From Empty Shops to Active Spaces: The Rise of Independent Gyms on the UK High Street

Here is a great example of entrepreneurialism sparking an increase in market contestability. The UK’s high streets are witnessing a fresh wave of activity, but this time it’s not the latest fashion store or coffee shop. Since 2019, over 1,000 independent gyms and fitness studios have opened across the country, transforming empty retail spaces into vibrant hubs for health, wellness, and community connection. These small-scale fitness centres, offering everything from yoga to CrossFit, are stepping in to fill gaps left by vacant shops, meeting a new demand for accessible local alternatives to big gym chains.

The pandemic reshaped work and lifestyle routines, with more people now working from home and looking for nearby workout options. Independent gyms are meeting this need, often setting up in former fashion stores, travel agents, and even charity shops, which landlords are more open to filling with alternative services to combat high vacancy rates. David Minton of LeisureDB observes that “mini-gyms” are rapidly increasing as they cater to locals’ preference for more personalized and accessible fitness services.

The change in planning regulations has also helped accelerate this trend, allowing fitness entrepreneurs like Max Henderson of Hotpod Yoga to transform old retail spaces into 60 fitness studios across the UK. Henderson notes, “The kind of death of the high street has almost meant the amount of availability has really shot up,” allowing independent businesses to thrive in areas once dominated by big brands.

Social media has played a key role too. Entrepreneurs are using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to build fan bases and bring in new members. Nancy Naylor, founder of Her, a women-only fitness studio in Berkhamsted, shares how her gym became a community space where women can feel comfortable and included: “I wanted to create a safe space for women to work out, not just a gym.”

With rising membership numbers, this boom in independent gyms could be the future of the high street, providing communities not just with a place to exercise, but a place to connect.

Glossary

• Consumer Choice: The ability of consumers to choose between different goods and services.
• Demand: The desire and willingness of consumers to purchase goods or services at a given price.
• Entrepreneur: An individual who starts and runs a business, often bringing new ideas or filling market gaps.
• High Street: The main street of a town or city, often associated with retail shops and services.
• Independent Business: A business that operates on its own, rather than as part of a chain or franchise.
• Landlord: An individual or entity that owns property and rents it out to businesses or individuals.
• Market Vacancy Rates: The proportion of available, unoccupied properties within a specific market area.
• Planning Regulations: Government rules that dictate how properties can be used or developed.
• Social Media: Digital platforms that allow users to create and share content, facilitating communication and marketing.

Retrieval Questions

1. What recent trend is filling vacant spaces on the UK high street?
2. How have changes in planning regulations impacted the growth of independent gyms?
3. Name two examples of independent fitness businesses mentioned in the article.
4. How has social media contributed to the success of new local fitness studios?
5. What social shift following the pandemic has influenced demand for local fitness facilities?