Gym membership grows by 20 per cent
GYM membership at a leisure centre in Cheltenham has grown by 20 per cent in the last year.
People looking to get fit have swamped Leisure@Cheltenham, with more than 4,500 people using the different facilities at the centre in December.
More than 230 new people have signed up to use the gym in the last year, which brings its current gym membership to about 1,400 people.
Membership options include contracted, non-contracted, and one month only options.
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There is also a pay-as-you-go system, which allows visitors to use the facilities without becoming a member.
Stephen Petherick, general manager at the centre, which is run by Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "Unlike many facilities we are open to members and non members alike. We will be offering some new personal training, which will help people get fit.
"If you are making a commitment, the only way you are successful is to have achievable goals and to improve on these goals over time.
"We want to help people achieve their fitness goals for the new year with our programmes and activities."
He cited spinning, Zumba, body combat and circuit training classes as their most popular classes.
He added that all the studios and halls at the leisure centre had been resurfaced for the new year.
Stephen said: "We will have some new groups, and let our personal trainers use different methods and get creative.
"We want to be encouraging families to come down and be active.
"One adult can bring in up to five kids for free, so it is a great incentive for the entire family to get together."
The leisure centre is opening its doors to visitors hoping to try their activities for free next weekend.
Called the Back to Basics, the January launch starts next Friday with a body combat class at 6pm.
There will be a circuit training class at 9am on Saturday, with activities running until 12.15pm.
Sunday's classes will run from 9.30am for people hoping to try spin cycling.
They finish at 5.30pm with yoga. Interested visitors can get tickets at 01242 528 764.
OPINION, P8
Comments
by Coingrass
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 7:50PM
“Quote: We are a unique service to Cheltenham and on average the operating subsidy equates to £6.50 per person per year. Unquote.
I'm not sure what the definition of an 'operating subsidy' is, but the fact is that in 2011-2012 the leisure centre's income was £1,464,000 and its expenditure was £3,084,000 leaving a deficit of £1,620,000. Divide that loss by the total population of Cheltenham ie 114,000 and it works out at £14.21 per person. Per taxpayer it would be much higher. It also means that each one of those 600,000 visits costs the taxpayer £2.70.
As a regular user, I think that leisure@cheltenham does a great job, is a valuable asset to the community and is worth its large subsidy - for which I'm very grateful - but non-users may think differently.”
by petherick175
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 3:15PM
“Hi there the article doesn't actually reflect what was said in context nor in content. Our annual footfall is in excess of 600000 visits, we delivered a lesson to over 128000 individuals last year in swimming or gymnastics or trampolining or badminton. We work with all Cheltenham GP surgeries and some from neighbouring authorities, the wider nhs, university of Gloucestershire, teacher training, clinical rehabilitation a number of charities, clubs and groups. We are a unique service to Cheltenham and on average the operating subsidy equates to £6.50 per person per year, we still provide free swimming for under 16s, discounted swims for as little as £1 to pensioners, students, u16, disabled, medically referred and low income groups. As a public service we are valued by both the customers, groups and organisations that use us. And yes our membership has grown 20% in the last 12 months amongst other things we do.”
by greg_leisure
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 2:46PM
“very misleading, actual logged footfall for December was 17,655, not 4500 which is around the amount of customers signed up to memberships/cards for the center. The center reduces its subsidy each year on year and many gyms do not allow pay and play access for gym/swim/spa or classes.”
by Coingrass
Friday, January 04 2013, 4:38PM
“4,500 people visiting in a month works out at 150 a day or 15 an hour - more like a trickle than a swamping. Still, any increase is welcome if it helps to reduce the massive taxpayer-subsidised loss that the leisure centre runs at each year.”
by AndyPrestbury
Friday, January 04 2013, 9:16AM
“"Unlike many facilities we are open to members and non members alike." Nice soundbite there Mr Petherick, but pretty much untrue. Nearly all of gyms in the town offer entry to non-members.”