Coronavirus: Brits could be saving hundreds in lockdown over gym memberships

Gyms have been closed since lockdown began on 23 March. Photo: Humphrey Muleba/Unsplash

Gym-going Brits could be saving hundreds of pounds by working out at home during lockdown, research suggests.

A study by financial website The Money Pig found that the average UK gym membership is about £40, while a personal training session costs £50.

Gyms freezed members’ direct debit payments when the UK went into lockdown on 23 March — meaning fitness enthusiasts could be saving as much as £90 a month, equating to at least £260 thus far.

And they could save a lot more, as the UK government is yet to announce when gyms will be able to re-open.

Brits who loved the gym are now instead tuning in to free live-streamed classes on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to keep themselves, and their bank balance, healthy.

READ MORE: PureGym reveals what gyms will be like when they reopen

The Money Pig said: “Technology is helping to alleviate some of the pressure health and fitness businesses are currently dealing with. Through a smartphone or computer, Brits can work out in the comfort of their own home making a saving of up to £90 per month.

“The great thing about free guided workouts for everyone is that you can do as much as you like, when you like, and spend what you like.

“How much money Brits save depends on how much exercise they do a month. If they have one personal training session a week that’s up to £240 per month saved.

It added: “Joe Wicks is doing free 30 minutes personal training PE workouts daily. If you do this every weekday and just take the average cost for 30 mins PT session, you’re in theory saving £125 a week!”

While there is a wealth of free resources, many personal trainers are facing financial difficulties from a lack of paying customers.

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Often self-employed, many freelance personal trainers, gyms and studios are charging for more personalised, bespoke sessions, and also streaming live workouts via Instagram and Zoom, which can be paid for individually or via a membership.

Prices can start from £2 for a 45-minute workout, still cost-effective.

With uncertainty still surrounding the end of lockdown, prime minister Boris Johnson has outlined the current strategy to end lockdown. However social distancing could last for months.

“The trend for virtual, remote personal training and online group workouts could impact how we consume fitness in the future,” The Money Pig said.