Gyms across the West Midlands expecting increase in memberships

That's despite cost-of-living pressures for households.

Author: Ella StirlingPublished 8th Jan 2023

As 2023 begins, many people have set out their New Year resolutions. For some that includes starting a diet or hitting the gym.

Gyms across the West Midlands say they normally see a spike in people signing up in January, as they try to get into healthy habits and exercise.

Chris Clarke, the manager at Anytime Fitness in Telford, says despite the influx of people in January and February - this often starts to decline in March.

"People have got New Year goals, they feel a bit guilty over what they've eaten and drank over Christmas and the New Year and they want to be a better version of themselves in the New Year.

"People join with the best intentions, but they might loose focus or are scared and don't really know what they're doing so many people do drop out.

"The gym needs to make sure they have a duty care to look after their members and check up on them.

"If people are using the gym two hours a day, and they aren't used to it, then it can be bad for them and they should be monitored," he added.

The cost-of-living crisis means many may not be able to afford a gym membership though, even if they have previosuly.

New research shows 36% of Brits have ditched theirs due to cost-of-living concerns.

A study of more than 2,000 consumers by IWG suggests half of 25-34 year olds have cancelled fitness memberships as a result of surging costs – rising to 56% for 18-24 year olds.

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