The beast from the east is back in his cage, and for many, the change of season has launched us back into the gym to get ready for summer. Question is: did you hit the launch pad?

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If you’re in north London, the answer should be a resounding yes. With 200 buildings and one million memberships across the UK, PureGym is planning to more than double the number of its sites within the next decade. Rivals Highbury’s Fit4Less centre and Holloway’s CrossFit Evolving are putting up a fierce battle to also attract fitness fanatics this summer.

 

Born in 2009, weighing in from £20 (a month), PureGym needs no introduction. The low-cost fitness chain has been sweeping across the nation, providing affordable workout zones without the burden of being tied into a long-term contract. Now it’s one of the biggest fitness companies in the country.

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Situated on the corner of Liverpool Road, Fit4Less has personal trainers inside stylish studios offering “efficient facilities”, according to fitness instructor Lewis Smith – and you couldn’t blame him for saying so.

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“It’s busy now with summer coming up. Everyone is looking forward to it; to go out and enjoy the sun,” says the 21-year-old. “I’m training here after my shifts because I play a lot of football and I’m an athlete. I wanted to work on my strength and the services on offer can help me achieve that.”

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CrossFit Evolving – next to Holloway Road tube station – attracts a “busy” population with summertime looming, and Coach and Personal Trainer Alex Carter says it can be packed out from 7am to 7pm weekday evenings.

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“Saturdays are also getting very busy now, especially from 9-12,” he says. “The facilities here are great for those readying up for summer. For me, it’s my main hobby just to stay fit and healthy,” the 31-year-old says.

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At PureGym in Finsbury Park, 25-year-old Assistant Manager Torie Sonson says a “diverse culture” is one feature which makes the atmosphere at PureGym so unique. The centre boasts on its website that it has ‘quality facilities’, which is also something Torie says stands out.

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“The gym is really busy and very popular; our trainers go out of their way to provide a great service. We have a very different atmosphere here,” says Torie.

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“With over 220+ quality pieces of equipment, over 50+ free classes per week, this is why Pure Gym is expanding because everyone loves it! 

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“We are creating more opportunities for personal trainers to expand on their businesses. Going out and expanding internationally has a positive influence on the fitness industry and sticks out our values.”

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Twenty-seven year old Ollie McCarthy uses the Finsbury Park site on a regular basis. “It’s the closest, largest gym to where I live and I work with a PT [Personal Trainer]. As for the facilities, they’ve got at least one of everything to use which is good – there’s a lot of equipment available,” he says. 

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With domestic and international expansion impending, PureGym seem to have discovered an efficient formula for their fitness fanatics. Fit4Less in Highbury can ensure you get fit for less this holiday season whilst CrossFit Evolving are providing high quality training.

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​“There’s plenty of gyms to sign up to in Islington,” says Alex.

 

In other words, no excuses to get out there now, people.

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