The Group Gym Review

With National Gym Memberships down according to The Telegraph there seems to be an awful lot of new budget gyms popping up everywhere. Pure Gym, Exercise4Less, The Gym Group and soon to be added to that list is Mike Ashleys Sports Direct Gyms. With Memberships ranging from £5 to £20 who could turn down an opportunity to actually afford it for once, and this is probably why there is such a push for these budget gyms at the moment. I have a feeling that this declining figure will soon be on the rise again and the more expensive gyms will be in fear of the new 'budget' Brands taking over the market.

I recently went down to the newly opened The Gym Group in Gosforth Newcastle to have a sneak peak at the new facilities and to see what you can get for bargain £12.99 a month.

First impressions are everything and instead of a normal reception area, there are glass booths you can go into to enter the gym, disabled access is also available at all of their gyms. Each member gets his or hers pincode to enter the gym, which allows the booth to open and for you to be transported into the otherside...very Austin Powers like.

There was a steady stream of people going in and out of the gym but with anything brand new and technical there was a few glitches and some customers who's Pincode didn't work were left waiting until a member of staff allowed them in.  I am presuming it was a teething problem due to this being opening week. The Gym Group already have over 60 gyms Nationwide and more opening soon (including another one opening in Newcastle City Centre next to The Gate) so this concept must be working.

The gym is all on the ground level and it is humongous! It has a great energy when you walk in, and you feel like everyone is there to work hard, unlike some other gyms where people only go to socialise and walk on the treadmill at 2MPH.

To the far left is the Olympic Weight Lifting and Free Weights section, with large mirrors along with wall, it allows for you to look at your form and technique. Im big on this, no it's not because I like looking at myself in front of a mirror but when lifting 65kg's and up...technique is everything...something slightly out of line and injuries do happen. There are also lots of machine weights too if you're just a beginner.

The Cardiovascular section is also fantastic. Treadmills, Cross Trainers, Bikes, Spin Bikes, Steppers and Rowers, theres plenty to choose from. Plasma screen TV's surround the gym so you don't get bored and with so much equipment even in peak times there was plenty still available.

Also available is a section for TRX and Core Training, Plyometric boxes, Kettlebells, Slambags, Swiss Balls and plenty of Personal Trainers to help you out too.


There is a wide range of classes available throughout the day and week. Just like all of The Gym Groups classes these take part in the gym. The only slight downside I can see to this is that for the body conscious or for anyone who gets embarrassed easily they might not like the idea of doing a class in front of the whole gym. The classes available at the Gosforth Gym include Spinning, HIIT, Bootcamp, Circuits, Tabata, LBT (legs, bums, tums) Boxerfit, Stretch& Relax, Abs, Suspension Training, Insanity, Pump and Kettlebells. So with a variety to choose from theres something for everyone.

In conclusion I would say The Gym Group have a fantastic concept here.  No tie in contracts and you can have a duel membership, so you can visit more than just one location (good news there is another Gym Group already open in Heaton) also they offer Corporate Memberships, great for looking after your staffs health and wellbeing. A word of caution, parking can be difficult in this area. However the gym is more suited and positioned for locals and people working in the area rather than someone who will drive into the location.

With a great variety of classes and equipment, it makes it easier to mix up your workout so you don't get bored and stuck in the same routine. Most of their Gyms are 24hours, fab for shift workers who don't normally get an opportunity to be a member of the gym, the Gosforth Site isn't 24hours but open all week from 7am till 11pm.

The low cost budget gyms are definitely taking over and dominating the industry now, with £12.99 a month membership you really can't go wrong! Big thumbs up from me for value-for-money and product offering.

Stace