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Health Club Chains

There are now over 20 dedicated health club chains in the UK offering everything from spas and weight rooms to cardio theatre and pilates. But how do health clubs differ from fitness centres or independent gyms? Did you know that the 6 largest operators in the market now have over 500 clubs and over 750,000 members.

With the increased competition, more and more clubs are coming round to the idea of a monthly membership with no ties and no joining fees. This will undoubtedly lead to an increase in those searching for good value clubs

The leading players include:

Bannatyne's
Bannatyne's health clubs are the largest independently owned health club operator in the UK. They have also recently bought all the LivingWell clubs and therefore offer over 90 facilities across the UK.

Cannons Health Clubs
With 35 UK health clubs, Cannons are for all fitness levels and vary from luxury city to local clubs.

Club Company
Combines the Country CLub with the health club. Good gym areas and facilities, they have 11 locations across the UK.

Curves for Women
The world's largest women only exercise club. Run as franchises, they make starting at a gym easier for many women. Over 150 UK-wide.

David Lloyd Leisure
With over 55 clubs around the UK, David Lloyd Clubs are one of the UK's largest chains, offering excellent facilities including tennis and squash.

Energie Fitness
No joining fee and no contract health club. Operates as a franchise, for a reasonable membership fee you also get some free personal training sessions.

Esporta
Esporta are high-end clubs with top class facilities. They also offer racquet sports for when you need a change from of the gym.

Fitness First Health Clubs
Currently the largest health club operators in Europe, Fitness First offer one of the most affordable club memberships in the UK.

Greens Health & Fitness Clubs
With a great range of leisure facilities this includes fully equipped gyms, pools and spas at all 15 clubs.

JJB Fitness
With 30+ clubs now across the UK, all have pools and offer hot tubs for your relaxation.

LA Fitness
LA fitness clubs have good music, great facilities, and are targeted at the young and social market.

Livingwell
One of the larger chains in the UK, now p art of Bannatynes. Over 76 clubs across the country, LivingWell Health Clubs and LivingWell Premier clubs are sure to have a club nearby.

Next Generation
Next Generation one of the leading UK chains, with excellent racquet and gym facilities.

Topnotch
They offer a slightly different experience with training zones guiding you to your work out of choice. Not premium clubs as such, but they offer good facilities.

Total Fitness
24 health clubs / gyms basd in the North of England. Good for a range of classes and for working out with free weights.

Virgin Active
Virgin Active Centres are a fast-growing chain that gives you great facilities with no joining fees. Recently bought Holmes Place and are changing branding over.