Covid concerns are no longer the biggest threat to gym usage in the UK, with customers more concerned by potential price increases as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.

That’s according to a survey of more than 2,900 gym goers carried out by Hussle in January 2023.  57% of people said they would decrease their gym visits if prices were increased, compared to just 5% of people that would limit their gym usage due to ongoing concerns about Covid.

A further 21% of gym goers said that the closure or restriction of facilities such as pool and spa areas would decrease their gym usage.

A North / South Divide?

According to the survey the North West of England is the UK region that is the most sensitive to increased gym prices with 64% claiming that they would decrease their gym usage if prices went up, slightly higher than the second most sensitive area which was the North East of England (63%).

Although gym goers in Greater London and South East England also cited price increases as their biggest concern (56% and 54% respectively), these regions appear to be slightly more resilient than the north of England.

Age and Gender Differences

In terms of gender differences, women are more sensitive than men with 60% saying price increases would deter them from going to the gym compared to 55% of men.

Unsurprisingly the age group that were most concerned about price was the 16-20 age range (64% would go to the gym less), whilst the least sensitive were those aged between 41-50 (53%).

Covid over?

In total, only 5% of gym goers remain worried about Covid reducing their gym usage with Wales the most sensitive region of the UK (8% of respondents) and the 41-50 age group (7%).

A Critical Moment for the Fitness Industry

Such price sensitivity comes at a critical moment for the health and fitness sector with gym operators calling on the Government to extend support for venues struggling with the dramatically increased energy costs required to heat facilities like swimming pools.

Fitness industry trade body, ukactive, has repeatedly warned that an increasing number of fitness venues may be forced to limit or close access to pools and spas to manage operating costs as energy bills continue to spiral.

However, decisions like this are not risk free given that the survey of 2,900 gym goers suggests that the restriction or closure of pool and spa facilities is the second most likely reason (21%) for customers to reduce their gym usage in 2023.

Gym goers over the age of 50 were most likely to visit the gym less if facilities were restricted (29% of respondents compared to just 10% of 16-20 year olds).