Fitness Centres & Gyms

A survey undertaken by Virgin Money in 2006 showed that we spend £3.8 bn a year on gyms and gym membership. We earmark a further £907m for t-shirts, socks, trainers and and other gymwear that help us look good and perform better in the gym. It's no wonder that you will find a superb range of facilities in health clubs and fitness centres today.

You are ready to join a health club or gym but what can you expect for your membership?

On your first visit, you will be given an initial consultation to assess your current fitness level where your body mass index, body fat percentage, weight and blood pressure are checked. You will then receive your personalised fitness programme - tailor made to suit your objectives and goals.

A visit to the gym and you will find an extensive array of equipment designed to support cardio-vascular exercise and shape and tone every muscle in your body. Staff are always on hand to consult on the workings of equipment and to support your fitness programme.

Many centres also have swimming pools and the larger health clubs sometimes have two - one for training and the other for leisure. Classes in water aerobics and other water fitness activities may be offered.

To complement your fitness programme, you will normally find exercise studios dedicated to aerobics, body-step, dance, yoga, pilates and other health and fitness activities - providing a wide range of different exercise classes.

For those who enjoy a spot of pampering, many fitness centres also have health & beauty salons, spa facilities, saunas, steam rooms & jacuzzis.

The larger health clubs also have tennis, badminton & squash courts and offer coaching for beginners or those who want to improve their game.

For in between snacks and drinks, you will always find some form of refreshment area which may include a restaurant or cafeteria and a bar.

Also at the larger centres, you can expect to find creche & nursery facilities - a boon for mothers of young children and daytime visits when fitness centres are usually less busy.

Check out all the facilities of local health clubs and fitness centres and make your decision based on your objectives and needs. If you are just wanting to use gym equipment to exercise and tone up slack muscles then selecting a small, less expensive gym should suit you well. If you are wanting a greater range of options for exercise activities and the benefits of occasional pampering, then you will need to consider the larger health clubs.

Take a look at reviews of gyms in the London area.

Coming soon - our directory of health clubs, fitness centres and gyms throughout the UK.