Latest news with #PureGym
Telegraph
24-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I spend £260 a month on a gym membership – and I don't regret it'
For Generation Z, paying for a gym membership is not just a priority, it's a necessity. More than a quarter of people aged between 18 and 24 consider it so, according to research published by the credit rating service Intuit Credit Karma. Britain's young adults have been trading in nights out for early morning workouts – a preference that also sees them lambasted as the reason behind clubs closing and pubs losing profits. While gym membership in the UK is up across all generations – with a record 11.5 million adults now belonging to a gym, up 1.6 million from 2022 – the boom has been driven by younger people, according to a report from UK Active, a fitness trade body. 'For me, working out is number one priority,' says Fareedah Shardow, 24, who spends around £250 a month on fitness classes. When it comes to investing in their health and fitness, Gen Z are spending big and not regretting a thing. In 2019, Owen Willis, now 23, was working a low-paid entry-level job in marketing. His office was located in Canary Wharf and one morning he noticed a new gym had opened in the area. At the time, Willis was trying to get into fitness. He was a member at PureGym, which cost £20 per month, but he didn't really enjoy the experience of working out there. After taking a tour of the brand new Third Space location, he was instantly lured by the soft lighting and luxurious smell pumped into every room. He decided to upgrade and pay for the £190 a month membership. Despite the membership eating up 15pc of his annual salary, for Willis the pay-off was immediate. 'When I started spending that much money, I actually committed to my fitness,' he says. His mindset shifted too: 'I'm investing in my fitness journey, rather than just paying for a gym membership.' Within five months, Willis had lost five stone. 'I'm spending this much money. I have to go and work my ass off to make it worth it,' he says. Now, Willis' life fits around the gym. He goes every day, sometimes more than once per day. 'I started working out the cost per visit,' he says. 'It's so expensive to just go three times a week. That's like £30 a visit.' Over the years his membership has increased to £262, which he works out to average around £9 each visit (if he goes frequently enough). When the price of his membership first went up, Willis cancelled to try out a cheaper gym. 'It just didn't have the little luxuries,' he explains. 'The towels were old and scratchy, whereas the towels at Third Space are soft and fluffy.' He quickly came running back. In order to budget for his membership he cuts costs in other areas, mainly eating out and drinking. Instead he will socialise by taking a workout class with friends rather than going out for expensive dinners. He also chooses to cycle to work rather than taking the Tube. 'I could spend £200 a month on the Tube,' he adds. 'That's the whole membership covered if I just cycle.' People are often shocked when Willis tells them how much he spends each month on his gym membership. 'If you break it down, I actually think it's pretty cheap,' he says. 'People pay £35 to go to Pilates, £20 to go to yoga, £15 to go to a spin class ... They're actually probably spending the same, if not more, than me but just spreading it across different classes.' 'I'd rather spend £35 on a workout class than on cocktails' Shardow was looking for some more structure in her workouts than her current gym membership was offering. 'I need someone to tell me what to do,' she says. After trying out a few studios on Classpass, she fell in love with The Proud Project pilates studio and signed up for a £75 monthly membership, which is discounted as she is an ambassador. The membership includes eight classes a month, but Shardow likes to work out at least six times a week. To supplement her membership, Shardow shops around for introductory offers at other studios to make her money stretch further. These range from £30 to £50 for a three-class pack. 'I always feel like it's better value for money and hopefully – if I actually like the class – I'll come back,' says the marketing assistant. She also spends £69 a month on a Classpass membership, where she will switch between pilates, barre, spin and strength training classes at different studios. This brings Shardow's total spend each month to around £250 on her workouts. For Shardow, spending on fitness is an investment in her future self, something she is willing to budget for. She saves money which she would've spent on alcohol and going on expensive nights out. 'I have just transferred that money to working out,' she says. 'I'd rather spend £35 on a workout class than on two cocktails.' Despite her budgeting, spending this amount is only possible as Shardow is able to save by living at her family home in London. The money she saves on rent is put directly towards her workouts. 'The first thing out of my salary is always my phone bill and then my memberships,' she says. When she does eventually move out, Shardow admits she will have to be more strategic with how much she spends on gym classes, but she's confident that working out will remain a top priority for her budget. 'I've spent over £3k in preparation for an Ironman triathlon' Daisy, 27, a civil servant based in London, has always been into fitness. As a runner, however, working out has never cost her much money. That all changed this year when she signed up for her first Ironman triathlon. The feat, which involves a 2.6-mile open water swim, a 112-mile cycle and a 26.2-mile run, requires a lot of investment of both time and money. Daisy paid the £700 entry fee, purchased a bike on sale for £1,500 via her company's cycle to work scheme (which she is now paying off in monthly instalments), bought new trainers that cost £250 and her first wetsuit and trisuit, each costing over £100. After sorting her kit, Daisy invested in a training plan for £110. And, as part of her training, she also signed up for a half Ironman and a marathon, which came with entry costs of £270 and £170 respectively. To have somewhere to train, she also spends £40 a month on a gym membership and £40 a month for a summer pass to a Lido in London. The race isn't until August, but so far it has cost her upwards of £3,000 – and there's more to spend yet. 'I've tried to spread it out, so this month I'll buy one expensive thing, and then the next something else,' she explains. Just yesterday, she spent £80 on an electric bike pump. 'I'm trying to do one thing at a time, just so it's not so painful on the bank account.' Due to the cost of her training, Daisy has cut back on social plans that involve eating out and drinking. She also has prioritised her races over holidays this year. 'Rather than spending £300 to £400 on a holiday, I've spent it on fitness.' Cutting back on socialising has been necessary to save money, but Daisy also simply doesn't have the time. During the week she cycles 15km each way to and from work. Some days she will also fit in a swim in the morning before work and then either strength train at the gym or run in the evening. Saturday is her long cycle day, often totalling four or five hours, while Sunday is her long run day, taking up about two hours. Some weeks, Daisy will have one rest day. Others she won't have any. 'I was kind of prepared before starting that it would cost a lot of money and take up a lot of time,' says Daisy. However, for her, the price is worth it. 'It's something I enjoy and it's where all of my focus is going,' she adds. 'Before, I did enjoy going out and drinking but I feel like I've done that for however many years now. It's quite nice to have a different sort of routine.'
What's On
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- What's On
Beat the Heat: 24/7 gyms open all summer in Dubai
With temperatures getting ready to soar in Dubai, running outside or hitting the beach for a workout just won't be an option for a few months. Luckily, Dubai has you covered with 24/7 gyms that let you train indoors around the clock. Whether you're a night owl or an early riser, here are three top fitness centers where you can work out anytime, all summer long. GymNation GymNation is one of Dubai's most affordable and accessible gym chains, with state of the art Matrix equipment, a free weights section up to 60kg, and over 400 free group classes every month. It's ideal for everyone from beginners to serious athletes. Location: Al Quoz, Mirdif, Bur Dubai, Motor City, Silicon Oasis, and Downtown Dubai Cost: monthly packages starting from Dhs199 Contact: PureGym Known for its no frills, high value setup, PureGym offers the basics done well. You'll get 24/7 access to cardio and weight training machines, a clean and modern space, and optional personal training Location: Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba Cost: monthly packages starting from Dhs199 + joining fee Contact: AB Fitness This massive 120,000 square foot gym boasts more than 500 pieces of equipment, an indoor running track, and a view of the marina. If you're after luxury and space, this is the place. Location: Dubai Maritime City Cost: monthly packages starting from Dhs472.50 + joining fee Contact: Warehouse Gym Warehouse Gym is a bold, high-energy fitness destination known for its graffiti-covered walls, nightclub lighting, and a strong community vibe. Designed to motivate, this gym offers specialised training zones including CrossFit, Olympic lifting, cardio, and boxing, plus group classes like cycle, HIIT, and yoga. Whether you're after aesthetic goals or performance gains, WH Gym aims to deliver serious results in a seriously cool space. Location: 12 locations across Dubai Cost: Monthly packages from Dhs315 Contact: Don't miss a thing, follow What's On on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for the latest news, events and everything in between… Images: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Press and Journal
10-06-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Aldi reveals latest on Elgin supermarket move 10 months after announcing new store plans
Aldi has revealed a new timeline for plans to open an expanded store in Elgin. Last year, the discount supermarket giant said its current town centre home at Trinity Place was no longer fit for purpose. The German-founded chain has 'exhausted' options to expand the store with the site being constrained by the A96, Trinity Place, Elgin Town Hall and an SSEN substation. They wants to take two units at the Elgin Retail Park between Pure Gym and Edgar Road. A small extension would be built on the rear of the currently empty units. The unit nearest Edgar Road itself would principally be the supermarket while the one on the left would be warehouse space, a 'welfare block' and house equipment. Aldi initially announced it hoped to submit the final plans for the new store by the end of last year or early this year. They need planning permission to move into the retail park because the units were granted approval with a restriction on the amount of food they can sell. Now a spokeswoman has revealed the company still plan to open a new store with the final plans due to be submitted later this year. The floor space for customers in the new supermarket will be 50% larger than the existing location. This new Aldi supermarket will be a £3m investment and create 10 new jobs for the Elgin area. There will be wider aisles and more space for customers to move around too. The Elgin Retail Park on Edgar Road already boasts the likes of Matalan, Home Bargains, PureGym and the Food Warehouse.
Telegraph
07-06-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The six signs you're not drinking enough water
When did you last have a decent drink of water? We all know we should down more H₂O, yet the average Briton sips less than half the recommended six to eight glasses a day, shows recent research by PureGym. This doesn't just leave us feeling parched, it can put us at risk of dehydration and long-term health issues. ' Water is essential for life and plays a vital role in nearly every body process,' says Stavros A. Kavouras, a professor of nutrition and director of the Hydration Science Lab at Arizona State University. 'It helps regulate your temperature, transport nutrients, remove waste and lubricate your joints. Proper hydration aids digestion, supports kidney and heart health, and enhances physical performance.' The human body is around 60 per cent water, but we constantly lose fluid – about 2 to 2.5 litres a day – through our sweat, urine, stools and breath. Replacing that fluid regularly is crucial. 'Many of us are mildly dehydrated or 'under-hydrated' without realising it,' says Prof Kavouras. 'This can subtly, yet significantly, impact how we feel and function. More importantly, it's linked to chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and dementia, which in turn means a reduced life expectancy.' In hot weather, dehydration can escalate quickly, potentially leading to collapse or even death. The risk rises if you're older, taking multiple medications or have sickness and diarrhoea. Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for A&E admissions in the elderly. Here are the telltale symptoms to watch out for: 1. You're thirsty Feeling parched? You're already mildly dehydrated. ' Thirst is the first stage of dehydration,' says Dileep Lobo, a professor of gastrointestinal surgery at University of Nottingham, who researches fluid and electrolyte balance. 'Once you've lost two per cent of your body weight in fluid (1.4 litres for a 70kg person), it triggers receptors in the brain which make you feel thirsty. Mild dehydration can happen easily if you're out in the sun or working in a warm office and not drinking much. You lose quite a lot of water through your sweat, especially if you're not acclimatised.' At this point, dehydration is easily reversed by drinking fluids. 'If you replace the water you've lost, you'll feel better immediately,' says Prof Lobo. 'The fluid enters your bloodstream and corrects the imbalance.' Our sense of thirst declines with age, so sip water throughout the day. urine is darker Check the colour of your urine. If it's honey coloured, you need to drink more. If it's darker brown, you may be seriously dehydrated. 'Once thirst occurs, your body starts holding on to water,' explains Prof Lobo. 'Your kidneys send less water to the bladder, making your urine more concentrated.' This is a major risk factor for kidney stones. 'If you don't drink enough, your kidneys have to work really hard and this raises your risk of certain diseases, including urinary tract infections, especially if you're a woman,' adds Dr Lewis James, a reader in human nutrition at Loughborough University. Kidney function declines with age, making dehydration more likely, so keep an eye on your urine output. Ideally, you'll be passing urine about seven times a day, and it should be transparent yellow. 3. You've got brain fog The brain is 73 per cent water so your brain cells can struggle to function once you're dehydrated. 'Even a low level of dehydration can reduce cognitive skills such as memory, attention and motor coordination,' says Dr James. 'This may affect your performance whether you're working in an office, driving your car or deciding if it's safe to cross the road.' A study in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found 45 per cent of doctors and nurses were dehydrated by the end of their shifts, and their short-term memory was impaired. Just drinking a 300ml glass of water has been shown to improve memory recall. As dehydration progresses, you can become confused and disorientated. 4. Headaches Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches. As fluid leaves your brain, it can put pressure on the pain receptors and nerves in the brain's lining. The pain can worsen when you bend and turn your head or move around. Most dehydration headaches improve within an hour or two, once you've rehydrated and rested. Stay out of the sun and try putting a cool compress on your forehead. A dehydration headache can turn into migraine, so try to drink fluids even if you feel nauseous – small sips are best. 'Drinking enough water can help reduce risk of a migraine attack through dehydration,' says Pippa Coulter, health information manager for The Migraine Trust. A study in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience found migraine pain, duration and frequency was significantly lower in patients who drank more water. 5. You're tired and listless Dehydration is behind one in ten GP consultations for fatigue, according to a study of 300 GPs by the Natural Source Water Association. Regularly sipping water keeps your body and brain energised, especially if you're active. During hot weather, you can lose 1.5 to 2 litres of water an hour through sweat whether you're hiking or playing a round of golf. 'If you don't replace these fluids, your blood thickens, and your heart has to work harder to maintain your blood pressure and oxygen levels,' warns Prof Lobo. As we age, dehydration can make daily life exhausting. 'An 80-year-old who weighs 40kg (88 lb) and loses bodyweight through fluids is more likely to feel the effects,' says Prof Lobo. ' Our research shows that older adults, admitted to hospital with dehydration, stay in for longer and have a 6 per cent higher mortality rate.' 6. You feel dizzy and faint 'Once you've lost four per cent of your bodyweight in fluid, sweating becomes difficult and your temperature rises, putting you at risk of overheating,' says Prof Lobo. 'Blood pressure drops, and you can become dizzy or faint.' This is 'moderate dehydration' and you should seek medical advice. Oral electrolyte solutions can help but sometimes an IV drip is needed. Without treatment, dehydration can progress to 'severe' (a 7 per cent loss of bodyweight) within 24 hours. It's now a medical emergency. 'The body reduces blood flow to non-vital organs, like your kidneys,' says Prof Lobo. 'Cellular waste builds up, organ damage can occur and, without intervention, you may eventually suffer seizures or collapse.' Multi-organ failure, coma and even death can follow. Hot weather can accelerate the process, so always carry water and seek shade if you feel tired or light-headed. FAQs How much water should I drink a day? 'Your body needs around two litres of fluid a day,' says Johanna Hignett, consultant nutritionist. 'Some of that comes from food, such as fruit and vegetables, so aim to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water (about six to eight 250 ml glasses). If you're very active or it's hot, your fluid needs rise.' Tea and coffee do count. 'The diuretic effect of the caffeine is offset by the fluid content – research shows up to four cups of coffee (400mg caffeine) a day is ok,' says Hignett. 'Milk counts too – it's over 80 per cent water – as does fruit juice, but plain water is best because it's absorbed directly and contains no calories or sugar.' Is it better to drink cold or room temperature water? 'It doesn't matter what temperature your drinking water is,' says Hignett. 'It warms up in your stomach to body temperature.' Drinking warm or hot water is said to aid digestion and circulation. Chilled water feels refreshing so may quench your thirst and cool you more in summer. Is tap water safe to drink? UK tap water is some of the safest in the world. It must meet standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and the latest report (2023) shows a quality rating of 99.97 per cent. 'The taste of tap water depends on where you live,' says Hignett. 'If you're not keen on it, try flavouring it with fresh herbs or fruit slices, or try natural source waters, like mineral or spring water.' Should I drink water before, after or during exercise? 'If you're exercising for up to an hour, you can be guided by thirst,' says Dr James. 'Ensure you're hydrated before you start, then a drink afterwards may be sufficient.' For longer sessions, you may need to top up with water or a sports drink while you exercise. 'You can calculate your fluid losses by weighing yourself before and after your session,' says Dr James. 'If you've lost half a kilo and drunk half a litre during your workout, you've lost about a litre of sweat, so aim to replace that fluid over the day, on top of what you'd normally drink.' Is it possible to drink too much water? 'It's rare, but it can happen,' says Hignett. 'If you drink large amounts in a short time, your cells become too dilute (hyponatremia) meaning essential minerals, such as sodium and potassium, can't perform their functions. Your kidneys struggle, your cells swell and you can get confusion, cramps, vomiting, seizures and, in extreme cases, coma or death. This is why it's important to drink little and often.' Our kidneys can process about a litre of water an hour, so avoid exceeding that. When's the best time to drink water? 'Drinking little and often keeps your fluid levels steady, rather than the balance going one way, then the other,' says Hignett. 'Waiting until you're thirsty, then drinking lots of water, makes your body think it's well hydrated, so it excretes more. This happens when you have a cup of tea before bed, then wake up in the night needing the bathroom.' Don't avoid drinking for fear of needing the loo – concentrated urine aggravates the bladder, exacerbating the problem. 'Just drink regularly so your body gets used to it,' says Hignett. Research shows that drinking 500ml water before a meal can aid weight loss by preventing overeating. It's also thought to help digestion. Can food count towards your fluid intake? 'Up to a third of the water we consume comes from food,' says Prof Lobo. Fruit and vegetables are good sources of water, as are soups, stews and porridge cooked with milk or water. Cucumbers, tomatoes and broccoli are over 90% water. 'Look for squishy fruits, such as melon and strawberries,' says Hignett. 'Anything that doesn't freeze well will have a high-water content.' Does alcohol cause dehydration? Although alcohol contains water, it's a diuretic, making you need the loo more and so you'll lose extra fluid. 'If you want an alcoholic drink, a spritz is a sensible choice,' says Hignett. 'Adding sparkling water can help hydrate you, and it means you'll drink a bit less alcohol, fewer calories and less sugar. Beer with less than four per cent alcohol can hydrate you, but I don't recommend it! Try to alternate each alcoholic drink with water.' Can medication cause dehydration? 'Some antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like Prozac) and weight-loss drugs (GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic) can suppress thirst, potentially increasing risk of dehydration,' says Professor Kavouras.
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
'Number one' exercise that burns the most calories unveiled - and it may surprise you
Exercise is crucial for managing weight, maintaining heart health, and enhancing overall well-being The 'number one' exercise that burns the most calories has been revealed. Burning calories through activities such as exercise is crucial for managing weight, maintaining heart health, and enhancing overall well-being. It aids in weight loss by establishing a calorie deficit, lowering the risk of chronic illnesses, and boosting both physical and mental health. Despite regularly exercising being one of the best activities for good health, less than half of the people in the UK exercise (48%), according to PureGym data. However, with the peak holiday season approaching and summer on the way, gyms are poised to get more crowded. Summer is the most popular season to work out, studies show, with 45% of people keeping active, much higher than in winter, where 76% of Brits admit they steer clear of exercise. Whether you are new to the gym or not, knowing the most effective workouts can be confusing. With that in mind, the weight loss specialists at ZAVA have revealed the exercises that burn the most calories, reports Surrey Live. Exercises that burn the most calories. Exercises that burn the most calories Rank Exercise Calories (Kcal) burned per 10 min (Male) Calories (Kcal) burned per 10 min (Female) 1 Running curved treadmill, 7.0 to 7.9 mph 184 155 =2 Skipping 168 142 =2 Rowing - stationary 168 142 =2 Shuttle running 168 142 =2 High-intensity interval exercises (HIIT) 168 142 3 Bicycling - stationary 165 139 =4 Ski ergometer 161 135 =4 Slide board exercise 161 135 5 Kettlebell swings 150 126 6 Therapeutic exercise ball, Fitball exercise 145 122 =7 Stair climber 142 120 =7 Boxing, simulated boxing round, exercise 142 120 =8 Elliptical trainer 138 116 =8 Jumping rope - Digi-Jump Machine 138 116 =8 Impulse Training System 138 116 9 Pound 130 109 10 122 103 The experts at ZAVA have revealed that the exercise which burns the most calories per 10 minutes is running on a curved treadmill at 7-7.9mph. This exercise burns 184 calories for men and 155 for women. The speed is a 'sweet spot' as dropping down to 4-4.9mph reduces calories burnt by 77 on average. While it may seem surprising that curved treadmills offer better benefits than regular flat treadmills, they are seen as superior. This is largely due to the fact that they are self-powered, mimicking a more natural running experience and increasing calorie burn, muscle engagement of glutes, hamstrings and calves with a lower impact on joints. In joint second place with 168 calories burnt in 10 minutes for men and 142 for women are skipping, shuttle running, high intensity interval training (HIIT) and rowing on a machine. Skipping rope exercises are a fantastic way to burn calories with minimal equipment, and one that you can do at home with just a rope - 168 calories burnt in 10 minutes for men and 142 for women. Skipping is a fantastic exercise that can get your heart pumping, build muscle, strength and explosiveness, increase endurance, and even improve balance and coordination. It is an exercise that can be easily tailored to your skill and energy levels. It is suitable for all ages and has even been shown to boost bone density. A small study in 2015 involving women aged between 25-50 found that those who skipped twice a day saw significant improvement in hip bone density after eight weeks. Rowing is another great option, burning 168 calories in 10 minutes for men and 142 for women. This full-body exercise helps improve heart health, endurance, muscle strength and can even enhance posture. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) also burns the same amount of calories. This form of exercise involves short bursts of intense activity and can be done alone or in classes with individual movements such as burpees, mountain climbers, and squat jumps. Research suggests that your metabolic rate is higher after HIIT workouts. The workout can also increase your VO2 max - the maximum amount of oxygen your body can absorb and use during exercise, a great way to indicate an individual's aerobic capacity. Shuttle runs are another effective exercise, also burning 168 calories in 10 minutes for men and 142 for women. Shuttle runs are popular with individuals and athletes looking to improve acceleration, deceleration, speed and aerobic health. The 20m shuttle run, also known as the beep test, is commonly used as an assessment for physically demanding jobs as an indicator of VO2 max. Popular exercises such as yoga and Pilates are among the least efficient in burning calories, with men burning 35 and 43 calories respectively in 10 minutes, and women burning 30 and 36. Despite these popular exercises not burning a high number of calories, they are crucial tools used by many to enhance core strength, flexibility and have significant benefits for mental health. Some exercises are more suitable for some than others. Consult your GP if you have any queries about your fitness.
