The company, which has grown from a single site in Hull in 2014 to one of the country’s fastest-growing gym chains, has opened a flurry of new clubs this year — including major new sites in Basingstoke and Ballymena — and is preparing to launch further gyms in Chester, Enfield, Aberdeen, Gloucester and Reading over the coming months.

JD Gyms’ growth strategy focuses on large, high-specification clubs that operate around the clock. Many are situated in retail parks and repurposed commercial units — such as the former Matalan store in Aberdeen currently being redeveloped for the brand’s first North-east Scotland location. The new sites typically range from 15,000 to 35,000 square feet and feature premium equipment, strength and functional training zones and digital fitness integration, while maintaining a low-cost monthly membership model.

The expansion drive follows a strong trading year for the JD Gyms division. Parent company JD Sports reported a 5.3% rise in revenue for its fitness arm, to around £133 million in its latest financial results. The group said this growth was fuelled by price adjustments, longer opening hours, and the rollout of new sites — bringing its total from 85 to 92.

However, the push for growth has not been without challenges. Rising energy and construction costs, combined with continued investment in new facilities, led JD Gyms to post a small pre-tax loss of £29,000 in the year to February 2024. The company also recorded a £29 million impairment charge across 46 sites as part of a portfolio review intended to ensure long-term profitability.