The Gym Group Facilities and Equipment in the UK: What to Expect from Your Local Gym
With more than 230 gyms across the UK, The Gym Group is known for combining affordability with quality. But what can you actually expect when you walk into one of their locations?
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, this guide will help you understand the equipment, layout, and extra amenities that make up your typical Gym Group facility.
What Kind of Equipment Does The Gym Group Offer?
The Gym Group provides a broad range of equipment suitable for cardio, resistance, strength, and functional training. Here’s a breakdown:
Cardio Machines
Expect a solid lineup of modern cardio equipment, including:
- Treadmills
- Cross trainers
- Rowing machines
- Stair climbers
- Stationary and spin bikes
These machines are from trusted manufacturers like Matrix, Life Fitness, and Technogym, providing durability and digital integration (e.g., screen workouts, heart rate monitoring).
Free Weights
The free weights section is spacious and includes:
- Dumbbells (typically up to 50kg)
- Barbells and Olympic plates
- Flat, incline, and decline benches
- Squat racks and half-racks
- Smith machines
Whether you’re into bodybuilding, powerlifting, or general strength training, this area is well-equipped.
Resistance Machines
You’ll also find resistance machines for targeted muscle groups, such as:
- Chest press
- Lat pulldown
- Leg press
- Pec deck
- Seated row
- Abdominal crunch
These machines are great for beginners or anyone focusing on hypertrophy or controlled movement patterns.
Is the Equipment Well-Maintained and Up to Date?
Yes The Gym Group consistently scores well for equipment upkeep and gym cleanliness. Maintenance teams perform regular checks, and members can report issues directly through The Gym Group app (download for iOS | Android).
If you ever encounter damaged or out-of-service equipment, it’s usually fixed within 48 hours. Many gyms recently upgraded equipment fleets post-2020 to meet modern training demands.
Does The Gym Group Have a Functional Training Area?
Most locations include a functional training zone, designed for versatile, dynamic workouts. Expect to find:
| Functional Equipment | Uses |
|---|---|
| Kettlebells & Medicine Balls | Explosive strength, conditioning |
| Plyo boxes | Jump training, agility |
| Battle ropes | Full-body cardio/strength |
| TRX straps & Suspension rigs | Bodyweight strength |
| Resistance bands | Mobility and light resistance |
| Sled tracks (select gyms) | Conditioning, strength drills |
These spaces are ideal for circuit training, CrossFit-style workouts, or warm-ups.
Are There Swimming Pools, Saunas, or Steam Rooms?
No The Gym Group does not offer swimming pools, saunas, or steam rooms. The focus remains on affordability and essential fitness equipment. For members who prefer basic, no-frills gyms with 24/7 access, this trade-off often makes sense.
If you’re looking for wellness extras, alternatives like David Lloyd, Nuffield Health, or Bannatyne Health Clubs may be more suitable, though typically at higher price points.
What Amenities Are Available? Showers, Changing Rooms, Lockers, and Towels
Despite its budget-friendly model, The Gym Group covers the basics well.
| Amenity | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Showers | ✅ Yes | Private cubicles; bring your own towel |
| Changing rooms | ✅ Yes | Gender-specific; some gyms also offer accessible options |
| Lockers | ✅ Yes | Use your own padlock or digital locks in newer locations |
| Towels provided | ❌ No | You must bring your own; towel service is not included |
| Hairdryers | ✅ Yes (most) | Available in most locations; limited outlets |
Some LIVE IT memberships include access to additional amenities such as multi-gym access and advanced class bookings. Learn more at The Gym Group Memberships.
Additional Facilities: Group Classes and Support
While The Gym Group operates on a self-service model, many locations offer free or add-on fitness classes as part of their group training programmes.
Class Categories Include:
- HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
- Strength & Conditioning
- Legs, Bums & Tums (LBT)
- Yoga and Stretching
- Spin/Cycle classes (at select locations)
- Core-focused sessions
Class offerings vary by gym. You can book and view the schedule using The Gym Group app or check your local timetable via Find a Gym.
Note: Some classes are included with all memberships, while others are exclusive to LIVE IT members or require additional booking fees.
Conclusion
The Gym Group offers a comprehensive and modern training environment without the premium cost. With reliable cardio and strength equipment, functional zones, and essential facilities like showers and lockers, it strikes a great balance between affordability and practicality.
While you won’t find spa-style extras like saunas or pools, the wide availability of machines, 24/7 access, and class options make it a popular choice for gym-goers of all levels across the UK.
