Gym membership doubles after pandemic bounce back

Membership figures have doubled since the pandemic hit year of 2020

Gym membership has doubled at leisure centres across a city after a post-pandemic bounce back, public health officials said.

The City of Wolverhampton Council said it hoped more people would take control of their health and wellbeing after the success.

WV Active, which is supported by the local authority, operates three leisure centres in the city centre, Aldersley and Bilston.

More than 13,000 people are now signed up as members, a figure bosses said was more than double since 2020.

During the pandemic, figures declined to about 5,000, the council said.

Since then, residents have been urged to put a "spring in their step" with WV Active membership.

John Denley, Wolverhampton's director of public health, urged people to consider becoming a member and taking part in group classes plus other sports and activities.

“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health," he said.

"Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, strengthen your bones and muscles, reduce the risk of disease and improve your ability to do everyday activities."