Find the perfect gym for your January fitness goals

Written by: Ryan O’Connell
Published on 07 January 2025

January is the perfect time to take charge of your fitness goals, and choosing the right gym is an essential first step. The UK offers an impressive variety of options, catering to all fitness levels, budgets, and lifestyles. From affordable, no-contract gyms like PureGym to the high-end luxury facilities of David Lloyd Clubs, there’s something for everyone. Boutique studios such as F45 Training and Barry’s Bootcamp offer high-energy group classes, while Fitness First provides state-of-the-art equipment and diverse training programs.

Selecting the ideal gym isn’t just about location or cost—it’s about finding a space that motivates you to keep coming back. Are you looking for 24/7 access, a supportive community, or top-notch amenities like pools and spa facilities? This guide will help you navigate the options, evaluate what matters most to you, and make an informed decision to set you up for a successful and sustainable fitness journey.

PureGym

Number of locations: 400+ locations across England, Wales, Scotland and North Ireland

Cost of membership: PureGym offers a number of membership options at various price points, which means it can be quite affordable depending on the option you choose. An important thing to keep in mind is that PureGym has a joining fee which must be paid when you join any membership tier, which is typically £25 but may vary. Here all the membership options at PureGym:

• Off-Peak: The Off-Peak membership option at PureGym does exactly what it says on the tin, offering you access to your location at quieter times during the day for a lower price. The off-peak hours and price depends on location but begins from £17.99 a month. You'll also have access to all classes during peak hours.

• Core: PureGym's Core membership is the next step up and offers unrestricted access to your location 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from just £22.99 a month. Classes are also included in this membership tier.

• Plus: Starting from £28.99 a month, Plus is PureGym's top membership tier. With this membership, you'll get 24/7 access to your gym, the ability to book classes 2 weeks in advance, and multi-gym access. You'll also have the opportunity to bring a guest 4 times a month, the ability to free your membership at no additional cost for 3 months, as well as unlimited vitamin-packed sports water while training.

Do PureGym have a January offer?

PureGym typically does have a discount for new joiners in January. In 2024, the fitness giant offered a 30 joining fee for new members. You can also grab the latest discounts with our PureGym voucher codes.

The Gym Group

Number of locations: 240+ locations across England, Wales, and Scotland

Cost of membership: The Gym Group have a lot of membership options that make fitness as affordable as possible for every type of gym-goer.

• Day passes: The Gym Group offer day passes to their gyms for one-off visits or to use as a trial. You can get unlimited access to a gym for one or consecutive days starting from just £7.99. You'll get access to the gym's entire range of equipment for the full opening hours, as well ass to classes.

• Student Membership: For those in university, you can get fit for less. The Gym Group have 6, 9, and 12 month gym memberships which start from £119 (£19.83 a month). For this, you'll have 24/7 access to two gyms of your choice, unlimited training, free classes and access to FitQuest, which is The Gym Group's state-of-the-art fitness and body composition tech.

• Standard Saver: With prices starting from just £169 (£18.77 a month), the standard saver membership tier is their best value membership. There are 9 or 12 month options for this tier and you'll get unlimited training and free classes.

• Ultimate Saver: The next step up starts from just £219, which is £24.33 a month. You'll get access to 5 gyms in the UK (which you can change whenever you want), a guest pass 4 times a month, savings on supplements, nutrition and clothing brands, and access to their FiiT premium classes which are available on-demand.

• Standard Monthly: Starting from £19.99, this plan offers 24/7 access to a single gym, unlimited use of a wide range of equipment, and free, unlimited classes for all fitness levels. 

• Off-Peak Monthly: Available at selected gyms from £14.99, this budget-friendly option allows access during restricted hours. Members can still enjoy free classes and a variety of equipment but must train within designated off-peak times. 

Do The Gym Group have a January offer?

While The Gym Group don't always have a specific New Year's deal, you can also use our discount codes!

David Lloyd Clubs

Number of locations: 111 locations across England, Wales, and Scotland

Cost of membership: To get the exact price for which membership you're interested in, you'll need to submit an inquiry to your local club via the David Lloyd website. Prices typically vary from £75 to £125, but this will likely be very different depending on what you're looking for here. 

• Individual Membership: This membership offers full access to gym facilities, swimming pools, group exercise classes, and club-room amenities. It is ideal for adults seeking personal fitness and wellness experiences.

• Couple Membership: If you're in a relationship or have a training partner this membership extends the benefits of individual membership to two adults over the age of 18. 

• Family Membership: For fitness for all the family, look no further than this option. This one provides access for multiple members, including children’s facilities, kids' classes, and family-friendly activities. This option is designed to encourage family participation in fitness and leisure activities.

• Off-Peak Membership: For a cheaper option, you could consider this Off-Peak option which allows access during designated off-peak hours, typically weekdays from 11 am to 4 pm and after 2 pm on weekends. 

• Platinum Membership: For those seeking a more premium experience, the Platinum Membership offers enhanced benefits, including unrestricted access to all club facilities, racquet sports, luxury spa retreats, and additional services.

• Flexible Membership: Finally, the Flexible Membership is available for those who prefer a shorter commitment, with contracts starting from just three months. 

Do David Lloyd Clubs have a January offer?

Typically, David Lloyd Clubs do not typically offer a discount for new joiners in the New Year. However, that doesn't mean they won't check with your local club to find out more.

Equinox

Number of Locations:

Equinox operates three premium fitness clubs in the UK, all located in central London.

Cost of Membership:

Equinox memberships are premium, reflecting the high-end services and amenities provided. Membership costs can vary slightly depending on the location, but generally fall into the following tiers:

• Standard Membership: Priced at approximately £270 per month, with a £250 initiation fee. This tier provides full access to gym facilities, including a vast array of high-quality cardio and strength equipment, along with unlimited access to fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, cycling, and HIIT. Members also have access to the club’s luxurious changing rooms, saunas, and steam rooms.

• Premium Membership: For around £425 per month, with a £250 initiation fee, this membership provides all the benefits of the Standard Membership, but with added perks. These include priority booking for fitness classes, exclusive invitations to member events, and access to specialized wellness programs such as one-on-one fitness consultations or nutritional coaching. Premium members also enjoy enhanced access to spa services and additional luxury amenities like the Equinox café offering health-conscious food and drinks.

• Personal Training: Equinox also offers personal training sessions starting at £125 for a 50-minute session. These highly tailored sessions focus on specific fitness goals, with the guidance of expert trainers who provide personalized workout plans, nutrition advice, and ongoing support to help members reach their potential.

Do Equinox have a January offer?

While they don't offer a discount for newcomers in January, Equinox have banned joining on January 1st in previous years to dissuade people from joining when they aren't fully committed.

So, those are a few of the different gym options you have that can help find your footing in the fitness world come New Year's. If you're looking for savings on all aspects of fitness, you can take a look at our Sports & Outdoor voucher codes.