The Gym Group bulks up with plans for 40 new sites to support "rapid recovery"

A UK gym brand has announced that it is aiming to open 40 new sites before the end of next year as its membership levels begin to recover.

The Gym Group, which has 190 sites across the country, is aiming to expand its estate by 40, with the goal of having 230 gyms by the end of 2022.

This comes as the group reports a “rapid recovery” in its membership levels, with total members of 730,000 at the end of June - up by 33.4 per cent from 547,000 at the end of February.

Richard Darwin, CEO of The Gym Group, commented: “Since the re-opening of gyms in April, The Gym Group has performed strongly with excellent member feedback, a higher rate of visits per member and a rapid recovery in overall membership levels.

“We have identified some exciting growth opportunities to expand our estate further and raised additional funds from shareholders to capitalise upon them.

“With restrictions now lifted, we are planning to open 40 new sites by the end of 2022, of which three have opened so far in July and August, as we continue to make fitness accessible for all and deliver further social value to communities around the country.

“We look forward to the second half of the year and beyond with confidence.”