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NEWS
338 new gyms have opened in the UK since March 2019, in spite of the pandemic
POSTED 13 Nov 2021 . BY Tom Walker
In total, there have been 338 new gym openings in the UK since 1 April 2019 Credit: Shutterstock/NDAB Creativity
Eight of the top 20 private health club operators in the UK have grown their estate during the pandemic
The figure comes from the 2021 Fitness Industry Preview Report, published by The Leisure Database Company
The UK's largest private operators are PureGym and The Gym Group
GLL remains the largest public operator, followed by Everyone Active
Eight of the top 20 private health club operators in the UK have grown their estates since 2019 – in spite of the pandemic – while three more have retained the same number of locations.

The figure comes from the Fitness Industry Preview Report 2021, published by The Leisure Database Company (TLDB), which gives an update on changes in the industry between March 2019 and mid-September 2021.

The report shows that ​​the gap between the top operator (with 290 clubs) and the 20th ranked operator (with 14 clubs) is wider now than at any time in the history of this league table.

The UK's largest private operators have maintained their position during the past 18 months, with PureGym and The Gym Group leading the pack.

In the public sector, GLL remains the largest operator, followed by Everyone Active.

In total, there have been 338 new gym openings in the UK since 1 April 2019 – of which 83 per cent have been in the private sector.

David Minton, founder of TLDB said: “As we move from crisis to recovery mode, this report provides the most up-to-date view of how the industry is bouncing back.

"Overall, across the top operators in the three sectors we have looked at (private, public and low cost), there are more gyms open now than in March 2019 which shows how the industry is playing its part in helping improve the health of the nation.”

To download the full report, visit the Leisure Database Company website.
RELATED STORIES
  David Minton launches Evolve conference to kick off new conversation about climate change in health and fitness sector


A one-day conference will look to provide a platform for debating how the global health and fitness industry can help tackle climate change.
  FEATURE: Everyone’s talking about: The bounceback


There are no official numbers indicating how operators are faring after lockdown. In the first part of this special report, HCM talks to big box operators. Next issue we talk to the boutiques
  FEATURE: Insight: Big numbers


David Minton’s new global data platform shows COVID-19’s impact on the sector
MORE NEWS
Jessica Sloyan establishes UK Academy of Sound and Therapeutic Arts
Jessica Sloyan, a wellness operations and training expert, has established an independent private training academy to provide professional qualifications for practitioners looking to offer immersive wellness experiences.
ISPA releases full 2026 US Spa Industry Study as annual industry revenue rises by US$1bn
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has published its full 2026 US Spa Industry Study, providing further insights into the region’s total US$1 billion (€855 million, £780 million) industry revenue increase from 2024 to 2025.
Hot spring wellness community Ameyalli sells residences and breaks ground on resort and spa
Ameyalli, the 78-acre wellbeing resort and residential community in Midway in Utah, US, has broken ground on phase two of the hot spring development – the Ameyalli Resort and Spa – which is due to open in 2028.
AI firm Midjourney enters wellness with spa, fitness and body scanning concept
TLee Spas and Wellness has revealed the design concept for a high-tech spa with body mapping scanners to improve public health, for AI company Midjourney.
+ More news   

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
Elemis has branched into LED skincare with the launch of its breakthrough Red Light Mask. [more...]

HPO Tech brings design-led hyperbaric systems to the spa floor
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has moved well beyond the clinic and spa operators represent the fastest-growing market for the technology. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Yon-Ka

Founded in 1954, the Yon-Ka Paris combines nature, science, and sensoriality to create results-dr [more...]
FIBO

FIBO is the international platform for fitness, wellness and health. During four days, FIBO connects [more...]
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CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

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DIRECTORY
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DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 
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©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
338 new gyms have opened in the UK since March 2019, in spite of the pandemic
POSTED 13 Nov 2021 . BY Tom Walker
In total, there have been 338 new gym openings in the UK since 1 April 2019 Credit: Shutterstock/NDAB Creativity
Eight of the top 20 private health club operators in the UK have grown their estate during the pandemic
The figure comes from the 2021 Fitness Industry Preview Report, published by The Leisure Database Company
The UK's largest private operators are PureGym and The Gym Group
GLL remains the largest public operator, followed by Everyone Active
Eight of the top 20 private health club operators in the UK have grown their estates since 2019 – in spite of the pandemic – while three more have retained the same number of locations.

The figure comes from the Fitness Industry Preview Report 2021, published by The Leisure Database Company (TLDB), which gives an update on changes in the industry between March 2019 and mid-September 2021.

The report shows that ​​the gap between the top operator (with 290 clubs) and the 20th ranked operator (with 14 clubs) is wider now than at any time in the history of this league table.

The UK's largest private operators have maintained their position during the past 18 months, with PureGym and The Gym Group leading the pack.

In the public sector, GLL remains the largest operator, followed by Everyone Active.

In total, there have been 338 new gym openings in the UK since 1 April 2019 – of which 83 per cent have been in the private sector.

David Minton, founder of TLDB said: “As we move from crisis to recovery mode, this report provides the most up-to-date view of how the industry is bouncing back.

"Overall, across the top operators in the three sectors we have looked at (private, public and low cost), there are more gyms open now than in March 2019 which shows how the industry is playing its part in helping improve the health of the nation.”

To download the full report, visit the Leisure Database Company website.
RELATED STORIES
David Minton launches Evolve conference to kick off new conversation about climate change in health and fitness sector


A one-day conference will look to provide a platform for debating how the global health and fitness industry can help tackle climate change.
FEATURE: Everyone’s talking about: The bounceback


There are no official numbers indicating how operators are faring after lockdown. In the first part of this special report, HCM talks to big box operators. Next issue we talk to the boutiques
FEATURE: Insight: Big numbers


David Minton’s new global data platform shows COVID-19’s impact on the sector
MORE NEWS
Jessica Sloyan establishes UK Academy of Sound and Therapeutic Arts
Jessica Sloyan, a wellness operations and training expert, has established an independent private training academy to provide professional qualifications for practitioners looking to offer immersive wellness experiences.
ISPA releases full 2026 US Spa Industry Study as annual industry revenue rises by US$1bn
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has published its full 2026 US Spa Industry Study, providing further insights into the region’s total US$1 billion (€855 million, £780 million) industry revenue increase from 2024 to 2025.
Hot spring wellness community Ameyalli sells residences and breaks ground on resort and spa
Ameyalli, the 78-acre wellbeing resort and residential community in Midway in Utah, US, has broken ground on phase two of the hot spring development – the Ameyalli Resort and Spa – which is due to open in 2028.
AI firm Midjourney enters wellness with spa, fitness and body scanning concept
TLee Spas and Wellness has revealed the design concept for a high-tech spa with body mapping scanners to improve public health, for AI company Midjourney.
Swissline opens renovated urban wellness destination Labo Spa in Zurich
Swissline has opened a flagship day spa in Zurich, Switzerland, called Labo Spa.
Gran Hotel Taoro opens Sandára Wellness Centre
Gran Hotel Taoro in northern Tenerife, Spain, has completed the final phase of its three-year renovation with the debut of its Sandára Wellness Centre.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
Elemis has branched into LED skincare with the launch of its breakthrough Red Light Mask. [more...]

HPO Tech brings design-led hyperbaric systems to the spa floor
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has moved well beyond the clinic and spa operators represent the fastest-growing market for the technology. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Yon-Ka

Founded in 1954, the Yon-Ka Paris combines nature, science, and sensoriality to create results-dr [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS