Find a gym in Lancashire which matches your needs, whatever your age and fitness

Gone are the days when fitness regimes only involved jogging round dark and rainy streets.

Now people wanting to build their strength, fitness and fun are embracing everything from Zumba to strength training, aqua fit to circuits, and finding a huge pay-off on the social side too.

It’s a trend that Sean Thornton, owner and manager of 3-1-5 Health in Lancaster, has watched evolving over the years he has been operating.

“Health and fitness is becoming increasing across all generations, but people’s needs and expectations are changing.

“We’ve changed too, in part to match people’s expectations but also to lead – we have embraced lots of new technology and innovation, but also invested hugely into the social side of fitness. ‘Finding your tribe’ has so many benefits, not least of all in keeping up the motivation of any new found zeal for health and fitness.”

How the fitness sector is changing as the population ages

Despite many other cost of living pressures, latest figures show that 12.2 million people are now health and fitness club members, with 679 million visits recorded across the UK in 2025.

Gym membership is increasingly viewed as an investment in long-term health and wellbeing, rather than a discretionary luxury.

Sean said: “For older adults, maintaining strength, mobility and independence is vital. Strength training can play a significant role in supporting healthy aging.

“Here at 3-1-5 we have invested in EGYM technology, which makes effective strength training more accessible, guided and less intimidating … all are welcome!”

He added: “Research shows older adults say building strength is their main reason for joining a gym; it’s certainly a community that is growing among our members.”

Does it still appeal to younger people?

“Without a doubt,” says Sean. “Younger generations are increasingly prioritising fitness, sleep, nutrition, mental wellbeing and appearance, alongside a move towards healthier and more sober social lifestyles. Millenials are currently pretty strong adopters.”

What does a modern gym look like?

It’s now a “third space” – somewhere beyond home and work where people exercise, socialise, connect and support

At 3-1-5 the new Precor equipment and expanded training spaces really lean in to this approach, and the chill spaces and ‘café’ culture offer that little bit extra. Their investment in facilities and equipment will match clients’ investment in their own futures.

Sean added: “Different generations want different things from their health club. Our role is to provide the breadth of facilities, technology, expertise and community to support them all. 3-1-5's current transformation is about preparing for future fitness trends, while ensuring our facilities remain relevant and accessible to people at every stage of life.

“Ultimately, the investment supports our longstanding mission of positively changing people's lives through health, fitness and wellbeing.”

Your time, your space, your health

By building the full service health club he wanted, and adapting as needs change, Sean Thornton feels he has the balance just right for Lancashire people ready to put themselves first.

“If you fancy coming in for a look around the facilities, to see if there are classes that suit you or even to have a no commitment chat to a member of the team, we’d be delighted to see you.”

Why not join us on Wednesday 16th September for National Fitness Day, everyone welcome!

Find out more here.