PureGym, the UK’s largest gym operator, and SH1FT Fitness, the fastest-growing global group fitness provider, are proud to announce what is thought to be the largest group fitness rollout in history. Eight group fitness formats developed by SH1FT specifically for PureGym were launched across all PureGym locations in the UK in January 2025. Over 15,000 classes are running each week nationally.

Across six weeks in November and December 2024, more than 3,900 instructors were trained in the 8 group fitness formats across nearly 350 individual live training sessions. All came away from the training ready to teach immediately – marking a monumental achievement in creating standardisation and scalability in Group Fitness.

This level of speed was only possible because of SH1FT’s training framework and class delivery app which enables both new and existing group fitness instructors to teach effective and inspiring classes.

Empowering New Trainers – With SH1FT’s intuitive app and training tools, PureGym’s fitness coaches—even those new to the profession—can seamlessly step into group fitness roles across all 8 formats. This approach has been vital in meeting the operational demands of delivering over 15,000 classes weekly. It also greatly reduces cancelled classes – which is critical to PureGym’s “unlimited classes” membership model and key to maintaining member satisfaction.

Two highlights of the programming are the new indoor cycling and holistic classes – genres that are notoriously difficult for instructors with no previous group fitness teaching experience:

• RIDE: This HIIT-based cycling format allows even the newest fitness coach to deliver music-led energising classes, helping PureGym fully utilise its outstanding cycle spaces.
• MIND: A brand-new holistic offering that introduces a balanced and restorative fitness experience for PureGym members.

SH1FT Founder Will Brereton, who has worked at Les Mills and Beachbody, remarked:

“This rollout represents a breakthrough in what’s possible for group fitness. Training nearly 4,000 instructors across eight formats in such a short time—and equipping them to deliver classes immediately—is something the industry has never seen before. Gyms are no longer forced to choose between the strain of creating internal programming and the high costs of running 3rd-party Group Fitness classes. The future of Group Fitness is simple: quality classes that empower instructors and motivate members – and that’s exactly what we are delivering to PureGym in 2025.”

Hugh Hanley, Group Director of Personal Training at PureGym, said:

“SH1FT’s approach ensures every trainer, regardless of experience, can confidently lead classes. This has been instrumental in achieving a consistent and high-quality experience for our members while optimising our instructor resources… To create these 8 programmes in-house would have required a much higher budget and taken significantly longer. With SH1FT, we have delivered a high-quality, PureGym-owned group fitness timetable faster and better than we ever thought possible.”

A Vision for Global Growth – As PureGym and SH1FT look to the future, plans are underway to expand this scalable group fitness model to international markets in 2025, further solidifying their partnership as global leaders in group fitness innovation.

Key Highlights:

• January 2025: Nationwide rollout of eight group fitness formats, delivering 15,000+ classes weekly.
• Unprecedented Training Initiative: Over 3,900 instructors trained across nearly 350 sessions in just six weeks.
• Global Expansion Plans: Launching into international markets in 2025.

This milestone underscores PureGym and SH1FT Fitness’s commitment to making group fitness accessible, standardised, and impactful at an unparalleled scale. Together, they are setting a new benchmark for operational excellence in the fitness industry.