Over-50s training sees business boom in Norfolk gyms
Norfolk's gyms are enjoying pumped-up "gains" driven by a surge in people over 50 hiring personal trainers to lift weights, build muscle and lead healthier lifestyles.
The UK health and fitness industry is now worth £5.7 billion, with memberships at gyms, health clubs and leisure centres rising to 11.5 million - around 17pc of the population - according to UK Active and Sport England.
And while 18 to 34-year-olds remain the country's most frequent gymgoers, over-55s are now the fastest‑growing demographic signing up to memberships.
Javier 'Xavi' Gomez and his wife, Beatrice, own EMS Fitness in Norwich. He said people over 50 account for half of all personal training sessions at the studio.
He said more older people are taking up weight training in part because of a condition called Sarcopenia - the age-related deterioration of muscle mass and strength, which begins at around 30 and accelerates after 70.
"People are getting more conscious that strength training is the way forward and that it's never too late to start doing it," said Mr Gomez, who has been co-running the studio for the last 12 years.
"As we age, one of the most significant changes the body undergoes is the gradual loss of muscle mass, leading to decreased strength, reduced mobility and a higher risk of falls and injuries, often resulting in a loss of independence.
"Strength training is not just important, it’s essential for older adults to maintain their independence, protect their joints and prevent frailty.
"By maintaining muscle mass and building strength in our core, backs, hips and knees, we can all function better in our daily life activities."
Mr Gomez said the studio's oldest clients booking one-to-one personal training sessions are in their eighties.
There are around 25,000 registered personal training businesses and 68,000 health and fitness instructors in the UK, with the industry being worth more than £820 million.
"Personal training is experiencing a boom at the moment," Mr Gomez said.
"But for older people in particular, we have seen a big increase. We are receiving enquiries every week from people over 60.
"Ageing doesn’t mean slowing down. We incorporate resistance exercises, balance work and functional movements that support everyday activities, making sure sessions are customised to individuals’ abilities and medical background."
The NHS and government's chief medical officers advise adults undertake strength-based exercise at least two days a week.
More than 930,000 people live in Norfolk, but the county has an ageing population, with around a quarter of residents aged 65-plus, compared with the 20pc national average.
The proportion of residents over 65 is expected to rise still further from 25pc to 30pc over the next 20 years, according to Age UK.
More than a third (34pc) of people living in north Norfolk are already over 65, the highest proportion of any local authority in the country.
But while a fast-growing number of older people are signing up to gyms, over-65s remain the least likely age bracket to hold a membership.
Concerningly, more than two-thirds (68pc) say they do no exercise at all, according to a 2025 UK report by Pure Gym.
The report also found that the East of England is the region where people exercise the least, with just 40pc saying they currently do.
"Functional strength and balance training are essential in reducing the risk of falls in later life," Mr Gomez added.
"Exercises that enhance coordination, stability and core strength improve your ability to maintain balance in everyday movements, such as walking or climbing stairs.
"Regularly practising these exercises not only reduces the likelihood of falls but also increases confidence in performing daily activities, helping seniors lead a safer and more active lifestyle."
Around one in three people aged 65 and over and about half of those over 80 have at least one fall each year, according to the government's UK Health Security Agency.
It is estimated that at least five million people over 65 experience a fall in the UK every year.
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