Workout wonderland? Borough ranks highly as a haven for gym-goers

Research by Livefootballtickets.com placed the borough just behind Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with Bolton grabbing the top spot.

For the index, researchers took into consideration the number of gyms per 100,000 population, the average personal trainer cost per session, monthly gym membership costs, and gym service ratings.

All the factors contributed to a final score revealing the best — and worst — places in the UK to join the gym.

Rotherham scored an overall 70.10 out of 100, just behind Newcastle’s 70.12 while Bolton hit the top spot with 72.68.

While there are far more gyms in Newcastle upon Tyne (20.30 per 100,000 population), compared with Rotherham (11.70 per 100,000 population), the gyms in Rotherham have a higher service rating than both.

Other best locations for gym-goers that made the top ten were Brighton and Hove (seven), Bradford (nine) and Liverpool at ten.

Sheffield placed 22nd overall in the list, with Barnsley and Doncaster failing to make the index.

Rotherham also out-performed Leeds, which ranked 17th.

The worst location in the UK, according to the data, was Oxford in last place.

Last June, the Advertiser revealed how the town was apparently running low in the ranks of fitness fanatics, according to previous national research, after Rotherham was named as one of the 30 worst performing locations in England and Wales for exercise lovers.

Finance platform Forbes Advisor placed Rotherham 26th, with an overall score of 41.78 out of 100.

The data for major towns and cities drew on a range of criteria including the number of fitness facilities and dedicated cycle routes, as well as the amount of green space.

The latest top-scoring research for Rotherham was welcomed by Matt Ardron, general manager of Parkgate-based I-Motion gym, who said: “This is welcome news, especially after the town was ranked one of the worst places for fitness fanatics last year.

“From what I’ve personally seen a fit lifestyle is an important part of many people’s lives here.

“It’s amazing to see Rotherham leading the way in gym services and is a testament to the amazing community and the move towards a more fit and healthy lifestyle, and even more so that I-Motion gym is a contributing factor to this positive trend.”