Gym-loving Brits have healthier bank accounts in lockdown

UK fitness enthusiasts are saving up to £90 a month on average during lockdown whilst still getting their fitness fix for free.

Experts from financial website The Money Pig have found that the average gym membership in the UK comes in at around £40 per month and the UK average cost of a personal training session is £50.

Following stricter social distancing and self-isolation measures since March, gyms up and down the country froze members’ direct debit payments.

Fitness fanatics are now enjoying no financial expenditure as they turn to free live-streamed classes on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to keep themselves, and their bank balance healthy.

A spokesperson for The Money Pig said: “Technology is helping to alleviate some of the pressure health and fitness businesses are currently dealing with.

“Through a smartphone or computer, Brits can work out in the comfort of their own home making a saving of up to £90 per month.

“The great thing about free guided workouts for everyone is that you can do as much as you like, when you like, and spend what you like.

“How much money Brits save depends on how much exercise they do a month.

“If they have one personal training session a week that’s up to £240 per month saved.

Joe Wicks is doing free 30-minute personal training PE workouts daily.

“If you do this every weekday and just take the average cost for 30 mins PT session, you’re in theory saving £125 a week.”

Whilst there is a wealth of free resources, many personal trainers are facing financial difficulties from a lack of paying customers.

Often self-employed, The Money Pig research found that many freelance personal trainers, gyms and studios are charging for more personalised, bespoke sessions, and also streaming live workouts via Instagram and Zoom.

These can be paid for individually or via a membership.

These prices can start from £2 for a 45-minute workout, proving to still be highly cost-effective.