Staying active during university can make a huge difference to your student experience. Whether your’e working out for mental health, building discipline or just want a place to unwind outside of socialising and studying, finding an affordable gym shouldn’t be hard. We have compiled this list of student memberships to help you get active. Whether you’re studying at the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, or another institution in the city, here we can help you find a gym that ticks all the boxes from budget-friendly 24/7 options to ones with swimming pools and guided fitness classes.
1. Sugden Sports Centre & Armitage (UoM)
When looking for student deals, the cheapest annual membership can be found right here on campus. Located on Oxford Road Campus and with another location in Fallowfield, getting to the gym can be pretty accessible both financially and physically. Sugden and Armitage offer a student price membership of around £11.25 per month if you pay for the year, or £25 monthly without the annual subscription. They also offer a Resfit package from around £95 per year for those staying in student accommodations with the university that have their own onsite gyms.
These two student deals also offer 60+ fitness classes per week, workout programmes and access to multiple university facilities such as online zoom classes for when the weather has got you down or those with access needs wanting to stay active from a place of comfort. Cheaper options are also available with pay as you go access from £7.50 and bookable classes from £4.50, making it great value for money. Armitage and Sugden are go-to options to help you stay fit and get connected with the student community right on campus or in your accommodation.
2. The Gym Group
The Gym Group located either on Heathersage Road or in town just off Portland Street, they offer a range of student memberships from 6, 9 and 12 month deals, giving you the flexibility you need with student life. They provide access to the gym 24/7, free classes, and a range of cardio and weight equipment all under a flexible contract.
From £21.99 (off peak) a month on a rolling basis, they also offer a student membership for £169 annually.
They do not have swimming pool or spa facilities however the flexibility of the contract, and with discount codes available through Unidays and Student beans to waive the joining fee, its a great option for students balancing lectures, work and late night study schedules.
3. Better Health Membership (Manchester Aquatics Centre)
The Manchester Aquatics Centre offers a tailored membership for students who want access to swimming facilities. Located on Oxford road, it makes for an affordable way to start a new hobby or keep up with your current fitness goals, all within a short walk form campus and accommodation. In partnership with Better Health, for £31 a month, or £199 for a 9-moth student membership, you can access the gym, Swimming pools, health suites and group exercise classes all in one place.
Although slightly more expensive than your budget gym, The Aquatics centre provides access to multiple facilities for those that want more than just weights and cardio.
4. PureGym Manchester
PureGym offers a student membership deal through Unidays, with 30% off for the first 6 months. Locations throughout Manchester and in the city centre provide convenience for those living in student accommodation or housing depending on which Manchester university you are in. The average membership starts at £16.99 per month for off peak access and the ability to book classes in advance. You can also upgrade to their Core and Plus memberships for £22.99 a month for 24/7 facilities and multi-gym access for students wanting to keep up with their fitness goals during breaks from uni or even with a friend.
They also offer specially designed women only workout areas, and 1-to-1 training with a personal trainer. It is a great option for students just getting started with fitness and needing affordable flexible membership options with locations all across the city.
5. JD Gyms Manchester
JD Gyms, located on Whitworth Street, offers premium facilities on a budget for students wanting a step up form PureGym or The Gym Group. With Pricing options starting from £15 for your first month and £28 following, they offer a larger space to workout, extensive free weights, unlimited group fitness classes and access to sauna facilities.
The modern feel and high quality equipment make it a great option for more experienced students wanting to get more serious about their fitness goals. They offer no joining fee and flexible contract options to help you get in shape whether your participating in intense cardio, or joining one of their mind and body classes or even dance.
6. Jetts Gym Manchester
Jetts Gym, located on Oxford road and in Levenshulme, it is bit on the pricier side, however they offer a much quieter space to workout under a flexible contract. Student memberships start at £34.95 a month, with a one time access card fee of £15. This membership gives you access to designated cardio spaces, a variety of classes and personal training and physio facilities. They do offer a free trial so its a great option to see if the atmosphere fits with your fitness goals.
You will have access to updated machines and Matrix equipment in a much less crowded space in a welcoming environment. The space is definitely a bit smaller than your better known chain gyms, however for a peaceful workout and super attentive staff, their student deal offers everything you could need to stay focused and motivated in a gym. It stands as a good middle ground in the city, in between being a budget gym and a premium fitness clubs.
7. Anytime Fitness Manchester Central
Anytime Fitness Manchester Central offers a student price with additional discounts through Student Beans available. It is a great option for students who travel or commute frequently and want to work out both on and off campus. They provide access to gyms worldwide, hence the name ‘anytime,’ Located in Piccadilly Place, their student deals start at £30.95. Although it is contract based, the flexibility of having 24/7 access to gyms worldwide, on top of classes and and complimentary fitness consultations make sit a greta options for commuter and International student looking to get value for money out of their membership.
Although a bit pricier than some budget alternatives, the flexibility and multi location access makes this membership ideal for students balancing travel, home life and, studies whilst trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
8. Restart Pilates
Restart Pilates has four studios located in Cheetham Hill, Deansgate, Bankside and Circle Square, offering classes for students across the city. They offer a 10% student discount on their class and membership packages excluding the intro offer when presenting a valid student ID card. This is great option for students that prefer group exercise, or just want to try something new. Single reformer pilates classes start at £26, with mat classes going even cheaper at £12. Pilates can be great way to engage your whole body, workout with or even make new friends with the help of an instructor.
It is definitely harder than it looks, don’t let the aesthetic pilates influencers online deceive you with their sweat-less brows and perfect slick back buns. Restart’s introduction set of four classes across two weeks for £39 gives students a chance to build their motivation and see if instructor led exercise is for you instead of a gym which can sometimes be overwhelming.
For most students, working out is an importnat part of building good habits and good mental wellbeing. Working out can also serve to motivate us to reach our goals, help us meet people with similar hobbies or just get us out of our comfort zone. Whether its through budget options, upgraded equipment or instructor led classes, making use of student gym memberships helps keep exercise fun and accessible.
If you need some more guidance on how to maintain healthy routines and habits whilst studying, check out our other article to give you some ideas. Whether you are just starting university or preparing for the next stages of study and work, there is more to building wellbeing than the gym. Making sure you have the right balance of movement and rest is key to making the most out of your student membership and life on campus.
I’m Mia, a student at Manchester University studying History and Sociology. I love writing all things advice, tips and tricks to maximise your experience here in the big city. When my friends can’t reach me, I’m probably taking pictures at some random rave and dabbling in the world of photojournalism or curled up in bed with my kindle and phone on DND.
