South Bank budget gym with a goal to be affordable for all

A London gym is helping alleviate pressures of the cost-of-living crisis by reducing and covering gym memberships for local residents.

The Colombo Street Community and Sports Centre, a registered charity which sits minutes from Blackfriars Bridge, nestled between local offices, is offering the discounts.

And it’s not just those living close to the gym, but those working close to the Colombo Centre who are also offered discounts, with the aim of making fitness accessible to all.

Stuart Flude, manager at the Colombo Centre, said: “We welcome anyone, regardless of how much you can afford. We give away lots of free memberships to people in our community who can’t pay.

“Those having to choose ‘do I buy food’ or ‘do I go to the gym’. If you’re unfortunate enough to have to make this choice, food wins every time.

“We feel that people need to have exercise in their life. That’s what the Colombo Centre offers. It gives people making really difficult decisions, such as how they’re going to feed their kids or pay for washing detergent, the option to get fit.

“Our gym’s not full of lots of fit people posing in front of mirror, wearing the latest clothing/trainers. It’s not that. It’s normal people making a difference to their health and well-being.”

Free memberships are given on a case-by-case basis by gym staff. However, all local residents and workers can take advantage of reduced membership fees.

Stuart said: “The gym, building, and services we offer are very much aimed at the people who live and work in the area. Residents pay just £18 a month.

“It’s a similar discount for people who work close to Colombo, who are only charged £22. Even for your regular gym goer it’s only £26, and that’s for a central London gym.”

The Colombo Centre is partnered with Coin Street, who host many of their free youth and community sessions at the centre. These include a youth club, over 50s dance, coffee morning, singing classes and youth football.

The centre is managed by Jubilee Hall Trust. The Jubilee Hall Trust is a charity that aims to build strong healthy communities by promoting the fitness and wellbeing of the individuals within them.

Pictured top: Stuart Flude, manager at the Colombo Centre (Picture: Colombo Centre)