Venues · London 2026
Gym rental for PTs — London rates 2026
The 4 models
How London gyms charge PTs
Almost every venue uses one of these — knowing the model decides who you should approach.
Flat weekly rent · £100–£300/wk
Commercial chains in zones 1–3. You pay regardless of how many sessions you deliver. Best when your diary is consistently 15+ hours/week.
Rev-share · 60/40 to 70/30
Boutique studios. You keep 60–70% of session revenue, the studio keeps the rest. No sessions, no rent — but your cap on earnings is lower.
Hourly hire · £15–£35/hr
Pay-as-you-go, usually independent studios. Great for new coaches with 1–4 clients/week. Becomes expensive fast above 8 hours/week.
Day rate / pop-up · £60–£120/day
Block of 4–6 hours in one venue. Good for assessment days, group bookings or corporate wellness. Rarely sustainable as a primary model.
Negotiation
What gyms will actually flex on
List rates are starting points — operators expect you to ask.
Off-peak hours
Tuesday–Thursday 10am–4pm is dead time in most London gyms. Operators often drop 20–30% to fill it.
Term commitment
Signing a 6 or 12-month contract instead of month-to-month is worth 10–15% off. Only agree if you’re sure of the venue.
Free member sessions
Offering 2–3 free intro sessions to members per month is worth £20–£40/week off rent — and gets you direct leads.
Bring revenue
If you can credibly bring 3–5 clients with you, rent often drops sharply. You’re bringing them new members on top of your sessions.
FAQ
Quick answers
What's the average gym rent for PTs in London in 2026?
Commercial chains (PureGym, The Gym Group, Fitness First) typically charge £100–£300 per week for floor rights. Boutique studios charge £15–£35 per hour or operate on rev-share (60/40 in your favour is the standard split).
Is rev-share or flat rent better?
Flat rent is better the moment you have a full diary (15+ sessions/week). Rev-share is better while you're building because you only pay when you earn. Most PTs start rev-share and switch to flat rent in year 2.
Do I have to use the gym's clients?
It depends on the contract. Some chains let you bring outside clients freely; others restrict you to members only or charge a 'guest fee' per non-member session. Always check the small print before signing.
Can I negotiate the rate?
Yes — especially mid-week off-peak hours and at independent studios. Levers: commit to a 6+ month term, agree to cover 2–3 free intro sessions for members, or take an unpopular slot (early morning, weekends). Expect 10–20% off list.
What about training people in parks?
Most London councils require a £150–£600/year commercial licence to train clients in parks. Westminster, Lambeth and Hackney all enforce. Without one you risk a fine and being asked to leave mid-session.