Are Gym Memberships Worth It? How to Get Fit on a Budget in 2025

On average, Brits spend around £500 annually on gym memberships – and that’s without factoring in travel costs or extras like personal training sessions. If you’re only going once or twice a week, is the investment really worth it?

Gym memberships are often people’s number-one solution to getting fit, but with monthly fees, joining costs, and the temptation to skip sessions, owning one can quickly add up. If you’re trying to keep costs low in 2025, why not try getting fit in a different way?

In this guide, we’ve put together a selection of affordable alternatives that can help you achieve your fitness goals, without the pricey monthly fees.

We’ve also included tips on how to know if a gym membership is worth it to you, and which gyms offer the best rates for those of you who prefer to work out in a controlled environment.

What’s in this guide?

• Free & Low-Cost Fitness Alternatives to Gyms
• The Pros of Gym Memberships
• The Cost of Gym Memberships in 2025

Free & Low-Cost Fitness Alternatives to Gyms

You don’t need a gym membership to stay fit. With a little creativity, you can build a workout routine that suits your goals – and your budget.

Outdoor Workouts

The UK is full of green outdoor spaces that are perfect for staying active without spending a penny. Activities like walking, jogging, cycling and even hiking on local trails can be done anywhere at any time and are completely free. Many parks now also offer free-to-use pull-up bars, benches, and resistance machines.

The great thing about exercising outdoors is that it can be done at your own pace and convenience, plus it’s great for your mental health and well-being. Put your headphones in and zone out or invite a friend along and socialise while getting your steps in.

Home Workouts

Home workouts can also save you a lot of time and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Avoid peak hours at the gym after work and turn your living room into your own workout space with minimal to no investment.

If you want a completely free, tailored workout, look for workout videos on YouTube. There are loads of channels from creators like Joe Wicks and Chloe Ting that feature guided workouts from professionals. Many of these videos include exercises that require no equipment such as push-ups, planks, lunges and burpees. 

However, if you would like to invest in some affordable equipment, you can do so with simple items like resistance bands, dumbbells and yoga mats available for under £20.

Looking for the best ways to achieve your fitness goals on a budget? Checkout out free guide.

Community and Charity Fitness Events

If you prefer to exercise with people, you’ll find loads of community and charity exercise events in your area. Parkruns are a great example, offering you the chance to enjoy a free weekly 5K with fellow runners in parks across the UK. This event is open to all fitness levels, meaning you can go at any pace you’re comfortable with. 

Many councils and community centres also offer affordable classes like Zumba or Pilates for a fraction of the cost of gym memberships.

Free Fitness Apps & Subscriptions

Apps have become a game-changer for making fitness accessible to all. Download free apps onto your phone such as the Nike Training Club or Couch to 5K which provide structured workouts for all levels. You can also take out low-cost subscriptions with apps like FitOn or the Peloton App (without the bike). These cost as little as £10/month and offer guided programmes to help you get started.

Pay-As-You-Go Options

If you enjoy the gym but don’t want a full membership, many facilities now offer pay-as-you-go day passes for a much cheaper cost. Prices for day passes range from £5–£10 per visit, perfect for occasional workouts. Some gyms also offer flexible memberships including rolling monthly plans with no cancellation fees.

The Pros of Gym Memberships

If you want access to professional equipment like machines and weights that can be difficult and expensive to replicate at home, then a gym is the ideal workout space for you. Gyms also often provide extra facilities like group classes such as spinning and HIIT as well as swimming pools, saunas and jacuzzis which are perfect for unwinding.

Gyms are also great for people with specialised goals. If you want to train specific muscles or are into bodybuilding or competitive sports, gyms provide the equipment and support you need. They also offer the chance to socialise and are ideal during the winter months when it gets too cold to work out outside.

The Cost of Gym Memberships in 2025

Gym memberships vary widely in price, from budget-friendly options to premium clubs. 

The gym you subscribe to should all depend on your needs. If you’re signed up to a pricey hotel and spa gym, keep track of how often you enjoy the luxury facilities and classes. 

If you find yourself just using the gym or a small part of what your space has on offer, switching to a budget gym may be more cost-effective. 

Budget Gyms

The Gym Group is the lowest nationwide 24/7 gym in the UK and starts at just £13.99 a month with no contract. Their standard saver membership gives you access to unlimited training with their weights and machines plus free classes.

Another budget chain, PureGym starts at just £17.99. This low-cost off-peak membership gives you access to the gym at quiet times of the day and allows you to book classes at off-peak times, 8 days in advance.

JD Gyms is also available in numerous locations across the UK, with memberships from only £21.99 per month. With this standard membership, you get access to the gym and classes 24/7 with no contract or joining fee necessary.

Premium Gyms

Higher-end options like David Lloyd or Virgin Active can set you back up to £200 a month. Although pricey, these often include access to classes from the likes of Les Mills as well as the option to book out studios and swim for free.

Hotel chains like Village Hotels also provide memberships which include access to their gym, studios and spa facilities. These can range from £40-£85, depending on the type of membership you take out.

Whichever type of membership you’d prefer, make sure you consider hidden fees. Many gyms charge joining fees of around £20–£50 and may include penalties for early cancellations.