Cash-strapped gym junkies switching to leisure centres

COUNCIL leisure centres can expect a resurgence of interest in their cheaper services from people forced to abandon costly work-outs in private gyms.

Researchers today predict an extra eight million admissions to leisure centres as the health-conscious search for cheaper ways to exercise.

Market research company Mintel predicts that revenue in the private gym sector will fall by three per cent to £2.6 billion this year, and 100,000 people will cancel memberships.

It expects revenue at public leisure centres to increase by £30 million.

Matt King, a leisure analyst at Mintel, said: "Operators of private health and fitness clubs are probably among those companies with most to worry about as the recession hits the UK. Trading down to local authority leisure centres is one option, while consumers can also consider running or cycling."