David Lloyd announce plans to open 65 new gyms after cheap trials and 'work ... trends now
Gym-goers have been promised 65 new venues by David Lloyd Leisure after a surge in 'work from club' users - despite complaints about rowdy newcomers behaving as if on Benidorm holidays.
Affluent members who pay more than £200-per-month for use their gym and spa facilities say discount trial offers, some for as little as £20, risk putting them off.
It comes as David Lloyd Leisure revealed plans to invest £500million in 15 new clubs and 50 spa resorts over the next few years, as it hailed a boon in 'working from gym' regulars.
The firm says membership has reached a record high of 761,000 and highlighted the Covid-19 pandemic as a key factor, with people more motivated to improve fitness.
But some members have concerns about the antics of new recruits tempted by cut-price temporary offers - with claims of increased thefts, assaults and intimidation.
David Lloyd Leisure has £500million plans for 65 new venues to add to its existing 133 outlets
The leisure firm's current portfolio includes this fitness centre in Chigwell, Essex
The company, which offers gyms like this, generated earnings last year of £241million
Holiday-makers are seen enjoying themselves on the beach in Benidorm, the Spanish resort which has been mentioned in comparisons regarding David Lloyd trial offer newcomers
New figures last week revealed David Lloyd Leisure now runs 133 clubs - 103 across the UK and another 30 in Europe - and had earnings last year of £241million.
The company's chairman Glenn Earlam talked up its prospect, based on a boost in membership despite the three-figure monthly fees most people are charged.
He said: 'Our business has done particularly well post-Covid. People are willing to prioritise health, fitness and wellness in a post-Covid world relatively more than they were beforehand.
'We have a lot of people that work from clubs. We have a really nice environment, separate work spaces where you can get your laptop out.
'Many people go into the office two or three days a week and during the other two or three days it’s just a bit too much being at home all the time - so they break it up and go and work in a David Lloyd club for half a day.'
But not everyone is impressed by recent experiences, with some regulars suggesting so-called 'two-weekers' making use of temporary deals were bringing venues down.
David Crutchlow, 45, told the Times he was too scared to return to his local branch in Rugby, Warwickshire, after complaining about a gang of men making too much noise in the Jacuzzi.
He claimed the men then
