Puregym aims to double gym openings in H2 2026 after strong half‑year results
The UK‑based chain will add 60 sites by year‑end, riding a revenue boost and a turnaround in its US operations.
Puregym said on Thursday it will double the number of gyms it opens in the second half of 2026, targeting a total of 60 new locations for the year after adding 17 sites in the first six months.
Strong half‑year performance fuels expansion
The Leeds‑based group reported a 6% rise in revenue to £393 million and an 18% jump in pre‑tax earnings to £193 million for the first half. The improvement coincided with a US turnaround after the rebrand and integration of Blink Fitness, where profit surged 35% to £8.8 million.
Ambitious rollout and new markets
Our structurally low‑cost, technology‑enabled operating model allows us to maintain strong margins and returns, offer outstanding affordable fitness to members and continue to invest in our estate and expand.
The statement came from Alex Wood, who took over as chief executive after serving as finance chief. He succeeded Clive Chesser, who had joined during the Blink negotiations. Wood said the company has identified a "whitespace" opportunity that could support up to 750 additional sites across its current markets and in Ireland over the coming years.
Entry into the Irish market is slated to begin in Dublin in early 2027, with the first wave of locations expected to follow the same low‑cost, technology‑driven template that has powered Puregym’s UK growth.
Fitness sector sees rising demand
Industry analysts note that consumers are placing ever greater importance on health and wellbeing, driving higher gym‑membership penetration. The Gym Group chief executive Will Orr recently told City AM that younger members are exercising more and are motivated by both physical and mental‑health benefits.
With a member base that grew 3% to 2.44 million, Puregym is well positioned to capture a share of this expanding market. The firm remains backed by private‑equity investors Leonard Green & Partners and KKR, who have supported its rapid roll‑out strategy.
Investors will be watching whether the ambitious site‑count target translates into sustained profitability and whether the Irish launch can replicate the UK model’s success.
Puregym’s plan to double openings in the second half of the year underscores a broader confidence in the fitness sector’s long‑term growth prospects.
