Growth of micro-gyms fills gaps in high street

More than 1,000 independent health clubs have opened on high streets and in shopping centres since 2019

- Sarah Butler

Independent fitness centres offering activities from pilates to boxing are jumping in to fill the gaps on UK high streets amid a surge of interest in local alternatives to big gyms.

More than 1,000 independent health clubs have opened on high streets, shopping centres and retail parks since 2019, an increase of a third, data shows, with almost four a week opening in the past year.

Research by Green Street, previously Local Data Company, for the Guardian found the centres had set up in former fashion and furniture stores or charity shops as landlords proved willing to look at alternatives to retail or food outlets because of high vacancy rates.

Separate figures from high street analysts at Experian indicate independent health clubs, such as centres offering pilates or CrossFit, have been growing faster than sports facilities such as football and boxing clubs.