Visiting the UK? 8 Things You Should Know About the Gyms

UK gyms have a lot to offer and can provide an ideal environment to help you reach your goals. From 24-hour fitness centres to yoga and martial arts studios, you can choose from plenty of options, as all these options have great gym equipment for training.

This means you’ll need to know quite a bit about these locations if you want to use them properly. Easy enough if you’re a UK resident, but as a visitor, things can get confusing very quickly.

If you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to stay active while on your trip to the UK, it’s important to know all the best ways to stay in shape. Which gym memberships should you get? Are there any gym etiquettes that are different in Europe? Or should you skip a gym altogether and enjoy a workout in the park?

This post answers all these questions and more. Let’s get into it.

1. Membership Options are Pretty Straightforward

This one is something of a softball because membership options in the UK are similar to what you have around the world. Most gyms in the UK will require you to sign a contract and pay a set fee each month. This usually includes access to all facilities and discounts on classes, personal training sessions, and merchandise.

Another option is a pay-as-you-go membership. This membership allows you to pay only for the days and times you plan to use the gym. This is ideal, especially if you’re only going to be around for a short time. Pay-as-you-go memberships are typically cheaper than traditional contracts. However, they also don’t come with any discounts. 

If you’re on a short visit, a pay-as-you-go membership is better for you. However, if you see yourself visiting the same gym for multiple weeks, just get a standard monthly contract because you’ll save more.

2. Gym Passes Can Save You Money

Gym passes are a great way to access many gyms and fitness classes without committing to a single one or paying for multiple memberships. These passes offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to try different gyms and fitness classes at different times. 

Also, with a gym pass, you can choose from a range of gym types and pay an upfront fee for access to multiple gyms for a while. The different types of gym passes vary in cost, duration and features. 

Some allow you to access all gyms across the UK for a single fee, while others might be more limited in terms of which gyms you can use and for how long. Some passes even offer discounts on personal training sessions or special promotions.

Be sure to look out for gym passes and explore before you commit to any membership.

3. Gym Etiquette is Important

If you’ve ever had to use a machine after someone who sweats a lot, you know just how important gym etiquette can be. It’s interesting because many of these aren’t spoken rules. Instead, they are born out of consideration for the other people who have to use the gym.

Some of the gym etiquettes to keep in mind include the following:

• Avoid hogging gym equipment
• Rerack your weight so that the next person can easily find them
• Always bring a towel and wipe your sweat off the floor mat, barbells and machines after use
• Personal space still matters in a gym
• Avoid loud and distracting noises. Use headphones if you have to.

4. It’s Quite Easy to Find a Personal Trainer

If you’ve ever worked with a personal trainer, you know that they offer instrumental guidance on your way to your fitness goals. They can help keep you motivated and consistent. 

The good news is that most medium to large UK gyms will have in-house personal trainers. Even better, some gyms offer free consultations with personal trainers, which helps you to know them and their style before committing. Also, they provide personalised workouts and advice tailored to your individual fitness goals.

Now if you’re a personal trainer looking to set up shop and score some personal training leads, you’ll find a ton of support in UK gyms too.

Everything from word-of-mouth referrals and online platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook can help you gain more clients. You just have to be willing to put in the work.

Other Fun Ways to Stay in Shape in the UK

Even though gyms are the go-to facilities for staying in shape, there are many other options available to you. If you’re looking for other exciting ways to stay in shape while in the UK consider choosing an outdoor activity. The UK has something for everyone, from hikes and biking trails to national parks and rock climbing.

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Rock Climbing

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for a challenging activity to stay in shape while visiting the UK, climbing is the perfect option. Climbing offers a range of benefits for fitness enthusiasts, from improved coordination and strength to improved balance and flexibility. 

Thankfully, the UK is home to a wide variety of stunning climbing locations with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. 

2. Cycling

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the UK and stay fit. Whether you prefer a leisurely cycle or a more challenging route, you’ll be able to find something that suits your abilities and interests. 

If you’re looking for a classic British cycling experience, why not ride along some famous canal towpaths? They offer the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and many are incredibly peaceful and scenic.

For something a little more extreme, head to Snowdon in Wales and tackle some of the area’s steep inclines and descents? The terrain may be rugged, but the rewards of reaching the summit are worth it. Whichever route you decide to take, don’t forget your bike helmet – cycling can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions!

3. Kayaking

Another fun way to stay fit while visiting the United Kingdom is kayaking. It’s a full-body workout that helps build muscle strength and improve balance and coordination. Also, it’s an incredibly calming experience as beautiful sights, and sounds surround you.

When choosing a place to kayak, make sure to research the water conditions before you head out. Paddling in currents or on windy days can be dangerous and should be avoided. 

You should also wear a life jacket and bring plenty of drinking water. Finally, if you don’t feel comfortable kayaking alone, many guided kayaking tours are available throughout the UK. 

Speaking of Kayaking with guidance, non-traditional fitness activities like Kayaking are a great way for PTs to keep personal training clients motivated, especially if both parties are comfortable in a Kayak.

4. Running

Filled with scenic jogging trails and paths, the UK provides the perfect environment for a quick run. It’s the ideal way to stay in shape while on holiday! 

Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll through the countryside or a challenging run up a mountain, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Jogging is also a great way to explore the local towns and cities, so why not get out there and explore the UK on foot?

To Wrap It Up

Visiting the UK is a great way to get an up close and personal look at some of the world’s most stunning landscapes and cultures. With so many activities to do, staying fit during your trip is easy. 

If you’re hitting the gym, remember to maintain gym etiquette and use gym passes to explore different gyms. Also, this article highlights various outdoor activities you can enjoy if you love the outdoors.