Cheap gyms: Which one to choose?

Low-cost gyms seem to be springing up everywhere now. 

Walk through any town centre or suburb in the UK and you're more than likely to come across billboards offering low introductory rates for facilities boasting the newest, highest-spec equipment with 24-7 access without the inconvenience of being tied to a contract. 

I like many of my friends and colleagues have been lured into many of them in recent years largely based on the promise of cheap deals! Below are my experiences with 3 of the most well known ones: 

Gym Group

The first low-cost gym I set foot in! Having just moved to a new job in Manchester and counting the pennies I was lured in by the price £15.99 a month for a city centre facility.

I signed up online and quickly went down to the place. You had to take a lift up to gym itself based on the 4th floor and then enter your pin-code (this is sent to your e-mail on sign up before hand) to gain access. 

Pros:

-Low Cost:

Cheapest city centre facilities in the UK from my experience, even cheaper in towns and suburbs where they are based. 

-24/7 Access: 

Available to use anytime. Go past these places at 2am and you can see people on the treadmills! You can use this place whenever you please.

I would note however that on rate occasions refurb work may be taking place (they notify customers by e-mail of this), whereby certain sections; or in rarer cases the whole gym may be out of access for a 24-48hr period. 

-Cardio Equipment:

Cross trainers, treadmills, exercise bikes, you name it they have it in abundance. These items are relatively low priority for myself as someone who generally would engage in a swift 5-minute dash on the running machine before hitting the weights; however  if your looking for the newest cardio gear these guys have it. 

-Locker Rooms:

Cleanest ones I've used. New, functional, minimal and no-nonsense. Usually equipped with benches and a sauna as well as limited private changing facilities. 

Toilets very hygienic - seems a small point but if you're going 4-5 times a week you really notice!

Cons:

-Weights!!!: 

Very limited selection if you're an aspiring bodybuilder or simply looking to bulk out. Free weights capped at 30kg (allegedly for health and safety). Complete lack of squat racks, heavy plates and space to put down a barbell. 

There was only access to the 5 ft selection which went no higher than 35kg. May not be an issue for everyone depending on what you're hoping to achieve but there are better places in the same price bracket for pumping iron.. 

-Renovations: 

Obviously subject to experience at each facility but the Manchester location was closed for 48 hours for 'major renovations' at one point during my membership. Minimal changes seemed to have taken place when they opened their doors again!

Final Thoughts

Gym Group is a good all-round place to go if you're looking for a low-cost way of getting fit. Those aspiring to achieve a body like Ronnie Coleman need not visit. 

Most suitable for: cardio enthusiasts, long-distance runners, on a budget  

Overall Rating: 7.5/10 

Pure Gym 

Having terminated my Gym Group membership after a couple of months. I quickly switched to this establishment due to it being closer to my then work and colleagues promises of superior strength-training facilities. 

Membership cost £17.99 a month in Manchester city centre (now about £19.99) I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype..

Pros: 

-Cost: 

Competitive rates for the city centre, particularly cheap if you sign up when a new branch opens (they do frequently). Lower rates generally found in smaller towns over  the inner-city locations as is the norm.

-24/7 Access: 

As above open all day everyday. I was a member here for 14 months and it was never closed fully for refurb at any point. 

-Weights/Cardio Balance: 

Of all the big-box gyms I've been to they probably had the best balance between weights 
and cardio equipment.

Free weights up to 36kg, bench press, squats and dead lift space provided (not plentiful but this tends to vary), and all the latest resistance, cardio gear. Great virtual cycling kit with 3D layouts to follow.

Cons:

-Busy:

Obviously basing this on a city centre site, but it could get very busy at peak times due in part to location and Pure Gym's apparent popularity as a brand. 

-Lack of Staff:

When you buy in to the low-cost concept this is part of the package. After about 9pm the staff (mainly trainers covering their lease) have vanished. 

I remember when a man had left his car keys and wallet in his locker and lost the key. With no one available to assist  he had to come back the next day to retrieve them!

Final Thoughts 

Pure Gym is a competitive choice in the budget gym market. Lots of locations and caters to the needs of most gym go-ers. Power-lifting enthusiasts however may not quite find what they're looking for. 

Most suitable for: amateur weightlifters, cardio & endurance, runners, class go-ers

Overall Rating: 8.5/10 

Lifestyle Fitness

I joined this gym due to company discount provided at work. I was further enticed by the promise of further weight-training facilities, which this facility duly provides.

Unlike the above gyms entry is via a fingerprint-scanner, handy if you can't remember your code! The Manchester site was where an old Virgin Active was based in the Great Northern Centre.

Pros: 

-Strength Training:

Easily the best of the 3. Plentiful squat/power racks, bench presses, free weights (up to 60kg) All brand new. 

-Staff:

Friendly and largely helpful (even if you aren't enrolled in personal training sessions. 

-Cafe:

Reasonably priced healthy cooked meals on site to cater to those committed to bodybuilding as well as fitness. 

Protein shakes blended for only £2 far better than the ones usually found in machines. Occasionally you get a free one too! 

Cons: 

-Opening Hours:

This facility is not 24/7 which wasn't an issue for me particularly but may be to other users. 6am-10pm weekdays and 8am-8pm weekends. 

-Cleanliness:

Minor issue but the locker rooms were not particularly well tended too. A standard clean up job was done every evening although the toilets were not in a good state at all on many trips!

-Contract:

The cheapest rate is only available on a 12-month contract (£17.99 when I joined now £19.99). Otherwise you're looking at a no-commitment rate of 21.99 a month.

Lifestyle Fitness claim you can get out of the contract if you move more than 15 miles away from a site although this may prove difficult to verify! 

Final Thoughts 

If you're looking to bulk up or are an amateur/professional bodybuilder as well as an aspiring one this is the place for you. Friendly atmosphere with helpful staff.

Separate women's training area on-site as well as a good selection of classes provided with membership. However best rates on contract. 

Most suitable for: Committed body/power lifters, those who do not relocate frequently, students

Overall Rating: 9/10 

Tips when joining a budget gym:

-Do not pay an admin or joining fee. You can usually find codes with a quick google search online to waive this. If not do not be afraid to haggle this with a rep they will usually be happy to remove any joining/admin fees.

-Buy your own lock in advance. 

A quick trip to poundland (or equivalent) will get you one and they are not provided on site at budget gyms. 

A lock is essential, particularly in city centres where thieves actively target unlocked lockers for goods. You can purchase one on site but will usually pay £5+..

-Avoid Peak-times.

Particularly in the city centre sites. Low-cost facilities can get pretty hectic between 5-7pm. If you are able to train later in the evenings or in the morning.