Best and Most Affordable Gym Memberships for 2025
Best and Most Affordable Gym Memberships for 2025.
One of the top New Year’s resolutions people make is to get fit, so it’s no wonder that gyms start to fill up. If you’re thinking about joining a new gym, we’ve got the scoop on the best and most affordable memberships out there.
A YouGov survey revealed that more than half of the people surveyed aim to be healthier for their 2024 New Year’s resolution. This goal topped the list, with health-focused resolutions leading the way.
This resolution really boosts business for gyms nationwide, and it’s not just a cliché that they see a surge in customers come January. PureGym, which has 375 locations across the UK, noted that January was their busiest month of 2024. In past years, the rush has also continued from March to May, attracting plenty of visitors.
How much does a gym membership cost?
The average gym membership is a bit over £47 a month, according to Leisure DB, a fitness industry consultant.
However, prices can really differ based on a few factors. Some gyms might only charge around £15 a month, while others can go up to several hundred pounds.
Your membership cost will mainly depend on which gym you choose and where it's located.
If you opt for a fancy gym that has a sauna, spa, and other amenities, expect to pay more than you would at a basic local leisure center with minimal equipment.
Plus, chain gyms often hike their prices in popular city areas. For instance, one PureGym in Norwich has a standard membership for £21.99 a month, but at the London Piccadilly location, that same membership jumps to £42.99.
Which gyms offer free passes?
If you're thinking about signing up for a gym, it’s a good idea to check it out first. That’s why a lot of gyms in the UK provide free trial passes. We’ve put together a list of some of those options for you.
Keep in mind, this isn’t a complete list, so if you’re interested in a gym nearby, it’s a smart move to reach out to them directly.
Anytime Fitness offers a seven-day trial pass when you sign up to show your interest.
Nuffield Health provides trial passes that can last from one to 14 days. The duration of your pass varies by location and time, and some branches might not have any trial passes available at certain times.
Everlast gyms let you grab a one-day free pass online, but you'll have to agree to receive marketing emails.
Total Fitness gives you a free one-day pass when you register your interest.
Check if any of your friends or family are members of a gym. Some gyms offer a few free guest passes each month or year, so it might be a good idea to see if they can hook you up with one.
Is it possible to make your membership cheaper?
Gyms, like a lot of businesses, have their busy and slow seasons. Because of this, some independently owned gyms might be open to negotiating their membership fees, so it’s worth trying to bargain in certain places.
If that doesn’t pan out, check with your employer to see if they can help cover part of your membership cost. Sometimes, a discounted or even free gym membership is included in various employee benefits, so it’s definitely something to look into.
Another option is to consider a more affordable off-peak membership. This type of plan restricts your gym access to specific times, usually during the day when most people are at work. It can be a smart way to save some cash if you like to work out during your lunch break or have a flexible schedule.
Which gyms offer the cheapest memberships?
Not everyone needs a fancy gym. If you're just looking for the essentials, a budget-friendly membership will work perfectly.
Here are some deals you might find appealing:
PureGym is among the biggest gym chains in the UK. They’re popular for their “no-contract” memberships, meaning you can cancel whenever you want without any fees.
The membership costs vary based on your location, but typically, you can access most of their gyms outside of London for about £22 a month.
The Gym Group is a global chain with 234 locations throughout the UK.
Similar to PureGym, they provide “no-contract” memberships, so you can cancel whenever you want without any fees. But if you opt for an upfront payment for a set period, you might snag a better deal. Typically, their prices kick off at about £20 a month.
Anytime Fitness is a gym that started in the US and is making waves in the UK. They've got more than 185 locations across the UK and over 5,000 gyms globally.
The cool thing about their UK gyms is that they're open every single day of the year, so you can squeeze in a workout even on Christmas! Plus, as a member, you can hit up their gyms in other countries too.
When it comes to pricing, Anytime Fitness tends to be on the pricier side compared to PureGym and The Gym Group in your area. For instance, their gym in Peterborough charges £39.99 a month, while the Hackney location in London is priced at £44.95 a month.
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Alternatives to a gym membership
You don't have to sign up for a gym to hit your fitness goals. There are tons of free ways to stay active.
Take Parkrun, for instance. It's a free weekly gathering where folks come together to walk or run a 5K. Everyone gets timed, so you can see how you're improving over time.
Right now, there are over 1,200 Parkruns in the UK, and you can grab their app to find one near you.
If running isn't your thing, no worries! There are plenty of other free activities to add to your fitness routine. You can check out various free fitness apps that you can download on your phone to keep your home workouts going strong.
One popular choice is MyFitnessPal, which boasts over 200 million users globally. A standout feature is its calorie tracker, which helps you keep an eye on your diet too.
Premium gym membership options
If you're cool with shelling out a bit more cash each month for better amenities and perks, then hunting for the cheapest memberships might not be your best bet. Check out some options we've put together for you below.
David Lloyds’ gyms offer a variety of amenities, including a tennis court, swimming pool, and spa. The access you get depends on the membership level you choose, which has four options:
- Club
- Plus
- Platinum
- Diamond
The Club package is the entry-level option, allowing you to use the gym, swimming pool, and attend fitness classes at certain times. On the other hand, the Diamond package provides the ultimate experience, giving you access to all services, including some gyms abroad.
Bannatyne Health Clubs are scattered all over the UK, making it a great choice for those who want a premium gym experience. With features like a spa, swimming pool, and sauna, it really stands out. Plus, they offer some sweet exclusive discounts at more than 100 retailers, including big names like Nike and M&S, which sets them apart from the competition.
Virgin Active, to become a member of Virgin Active, you'll need to sign up for either a Flex + or Club + membership. The Club + membership is their top-tier option, giving you complete access to all their gyms and online workout sessions.
Virgin Active isn't as widespread as some other gym chains, with most of its locations concentrated in and around London. If you have a Flex + membership, it's a solid choice since you can check out some of these gyms when you're nearby.
Fitness First has gyms on Baker Street and other central spots, providing a variety of facilities. You can find squash courts at London Bridge and a Theragun Station at Tottenham Court Road.
Membership costs vary by location, so here are some prices for a few places:
- Bishopsgate: £85 per month
- London Bridge: £115 per month
- Queens Park: £54 per month
Fitness4less, If you're trying to hit the gym in London without breaking the bank, Fitness4less might be your best bet. They have a few spots around the city, and they provide all the basic services you need. If you can pay for the whole year upfront, the central London locations will set you back £318, which averages out to just £26 a month. That's a solid deal, especially since their flexible membership is £39.99 a month.
How to cancel a gym membership
Gym memberships can sometimes be a letdown. Whether you've lost interest or are unhappy with the service, canceling your membership could save you some cash.
Most of the big gym chains have made it easy to cancel online or through their mobile apps. If that’s not an option, just give your local branch a call or swing by to sort it out in person.
But keep in mind, getting out of a gym contract and getting a refund can be a bit of a hassle.
The easiest memberships to ditch are the “no-contract” ones, like those from PureGym. Just remember to cancel at least four working days before your next payment hits.
If you’re tied to a fixed-term contract, it gets a bit more complicated. Most gyms have a cooling-off period after you sign up, which lets you cancel and get a refund. The length of this period varies, so check the fine print.
Once that cooling-off period is over, the gym can usually hold you to the contract until it runs out. However, there are some situations where you might be able to cancel early:
Injury – If you get hurt and can’t work out, some gyms might let you cancel.
Price increases – If your gym raises prices without a good reason, they could be in trouble.
Major changes to your membership – For instance, if they promised a pool but then shut it down, you might have grounds to exit early.
Whether you're looking for an affordable gym membership or seeking a premium experience, there's a wide range of options to fit every budget and fitness goal. From budget-friendly gyms like PureGym and The Gym Group to more luxurious choices like David Lloyd and Virgin Active, you can find the right place to help you achieve your New Year’s resolution.
Don’t forget to explore free trials and alternative fitness options if you're not ready to commit. With the right gym and a bit of motivation, 2025 can be your year to get fit and feel great.
