The cost of staying fit in Liverpool can be a postcode lottery.
With some boroughs offering far cheaper access to gyms, swimming and exercise classes than others, many locals have raised questions about the affordability of keeping fit and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
The city centre typically remains the cheapest area for gym-goers. Chain gyms are mainly featured and with beginner-friendly names offering low-cost memberships, such as PureGym and JD Gyms, making exercise easily accessible for those who live centrally. A standard PureGym ‘core’ membership will set you back £20.99, significantly less than a council-run leisure centre. Not to mention the 30% discount they offer to students.
However, this isn’t the same story for those in quieter areas. With fewer competitors, independent and privately-run gyms far out from the city centre can charge more, perhaps causing a barrier to staying active. St Helen’s Go Active all-access membership sits at £31.95 a month, and with The Wirral’s Invigor 8 sitting just behind at £30.50 a month, it seems leisure centres are more costly than brand-named gyms.
The average monthly prices across boroughs illustrates this clear divide. The City Centre remains one of the most affordable areas, averaging £23.99 per month, whereas Knowsley is almost double at £46.25. Sefton, Wirral and St Helens generally fall between £30 and £40.
For many Merseyside residents in the outer boroughs, this is starting to affect their fitness.
Ellie O’Nions, a student from Sefton, said “I had to cancel my gym membership last year when prices increased. I play university football so it’s important for me to stay fit, I’ve had to start running in the local park instead of paying for the gym.”
Sefton council announced that they would be upping their gym prices last year by an average of 4%. They deemed the increase necessary in order to continue paying staff and supplier costs. Prices of swimming lessons also increased by 8%.
As many are turning to free outdoor exercises or home workouts, there is growing concern that gyms may continue becoming less accessible for the average family. With physical activity linked so closely to mental health and wellbeing, exercise is in danger of becoming a luxury. Unless costs come down, staying healthy could soon become something only the well-off can afford.
