What are the most affordable gyms in the UK for 2024?
It's that time again when getting fit is on everyone’s resolutions list! We have covered the top budget-friendly gyms to help you get started on your fitness journey.
6 minute read A new year is the perfect time to start your new journey towards better health and you may have joining a gym on your mind. We all know it can be nerve-wracking to go to a new gym for the first time - especially if you are self-conscious about your weight.
Studies show many people avoid the gym due to social anxiety. However, gyms are scattered throughout the UK and are a great place to go for professional equipment and experts on hand. It's important to be aware of the affordable gym options available to you, so you can prioritise your well-being without draining your bank account.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 budget-friendly gym brands in London for 2024, giving an overview of what they offer, their monthly pricing, and any special deals available in January. Hopefully, this will help you make up your mind about which gym to join without having to compromise on your budget.
For those outside of London, the majority of these gyms can be found across the country at affordable rates relative to where you live. Therefore, this list is worth reading for anyone in the UK.
The Gym Group
Everyone has heard of The Gym Group, and it’s popular for a reason!
It offers budget-friendly fitness solutions, and there are 229 branches across the UK, with 60 of them being in London, with plans to open even more, so one is likely local to you. With a focus on simplicity and accessibility, The Gym Group aims to provide a no-frills experience for fitness enthusiasts on a budget.
Facilities at The Gym Group
The Gym Group offers a range of cardio and resistance training equipment, making it suitable for different individuals, no matter what your fitness goals are. Members can also access fitness classes, although the selection may vary by location. Like PureGym, The Gym Group prioritises accessibility, offering 24/7 opening hours so you can fit in a workout at any time of the day that suits you.
Monthly Pricing
Membership at The Gym Group is very competitively priced. Depending on which branch you join, monthly membership fees start from just £18.99 and can be even cheaper in other areas. The average Gym Group membership is around £15.99 which is reasonable. Some branches even include a bargain membership cost of £10.99 for monthly memberships only if you use the gym during off-peak periods. This could work out well if you work from home as you can fit your workout during the daytime when the gym is less busy. Alternatively, if you want to purchase day passes, they cost a budget-friendly £6.99.
Overall, the Gym Group is a great option if you don’t want to fully commit, or spend too much as it allows flexibility and affordable fitness. You can pay a bit extra to have access to The Gym Group gyms in multiple locations, great if you travel a lot!
January Deals
During January, The Gym Group is offering a no-joining fee for new gym goers for a limited period only. Make the most of this offer and sign up now!
PureGym
PureGym is a well-known gym in the London fitness scene. It has a simple setup which means affordability. There are 365 PureGym branches across the UK, with 60 branches across London. This means easy access for everyone to get fit, as it’s likely that there is one near you.
Facilities at PureGym
PureGym offers a wide range of cardio and strength training equipment, free weights, and functional training areas. Members also have access to a variety of fitness classes, in all, catering to different preferences and fitness levels. The 24/7 opening hours add flexibility to accommodate various schedules.
Monthly Pricing
PureGym offers flexible membership options, with monthly fees starting as low as £19.99. This budget-friendly pricing structure allows members to choose a plan that aligns with their fitness needs and financial considerations. If you want flexible access to PureGym in multiple locations you can have it if you pay a little extra for membership.
January Deals
At the moment selected PureGym branches are offering a “£0 joining fee” using the code: ZEROJF. Other branches offer memberships for only £20.99 per year, without a contract, so you can cancel anytime. This includes chains in London.
Students can also join without having to pay a joining fee and get 30% off their first six months.
EasyGym – Camberwell, London
You’ve heard of easyJet, but did you know there is also easyGym?! EasyGym is another recognised gym brand for its affordability in London. EasyGym only has four different branches in the UK, in Basildon, Bradford, Slough and a London branch in Camberwell. Just as with the other gym brands it offers a no-frills approach to the gym environment with a focus on simplicity and a straightforward approach to fitness. It has everything you need!
Facilities At easyGym
EasyGym provides a range of fitness equipment, including cardio machines, resistance training tools, and free weights to suit all of your fitness levels. Membership also gives 24/7 access and free classes.
Monthly Pricing
The tiered membership options at easyGym allow you to choose the plan that suits your needs and budget best.
Full membership at easyGym Camberwell is £34.99 monthly for 24/7 full-time access. There is no contract and you can cancel anytime. If you want a few options, you can also opt for a day pass that is only £11.99 to use the gym for the whole day. You can opt for off-peak gym membership which allows gym access between 9 pm-5 am for £21.99.
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is a global gym brand with a strong presence in the UK with a staggering 191 locations in the UK. With over 50 branches in London with access 24/7, it is convenient and easily accessible wherever you are.
Facilities at Anytime Fitness
Free gym pass, access to their online portal (home workouts, nutrition guides and more), open 24/7, worldwide gym access, great if you travel a lot.
With Anytime Fitness you can claim a free gym pass, and gain access to high-quality equipment for both strength and cardio training. You also get access to their workout apps on which you can not only manage your memberships but also access online coaching and training plans.
Pricing and January Deals
Membership to Anytime Fitness starts from £39.95. It is a little more expensive than others mentioned in this list, but if you can afford it is well worth the money for all the included perks. If you pay monthly in increments of 3, 6 or 12 months, you'll be given access to ALL Anytime Fitness gym locations, which is perfect if you travel for work.
Xercise4Less – Hounslow, London
Xercise4Less is a budget-friendly gym advertised as a simplistic brand that provides all the necessities for any fitness goal.
One small drawback of Xercise4Less is that they currently only have two active branches in the UK. One in Stockton North, and the other in Hounslow, London. However, if this happens to be convenient for you, then you've stumbled upon one of the most budget-friendly gyms in the city!
What Makes Xercise4Less Unique?
Xercise4Less is well-equipped with various cardio machines, strength training equipment, and functional training areas. The gym also offers a huge selection of group exercise classes, (over 300 classes per month!) ranging from belly dancing, kickboxing, relaxing yoga, and even spin classes. There is something for everyone. A great gym to join if you are looking for that community group vibe.
Xercise4Less January Sale Offer
Xercise4Less is one of the most affordable gym brands in London. If you join right now, your first month will only cost £5! Then £19.99 a month, with no joining fees, no contract and all classes are included. A great deal.
Start Your Fitness Journey Today
Starting your fitness journey need not be costly or scary. Exploring various gyms in London should not only be exciting but also advantageous as most offer trial sessions which can help you find the perfect fit. Regardless of your fitness goals, most gyms provide an array of equipment and classes. Many offer flexible membership options from monthly to day passes.
Remember, research shows that regular gym-goers are generally more consistent. So, kick-start your fitness quest in a budget-friendly gym that suits you this January 2024. The return on this investment will be your improved health due to the well-known benefits of regular exercise.
Good luck on your fitness journey!
