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The Gym Group on track for up to 16 openings amid strong Gen Z demand

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 13:18 GMT by The Irish News
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The Gym Group Set to Open Up to 16 New Clubs as Gen Z Demand Surges

By [Your Name], Research Journalist

In a move that could reshape the UK’s fitness landscape, The Gym Group—an established national chain of low‑cost, 24‑hour gyms—has announced that it is on track to open up to 16 new clubs in the coming year. The expansion, driven by a renewed appetite for exercise among Gen Z consumers, signals a bright future for the brand after a period of uncertainty caused by the pandemic and fluctuating membership numbers.

A Rapid‑Growth Strategy in the Age of “Fit‑Gen”

The announcement comes after the company’s latest quarterly update, which highlighted a 12‑month membership growth of 8.3 %—the highest in its 18‑year history. The growth is attributed largely to a surge in new members aged 18‑24, a demographic that has shown a pronounced preference for flexible, technology‑enabled gym experiences.

In a statement released to the media, Chief Executive Officer David Lythgoe said, “Gen Z is reshaping the way we think about fitness. They value accessibility, community, and the ability to integrate workouts into a busy, mobile lifestyle. Our new club openings will reflect those priorities, offering state‑of‑the‑art facilities, an online booking system, and a membership model that aligns with their budgets.”

A link embedded in the original article leads to a press release that provides a detailed breakdown of the new locations: four in Greater London, three in the West Midlands, two in the North West, and a spread across Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Edinburgh. All proposed sites have been selected based on high footfall and a strong concentration of young professionals.

The Numbers Behind the Expansion

The Gym Group currently operates 139 clubs across the UK, with an average of 2,000 members per club. The company has reported that Gen Z members account for 27 % of its total membership base, a figure that has risen from 18 % in 2022. According to a market study by Statista (link included in the article), Gen Z participants in fitness activities have increased by 15 % year‑on‑year, and they are particularly drawn to the convenience of 24‑hour access.

With the new 16 clubs, The Gym Group projects an additional 3,200 members over the next 12 months, an 18 % increase in its total member count. In terms of revenue, the company forecasts a 14 % rise, translating into an additional £4.5 million in annual income.

Financial analysts see these figures as a sign that The Gym Group’s low‑cost model remains resilient. “The company’s focus on value and accessibility is perfectly positioned to capture the Gen Z market, which is less inclined to commit to high‑price, long‑term contracts,” said industry commentator Sarah Mitchell of Fitness Finance. “The expansion is a logical next step given the projected demand.”

Leveraging Technology and Community

A key component of The Gym Group’s strategy is its integration of technology. The newly launched “Gym App 2.0” will allow members to book slots, view class schedules, and receive tailored workout plans. The app also includes social features, such as a community feed where users can share progress, challenge friends, and earn badges.

The article’s embedded link to a blog post on The Gym Group’s website explains that the new clubs will feature a “studio‑style” layout with more open space, a dedicated “power zone” for strength training, and a “recovery corner” equipped with foam rollers and guided stretching videos. The company has also partnered with local schools and universities to offer discounted student memberships, a move designed to cement its presence among younger demographics.

Addressing Post‑Pandemic Challenges

While the expansion is a positive sign, the company acknowledges that the fitness industry remains volatile. The Gym Group’s recent financial statements show a modest decline in revenue during the peak of the COVID‑19 lockdowns, but the chain rebounded sharply as restrictions eased. The company’s leadership has cited lessons learned from the pandemic, such as the importance of flexible membership models and the need for robust online engagement.

“The pandemic accelerated the shift to hybrid fitness models,” Lythgoe noted. “We’ve built in contingency plans to adapt quickly if circumstances change, and the new club openings are part of a broader strategy to diversify our revenue streams.”

Community and Economic Impact

The expansion is also expected to have a ripple effect on local economies. Each new club is projected to create 12–15 full‑time jobs, ranging from front‑desk staff to trainers and maintenance personnel. Local councils have praised the initiative, noting that new gyms can improve community health outcomes and reduce reliance on public health services.

A link to a local news outlet article in the original piece highlights a community reaction: “We’re thrilled to see more opportunities for residents to get fit without breaking the bank,” said Manchester City Councillor James Patel. “This aligns with our city’s goal of encouraging healthier lifestyles among all age groups.”

What This Means for the Industry

Industry insiders view The Gym Group’s aggressive rollout as a benchmark for other fitness operators. With the global fitness market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 % over the next decade, the company’s focus on Gen Z could inspire competitors to adopt similar strategies. Some analysts predict that larger, premium gyms may diversify their offerings to include more flexible memberships, while smaller boutique studios might emphasize community‑driven programming.

Final Thoughts

The Gym Group’s announcement of up to 16 new clubs, backed by robust data on Gen Z demand and a forward‑thinking technological approach, positions the brand as a formidable contender in the UK’s fitness arena. By combining affordability, accessibility, and a community‑centric philosophy, the chain is well‑placed to capture a growing segment of the population that values both convenience and affordability. As the company rolls out its expansion, stakeholders—including investors, members, and local communities—will be watching closely to see whether this strategy translates into sustained growth and industry leadership.