have significantly improved their offerings in recent years, providing excellent value for money and access to a great range of gym equipment for as little as £10 per month.
PureGym: Affordable and Accessible
PureGym is a favourite for many fitness enthusiasts due to how affordable and accessible its gyms are. With over 250 locations, there’s a good chance there’s a PureGym located close to you. PureGym also offers a bunch of different membership options to suit different needs and budgets and is open 24/7, allowing you to work out whenever you feel like it. Many locations also offer personal training sessions, which can be booked for an additional fee. Check out their available discount codes to get the best current offer on a membership.
Pricing 💸
Highlights ⭐️
Locations 🗺️
From £15.99 per month
24/7 access, no contract memberships, affordable pricing, tons of locations
London, Edinburgh, Cardiff
David Lloyd Clubs: Premium Facilities and Services
Fancy a bit of luxury when it comes to your gym experience? Then why not consider joining one of the countless David Lloyds Clubs scattered around the UK? These premium fitness centres offer tons of facilities and services, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and exclusive fitness classes. All in all, David Lloyd Clubs are ideal for individuals and families looking for more than just gym equipment.
Pricing 💸
Highlights ⭐️
Locations 🗺️
Starts at £94.50 a month
Family-friendly, racquet sports/ swimming facilities on site, healthy dining options
London, Glasgow, Manchester
The Gym Group: Budget-friendly and Flexible
If you’re after a budget-friendly gym that still ticks all the boxes, the Gym Group could be one of your best bets. With over 150 locations across the UK, they offer essential gym services at a wallet-friendly cost, as well as flexible membership options that don’t tie you down with unnecessary long-term contracts. Additionally, like Pure Gym, they’re also open 24/7.
Pricing 💸
Highlights ⭐️
Locations 🗺️
From £12.99 a month
Affordable and flexible memberships, 24/7 access, offers virtual classes for members
London, Liverpool, Birmingham
Nuffield Health: Holistic Health and Fitness
One way Nuffield Health stands out from its competitors is for its holistic approach to fitness and well-being. Apart from the usual standard gym facilities, Nuffield health clubs often include everything from physiotherapy and health assessments to nutritional advice and mental health support.
Pricing 💸
Highlights ⭐️
Locations 🗺️
From £44.99 a month
In depth health assessments, swimming pool and spa facilities, physiotherapy services on site
London, Cambridge, Bristol
Bannatyne Health Club: Wellness and Relaxation
Bannatyne Health Clubs offer a super calming experience for fitness enthusiasts. Placing a strong emphasis on wellness, their gyms are home to state-of-the-art equipment, relaxing spa services, swimming pools, and a bunch of great fitness classes. What's not to like?
Pricing 💸
Highlights ⭐️
Locations 🗺️
£44.00 a month
State-of-the-art equipment, personal training and support programmes, cafe bars and social spaces on-site
Blackpool, Newport, York
Virgin Active: High-End Fitness and Lifestyle
Virgin Active gyms are all about luxury and cutting-edge fitness. These extremely sleek gyms can be found in most major cities, and offer top notch equipment, amazing spa facilities, and classes for all levels of fitness.
What’s more, members also get personalised training and exclusive perks like access to premium events and specialised workshops. For those who can afford it, Virgin Active provides a top-tier fitness experience that combines high-quality training with a touch of indulgence.
Pricing 💸
Highlights ⭐️
Locations 🗺️
From £42.00 a month
Exclusive member benefits, modern and stylish gym facilities, cutting edge fitness technology
London, Belfast, Brighton
Snap Fitness: 24/7 Convenience
If you need a bit of flexibility in your workout schedule due to commitments you just can’t skip, Snap fitness could be a match made in heaven. With 24/7 access, Snap Fitness allows you to exercise any time you fancy, whether that’s 4.00 in the morning or 10.00 at night - they don’t judge. Like most of the gyms on our list, they have everything you need to get in tip-top shape like cardio machines, free weights, group fitness classes, you name it. Plus, they’ve gained a decent reputation for cultivating a supportive and community-focused atmosphere amongst their members.
Pricing 💸
From £29.00 a month
Highlights ⭐️
Open 24/7, cheap memberships, long-term contracts not required
Locations 🗺️
London, Southampton, Glasgow
Xercise4Less: Cost-Effective Fitness
Xercise4Less has carved a niche for itself as one of the go-to budget-friendly gym chains in the UK. With over 50 locations nationwide, it’s known for offering a no-frills, high-value fitness experience that doesn’t take shortcuts when it comes to quality.
Additionally, most Xercise4less gyms have an extensive class schedule, with popular options like spinning, yoga, and Zumba being front and centre. It’s a favourite among many students, young professionals, and anyone looking to stay fit on a budget.
Pricing 💸
Highlights ⭐️
Locations 🗺️
From £14.99 a month
Super affordable, inclusive environment, martial arts and boxing areas often on-site
Newcastle, Hull, Southampton
Is a Gym Membership Really Worth it?
Curious as to whether a gym membership is actually worth the money? We understand, it’s a common question. All in all, there’s plenty of evidence out there showing the benefits regular exercise has on a person, from improved physical health to better mental well-being.
However, regardless of the known health benefits, the key is finding a balance between affordability if you want to get the best out of your gym experience. For example, think about where you live - in cities like London, gym memberships tend to be more expensive due to higher living costs.
Meanwhile, in smaller towns, you can sometimes find gyms offering similar facilities at much lower prices. Ultimately, whether a gym membership is worth it depends on your personal preference, fitness goals, budget and lifestyle. There's a lot to think about when it comes to choosing the Gym that's right for you, so before you commit, you should read up on gym membership pros and cons.
How Much Does an Average Gym Membership Cost in the UK?
There's no doubt that gym prices can be expensive in the UK - in fact, most gym goers are paying an average of £42.99 a month. That's a lot when you take into consideration that some budget-friendly gyms start as low as £10 per month!
Additionally, it's pretty common practice for gyms to reel in new clients with juicy promotional rates that get rid of joining fees or offer the first month for free - spend some time doing your homework comparing these before you bite the bullet and join the first gym you come across.
It's also good practice to think about what you need in terms of equipment and facilities. Looking to put a bit of muscle on your frame? You'll obviously want a gym with a wide range of weights and resistance machines. You can learn more about gym equipment and essentials you'll need to get in shape. Fancy cooling off after your workout? Check there's a swimming pool or hot tub on site.
Alternatively, if you'd like a bit more personalisation, a personal trainer not only crafts your workout regimen but also instils a sense of accountability, ensuring you stay on track with your fitness journey.
Some fitness Superprofs charge as little as £10 for an hour of coaching online, while others with more experience and higher levels of qualification may charge up to £50 for in-person sessions.
There are three ways to get personal training from one of the coaches on Superprof: face-to-face, in groups, or online. Each option has pros and cons, so you'll want to consider your fitness goals, schedule, and budget before connecting with a Superprof fitness professional.
If you have the space, the home gym with a personal trainer from Superprof would be your most cost-effective option to meet your fitness goals because you get to call all the shots, from the trainer you work with to the equipment you work out on.
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