Gyms and Fitness centres

Gyms have everything you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle at your fingertips. There's no better place to exercise and keep fit than at a fitness centre which boasts fully equipped gyms, studios and swimming pools all in one place. Also known as health clubs or fitness centres, gyms provide both the equipment and environment needed for you to shape up in style. Even if you're not a regular gym enthusiast, you’ll have heard of some of the best known fitness centres in the UK such as Virgin Active, Fitness First,Cannons and LA Fitness.

Many fitness centres also have beauty salon facilities, offering beauty and spa treatments to make sure you look as good as you feel after your workout. Steam rooms and saunas are also common, as are jacuzzis and tanning beds. So whether you're a treadmill runner or you enjoy the slower pace of yoga, a fitness centre is bound to have something to take your fancy.

Most fitness centres offer a range of exercise classes to keep you moving, including aqua aerobics, pilates, spinning, kickboxing, ballet and circuit training. These are usually bookable in advance or you can turn up on the day. Fitness centres' main feature is generally the gym, complete with both cardio equipment and free weights for everyone to use, from body builders to those trying to lose some pounds. If you're serious about your goals, most clubs also provide personal training services to give you the motivation you need, as well as handy swimming lessons for both adults and children.

Whether you enjoy a morning swim or go to every class that's on offer, gyms and fitness centres have membership options available to suit your needs. While most will also offer a Pay-As-You-Go scheme in which you pay per activity, per visit, it's probably in your best interests to join as a member to get the most out of your money. Look out for penny-saving offers such as student deals or promotional discounts when you sign up.

Fitness centres aren't just for the fit, six-pack yielding exercise fanatics, so don't expect to feel intimidated by tanned models flexing their biceps. Many members of fitness centres stick to one activity such as swimming or yoga, whereas others may be on a health kick and trying everything that's available. Clubs also often provide injury clinics and sports massage, as well as rehabilitation services to get you back into shape after health problems. Gyms will always provide an induction to show you the know-how of all the machines, and can give you a personalised fitness programme to help you plan your workout to its full potential - so you'll have no excuses to not be active!