The Gym Group CEO John Treharne has highlighted the role that individual MPs can play in lifting physical activity up the political agenda, noting that lobbying local representatives can be a particularly effective means for independent gyms to make their voices heard.

With less than a year until the next general election, Treharne said it is important that politicians recognise the role that the health and fitness industry has to play in reducing the strain on the NHS, noting that now is a pertinent time to reiterate the case for physical activity.

“The UK’s health crisis is placing a massive burden on the NHS and it’s a pity that the government doesn’t do more to support the physical activity sector – be it through reducing VAT on gym memberships, or incentivising employers to subsidise fitness programmes,” Treharne told Health Club Management in a recent interview.

“It will certainly be interesting to see whether any of the major parties offer policy support in their manifestos.

Treharne said the fragmented nature of the UK gym sector – estimated to comprise 6,000 gyms, but with the majority operating in silos – means it's important for discussions to be taking place both at government and local level.

“I think on a national scale, ukactive is an effective representative of the major players in the health and fitness industry, but 80 per cent of UK gyms are small independents, making them very difficult to mobilise," he added.

"For these businesses, I think lobbying local MPs to get behind physical activity is the most effective way to spread the message and ensure policymakers take note.”