Analysis, opinion and briefings from the EVOLVE team.
Short, sharp and serious. Independent commentary on the operators, capital and consumer behaviour shaping the sector.
Beyond the mirror: why healthspan is the new membership goal
EGYM argues the industry's goal has shifted from appearance to healthspan, and sets out how its AI-powered Longevity programme structures cardio, strength and flexibility training.
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Pulse Fitness' TRAKK ecosystem drives community engagement and ROI at Walsall Leisure
TRAKK and Tanita body composition testing helped Walsall Council engage 1,600+ non-members, convert 256 into paying members and deliver measurable health improvements.
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PSLT strengthens SMARTfit UK expertise following specialist training in the USA
PSLT's Head of Healthcare Solutions, Tony Barry, has completed a four-day specialist programme at SMARTfit's US headquarters, deepening UK support for cognitive-motor training.
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RLSS UK and partners update non-lifeguarded pool safety guidance
RLSS UK, with CIMSPA, Swim England and ukactive, has refreshed its guidance for managing safety in the UK's 1,200+ non-lifeguarded swimming pools.
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Beats up, barriers down: LES MILLS REFORMER launched to democratize Pilates
Les Mills has unveiled LES MILLS REFORMER, a music-driven, pre-choreographed Reformer Pilates programme designed to help clubs take the category mainstream.
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paf announces strategic partnership with EVOLVE ahead of paf Ireland launch
The Physical Activity Facilities Forum has partnered with EVOLVE as it launches paf Ireland in Dublin on 15–16 September 2026.
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Cotgrave Leisure Centre marks a year of decarbonisation with major carbon savings
One year on from a £4.5m decarbonisation and refurbishment project, Cotgrave Leisure Centre has cut gas use by 100% and annual carbon emissions by 81.8%.
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Built on the gym floor: why Ashbourne runs its own club
Ashbourne owns and operates The Fit Club Redditch, giving its teams a live gym environment to test systems, train staff and stay close to the realities its partner clubs face.
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Community-funded refurbishment secures future of SpArC swimming pool
Alliance Leisure has delivered a £1.15m refurbishment of the pool and pool hall at Bishop's Castle Leisure and Arts Centre in Shropshire, cutting running costs and improving accessibility.
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New report reveals the hidden financial impact of poor equipment servicing
PSLT Fitness Solutions, in partnership with EVOLVE, has published a report showing reactive maintenance can add up to 30% to servicing costs and drive avoidable member churn.
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CoverMe and Jobs In. Fitness partner to create end-to-end talent solution
CoverMe has partnered with executive search firm Jobs In. Fitness to give operators a single route to talent at every level — from frontline staffing to C-suite.
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CoverMe extends matching engine into personal training
CoverMe launches CoverMe PT, an on-demand personal training platform that connects the right PT to the right client in under 10 seconds — powered by an AI matching engine refined across millions of instructor-to-club matches.
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Alliance Leisure Completes £15m Transformation at Doncaster Dome
Alliance Leisure has completed the redevelopment of the Lagoons at Doncaster Dome — a technically complex, 18-month project delivered in a live operational environment for Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust.
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RLSS UK calls on leisure sector to back Drowning Prevention Week 2026
Following a tragic half-term heatwave in which 17 people drowned in a single week, RLSS UK urges leisure operators to help deliver its flagship national water safety campaign from 13–20 June 2026.
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SPATEX 2027: Immerse yourself in the future of water leisure
SPATEX 2027 returns to the Coventry Building Society Arena on 2–4 February — three days of pools, spas, saunas, hot tubs and the industry's biggest free seminar programme.
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PSLT Appoints Paul Lennon as Sales Manager – South to Support Continued Growth Strategy
PSLT is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Lennon as Sales Manager – South, a newly created role that reflects the company’s ongoing growth and strategic focus on expanding its product and service offering across the UK.
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YMCA Awards calls for higher industry standards as Pilates boom accelerates
In response to the rapid growth of Pilates across the UK, **YMCA Awards, the first to regulate the market with an Ofqual recognised qualification,** is reinforcing its position at the forefront of professional standards with its industry-leading Pilates qualifications.
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Pure Energy Music expands platform with introduction of Pure Energy Covers
Pure Energy Music, the complete music and technology solution for the fitness industry, has expanded its platform with the introduction of Pure Energy Covers, an optional capability that extends music choice through familiar, professionally produced tracks tailored for fitness environments.
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NEW physical activity facilities forum. Ireland 15-16 September 2026
Now launching in Ireland, the forum continues to bring the industry together across the UK, Scotland, and Europe.
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Supporting women through every life phase
## **How vibration training fits into the women’s health conversation** Women make up half the population. So why has it taken so long for the health and fitness sector to recognise that programming for longevity and healthspan needs to account for female physiology at every stage of life?
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PROS 2026 & The Studio Summit Set a New Standard for Fitness Industry Events
The 2026 edition of PROS 2026 Spinning & Fitness Conference, delivered by Athleticum – a leader in **Athleticum group fitness equipment and education solutions** – has firmly positioned itself as one of the UK and Ireland’s most impactful events for group fitness professionals and studio operators.
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EnergyLounger Launches in the UK in Collaboration with CeraThrive, Expanding Access to Advanced Red Light Therapy
A strategic collaboration bringing red and near-infrared light therapy to UK gyms, spas, clinics, and home users.
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PSLT Appointed Exclusive UK Distributor for SMARTfit
PSLT has today announced a new strategic partnership with SMARTfit Inc, becoming the **exclusive distributor of SMARTfit products across the United Kingdom**.
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STA LAUNCHES THE RIPPLE EFFECT CHARITY INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN UK SWIMMING TEACHER WORKFORCE
**_A long-term charitable commitment to training the next generation of swimming teachers._**
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RLSS UK urges the sector to lead life-saving efforts for Drowning Prevention Week 2026
As the UK prepares for another busy summer around water, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is calling on leisure operators to get involved in this year’s Drowning Prevention Week, running from 13-20 June 2026.
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Branded Promotional Products: The Fitness Industry's Secret Marketing Weapon!
Branded promotional products are far more than branded merchandise – they're strategic marketing tools that incentivise action, build lasting brand connections, and deliver measurable ROI.
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From Compliance to Confidence: Building Member Journeys That Actually Work
Think about the last time a member cancelled.
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The UK’s Largest Fitness Race Series Launches This May 2026
[**MacTuffX Fitness Racing**](https://www.mactuffx.com/) is set to launch its first full national season this May, bringing one of the UK’s most accessible and fast-growing fitness race formats to participants across the country.
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The AI Backbone for Aquatic Operations: Lynxight’s Breakthrough Platform
The adoption of supervision technology across the UK commercial pool sector is accelerating quickly, with prominent operators such as David Lloyd Clubs, GLL, Freedom Leisure, Serco, Places Leisure, and others leading the way.
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What Pinot Noir (and Jarvis) Taught Us About the Future of Health
From life-saving medical detection to the social power of "Doga," the bond between humans and hounds is evolving. As the fitness industry embraces canine-inclusive classes like K9 Circuits to build community capital, we uncover the growing scientific evidence that dogs are vital partners in our physical and mental health.
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Smarter Water Testing with the Lovibond® MD150 13in1: Greater Control of Key Parameters
Maintaining optimal water quality in leisure facilities requires more than routine checks of chlorine and pH.
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The Recovery Revolution: How ThermaChill by Echelon Is Redefining What Fitness and Wellness Facilities Can Offer
The fitness and wellness industry has always been defined by its ability to evolve.
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CoverMe helps Snap Fitness find new pool of instructors in hours
Snap Fitness Elephant & Castle has dramatically improved the way it manages instructor cover after adopting CoverMe, the specialist fitness team management platform.
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Pulse Fitness partners with Balance Health Nottingham to deliver a connected health and fitness experience
[**Pulse Fitness**](https://pulsefitness.com/) partnered with Balance Health Nottingham, one of the UK’s first facilities to combine fitness, diagnostics and private healthcare under one roof…
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PSLT Appoints Tony Barry as Head of Health Care Solutions to Drive Expansion into Active Ageing Market
[**PSLT**,](https://pslt.co.uk/) a leading full turnkey solutions provider to the health, fitness and sport sector, today announces the appointment of Tony Barry as its new Head of Health Care Solution…
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Marc Jones appointed Managing Director of Xn Leisure
Marc Jones has been appointed Managing Director of [**Xn Leisure**](https://xnleisure.com/), bringing with him a strong track record of commercial leadership within the leisure and technology sector.
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SPATEX 2026 IS DECLARED A RECORD-BREAKER!
The water leisure industry is alive and well! Registering a 14 per cent year-on-year increase in visitor attendance for the recent 30thanniversary edition of SPATEX – the UK’s only dedicated water leisure exhibition recorded its highest number of exhibitors and visitors at its Coventry Building Society venue.
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PERFORMX LIVE – THE BUSINESS OF FITNESS SHOW
PerformX 2026 – The Business of Fitness Show – successfully delivered show number 5 this February at the NEC Birmingham.
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Supporting NHS staff wellbeing with Power Plate®️
**How Aaron Tyler is helping frontline healthcare workers reset, recover and recharge**
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WAKEFIELD COUNCIL TO TRANSITION TO STA’S NEW GRADED LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAMME
**Wakefield Council has confirmed plans to transition its swim school provision to STA’s new 1-7 graded Learn to Swim Programme (LSP), with implementation scheduled for May 2026.**
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Tracking the Market
Leisure DB hosted its Q4 2025 Monthly Market Tracker Review in January, offering attendees an exclusive look at the key trends and shifts in the sector during Q4 2025. WellNation attended the call to pick up on the latest insight and data.
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1980-2026: A Short History of Constant Development and Learning
In 1980 The Leisure Database Company was registered, providing on-air community programmes and off-air backup telephone and mail services. Our first client was Capital Radio, Kidsline service, then London Weekend Television.
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A Second Renaissance
The Renaissance began in Florence in the 15th century and quickly spread across Europe, marking the transition between the middle ages and modernity. A period of great social change driven by power and increased awareness of nature and humanistic learning.
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From Anxiety to Aspiration
David Minton has embarked on a journey to optimum health, highlighting the potential for self-care and personal responsibility. A personal investment in health saves the government time and money. Here's his journey from anxiety to aspiration so far.
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From Ancient Athens to AI: The 2,000-Year Journey of Social Segmentation in Fitness
Social segmentation began in ancient Athens. At Leisure DB, we blend geodemographics and fitness data to decode behaviour, track demand, and reveal who goes where-and why.
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Press Release: State of the UK Swimming Industry Report 2025
UK's pool stock continues to shrink, but less dramatically than last year; Leisure DB releases its State of the UK Swimming Industry Report 2025.
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2024 Q4: UK Fitness Industry. Key Developments & Insights
The UK fitness market experienced major changes in Q4 2024 across both the private and public sectors. From new openings and expansions to rebrands and closures, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
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How to Find the Best Location for a New Gym
Choosing the best location for a gym is an important decision. With the right know-how and support, you'll be certain of selecting the best possible location when opening a gym.
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Fitness Sector Suppliers, Do You Want to Better Target Your New Business Efforts?
Accurate data. Whatever your industry, it's the key to targeting new business opportunities. And for suppliers to the health and fitness industry, there's great news from Leisure DB.
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Accurately Predicting Potential
What does it take to come up with an accurate latent demand figure for your fitness facility, whether planned or existing? Leisure DB's Natalie Gibson shares her expert insight.
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Who and Where Are Your Members, Really?
Do you truly understand which types of consumer your fitness facility appeals to, and how well you've penetrated the relevant audiences in a realistic catchment area? Step forward Leisure DB's member analysis reports.
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Innovation & Insight at the London Aquatics Centre
FreeFlow, held at London Aquatics Centre, provided a platform to explore the future of swimming and aquatics within the fitness and leisure sector. Co-hosted by Leisure DB, Hutchi, and Everyone Active.
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State of the Nation
Leisure DB's State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2024 shows that the UK health and fitness industry is performing strongly in the aftermath of the pandemic.
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Number of Pools is Falling
Leisure DB's State of the UK Swimming Industry Report 2024 shows that demand for swimming remains high, but there are fewer pools to meet that demand. The UK's pool stock continues to shrink.
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Doing Our Bit. Health & Wellbeing for Those That Champion Ours
We are pleased to share the progress we have made since the relaunch of DoingOurBit last month to the NHS and Social Care providers, engaging with over 30 NHS Trusts so far.
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Take a Deep Dive
The State of the UK Swimming Industry Report 2023 isn't just about data, says Leisure DB founder David Minton. It's rich with interviews and insight.
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Listen Up
The language we speak influences the way we think. And the way people think about us. David Minton offers his thoughts on how our sector must reinvent its language to better engage with consumers and government.
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Calculating Latent Demand
Behind every one of our latent demand calculations sits comparable data on 7,000 UK fitness sites, profiles of millions of members, 450+ Mosaic data variables and 20+ years of experience.
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The Shape of Now
More members and record market value, Leisure DB's David Minton discusses this year's State of the UK Fitness Industry Report. The UK has slightly fewer gyms in 2023 than 2022, but member numbers are up 3.9%.
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Time to Evolve
Through the EVOLVE movement, Leisure DB aims to catalyse conversation, collaboration and change across the UK's physical activity sector. COO Heidi Blackburn speaks to Kate Cracknell.
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Leisure DB Joins Forces with 'Doing Our Bit' as a Support Partner
We are super proud to announce that we have become a supporting partner of 'Doing Our Bit'. The fantastic preventative health movement offering NHS and Social Care staff free, on-demand fitness & wellness sessions.
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Escape Your Limits Podcast. Health is the New Wealth
The Escape Your Limits podcast invited David Minton, Founder of Leisure DB, to offer key market intelligence and analysis across the fitness industry.
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State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2023 Released
Number of gyms is down, members and revenues are up; Leisure DB releases the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2023. The UK has fewer gyms in 2023 than in 2022, but member numbers are up and market value has reached an all-time high.
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The Future of Fitness Products is Gender-Neutral
In light of more people being authentic about their gender identity, how should the health and fitness sector respond? Reports by David Minton, Founder of Leisure DB.
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5 Reasons to Work with Leisure DB
From the power of data to making data-driven decisions. Five reasons why fitness business owners can save time and money with informed decisions and stay ahead in the competitive fitness landscape.
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Everyone's Talking About It: Tackling 2023. HCM-1 2023
David Minton shares his thoughts on how to tackle 2023. Two opportunities which excite him, could transform the sector and help it double in size.
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Letter to America. Health Club Magazine Issue 8 2022
In my lifetime, America has had a number of 'health of the nation' scares. The combination of the physical and mental impact of being overweight can be seen on sidewalks in every town and city across America.
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Never Too Late. Health Club Magazine Issue 9 2021
In 2019 there were over 14.3 million Baby Boomers in the UK, making it the largest generational group. Boomers don't want to get old. I'm a boomer, I should know.
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Rethink & Reset. Health Club Magazine Issue 5
Trend data from the Leisure Database shows the industry to have been recession-proof during 1980/81, 1990/91 and the crash of 2008/09. However, the first global pandemic in our lifetime has dwarfed any recession.
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