September 8th, 2010 
admin 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 decreasing air quality in heavily populated urban areas is making it simply un-pleasurable, and ironically, a health hazard to exercise utdoors, many also quote the social appeal of the gym as a major moot point.
A developing trend within this trend is a draw towards budget health clubs or hotel gyms. Many of the major chains such as Fitness First, LA Fitness and David Lloyd charge extortionate monthly fees, especially if the user does not want to enter into a yearly contract and wishes to visit at peak times. These monthly fees can be in excess of £60, and is often higher in London. This has triggered a revolt from gym-enthusiasts who resent the prospect of having to pay out over £600 per year, leading them to seek out more wallet-friendly options.
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 luxuries such as the pseudo ‘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 centres are devoid any changing room facilities whatsoever. This package is put together to appeal to serious gym rats only and weed out the posers who put more effort into smothering on skin care products in the changing rooms and lifting weights.
This is not quite a revolution 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 attractive concierge and no snack bar peddling bio-active smoothies will be a help rather than a hindrance!
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