Battle of the budget gyms on Tyneside
BBC Inside Out meets the winners and potential losers in the no-frills, low budget 'gym wars' which are revolutionising the fitness industry.
Budget gyms have been increasing in numbers across England over the last couple of years with cheap operators competing to undercut conventional gyms.
The low-budget gyms provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week opening times and offer cheap, 'no contract' deals to entice customers.
Some smaller independent gyms complain they could be forced out of business because they cannot afford to drop their prices.
The budget gyms say they provide a valuable service for low income workers, students and those on limited budgets.
Reporter Jeff Brown visited both the new budget gyms and traditional fitness centres on Tyneside to find out who is winning the 'battle of the gyms'.
Inside Out is broadcast on BBC One North East & Cumbria on Monday, 2 February at 19:30 GMT and nationwide on the iPlayer for 30 days thereafter.
02 Feb 2015
- From the section England