Latest news with #PureGym
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'I'm 28-years-old and earning £100,000 a year - but I'm not rich'
Jack Kim, 28, from East London, says despite earning £100k-a-year he isn't rich. He says he has to make changes to his lifestyle due to the cost-of-living crisis A man who earns £100,000 a year says he has been hit by the cost of living crisis despite his eye-watering salary. Strategy consultant Jack Kim, from East London, says he doesn't see his six-figure salary, once he has stumped up money for tax and bills. The 28-year-old, who owns a home with his partner, has shared a breakdown of his outgoings. Jack lives in a two-bedroom property which he purchased for £550,000. He says their monthly mortgage payment and council tax is tough. The 28-year-old denies that he is rich and says his income puts him firmly in the HENRY bracket. HENRYs are young people in the UK's top 10 per cent of earners who say they are left with little at the end of the month after bills, taxes and lifestyle inflation. Jack claims he's had to adjust his lifestyle due to the cost-of-living - ditching their weekly M&S shop for Sainsbury's, having to reduce luxury holidays in Asia for European mini breaks, and opting for Pure Gym instead of the more expensive Gymbox. "Even though I'm on a six-figure salary, I don't feel rich at all," he said. "Everyone knows living in London is extremely expensive. It comes to four main things - higher tax rate for people on six-figure salaries, higher living costs, lifestyle inflation and debt. As income rises, so does your lifestyle. I don't wear flashy, high-end clothes or own expensive watches, I opt for high street brands like Uniqlo. "We try and live below our means by limiting eating out to once a week at a good quality restaurant. Other than a drink at special occasions like weddings, I don't drink alcohol, which is very expensive. We feel the cost of living just like anyone else. I don't feel upper-middle class." After graduating from the London School of Economics with a bachelor's and master's degree in management in 2019 - which cost £99,000 in tuition fees - Jack began his career as a strategy consultant on a £21,000 salary. He quickly progressed to £45,000 and began saving for a £82,000 deposit to buy a own property with his partner. "We collectively needed roughly £82,000 for a deposit, and we did that in two years with some help from our parents," Jack said. "It meant we stopped eating out and primarily cooked at home. During that time, it was Covid which did help because it meant we weren't spending as much or travelling at all." In December 2021, Jack and his partner were able to get on the property ladder and purchased the two-bedroom property they live in now. Jack said: "Being on a combined income helped us for sure, but alongside our own drive and determination. "I can only imagine how hard it is for young people to get on the property ladder now. Especially if they're single and doing it alone. Affordability and the goalpost for a mortgage have changed - even in the last four years. It's not affordable to get a mortgage these days - unless you have generational wealth. "Growing up, my family and I were considered a lower-income family. From the ages of seven to eight, my mum, dad, brother and I lived in a studio flat in Seoul, South Korea. Since gaining my education and career in London, I'd say as a whole, my family are middle class. But we certainly don't feel it in the grand scheme of things. "I don't have an expensive watch or a car. No luxury yacht or Monaco, St Moritz holidays like my friends who are bankers. Consulting is an industry where you can see fast income growth. Even though my income has increased, our lifestyle hasn't changed that much." Monthly outgoings Mortgage and council tax: £2,630 Utilities: £450 Groceries: £250 Transport: £100 Savings/ investments: £1,500 Subscriptions: £100 Socialising: £400
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
I earn £100,000 a year but don't feel rich - I've downgraded to PureGym and holidays in Europe, ditched M&S groceries and only eat out once a week
A Gen Z professional who earns £100,000 a year insists that, despite having no dependents to care for, he doesn't 'feel rich at all'. Jack Kim, 28, works as a strategy consultant and brings home around £6,000 a month after tax but calls himself a 'HENRY' – which stands for 'high earners not rich yet'. HENRYs are young people in the UK's top 10 per cent of earners who say they are left with little at the end of the month after bills, taxes and lifestyle inflation. Living in central London in a two-bedroom property he bought with his partner for £550,000, Jack – who covers all their expenses – says he is feeling the cost of living. His monthly expenses include £2,630 on his mortgage payment and council tax, £420 in bills, £250 on groceries and £400 for socialising. Jack claims he's had to adjust his lifestyle due to cost-of-living – ditching a weekly M&S shop for Sainsbury's, having to swap luxury holidays in Asia for European mini breaks and opting for Pure Gym instead of the more expensive chain Gymbox. Jack, from East London, said: 'Even though I'm on a six-figure salary, I don't feel rich at all. Jack pays £2,630 a month for the mortgage and council tax on the two-bedroom flat he shares with his partner 'Everyone knows living in London is extremely expensive. 'It comes to four main things – higher tax rate for people on six-figure salaries, higher living costs, lifestyle inflation and debt. 'As income rises, so does your lifestyle. 'I don't wear flashy, high-end clothes or own expensive watches, I opt for high street brands like Uniqlo. 'We try and live below our means by limiting eating out to once a week at a good quality restaurant. 'Other than a drink at special occasions like weddings, I don't drink alcohol, which is very expensive. 'We feel the cost of living just like anyone else. I don't feel upper-middle class.' Jack sends £500 a month to his parents in South Korea and after all his expenses are paid, he's left with about £320 which goes on clothes, one-off expenses such as gifts or saving for a holiday. After graduating from the London School of Economics with a bachelor's and master's degree in management in 2019 – which cost £99,000 in tuition fees – Jack began his career as a strategy consultant on a £21,000 salary. He quickly progressed to £45,000 and began saving for a £82,000 deposit to buy a property with his partner. 'We collectively needed roughly £82,000 for a deposit, and we did that in two years with some help from our parents,' Jack said. 'It meant we stopped eating out and primarily cooked at home. During that time, it was Covid which did help because it meant we weren't spending as much or travelling at all.' And in December 2021, Jack and his partner got on to the property ladder, purchasing their two-bedroom flat. 'Being on a combined income helped us for sure, but alongside our own drive and determination,' he added. 'I can only imagine how hard it is for young people to get on the property ladder now. Especially if they're single and doing it alone. 'Affordability and the goalposts for a mortgage have changed – even in the last four years. Despite getting several pay rises since the start of his career, the 28-year-old doesn't feel it's made a big difference to his lifestyle 'It's not affordable to get a mortgage these days – unless you have generational wealth. 'Growing up, my family and I were considered a lower-income family. From the ages of seven to eight, my mum, dad, brother and I lived in a studio flat in Seoul, South Korea. 'Since gaining my education and career in London, I'd say as a whole, my family are middle class. But we certainly don't feel it in the grand scheme of things. 'I don't have an expensive watch or a car. No luxury yacht or Monaco, St Moritz holidays like my friends who are bankers. 'Consulting is an industry where you can see fast income growth. Even though my income has increased, our lifestyle hasn't changed that much.'
Telegraph
24-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I spend £260 a month on a gym membership – and I don't regret it'
For Generation Z, paying for a gym membership is not just a priority, it's a necessity. More than a quarter of people aged between 18 and 24 consider it so, according to research published by the credit rating service Intuit Credit Karma. Britain's young adults have been trading in nights out for early morning workouts – a preference that also sees them lambasted as the reason behind clubs closing and pubs losing profits. While gym membership in the UK is up across all generations – with a record 11.5 million adults now belonging to a gym, up 1.6 million from 2022 – the boom has been driven by younger people, according to a report from UK Active, a fitness trade body. 'For me, working out is number one priority,' says Fareedah Shardow, 24, who spends around £250 a month on fitness classes. When it comes to investing in their health and fitness, Gen Z are spending big and not regretting a thing. In 2019, Owen Willis, now 23, was working a low-paid entry-level job in marketing. His office was located in Canary Wharf and one morning he noticed a new gym had opened in the area. At the time, Willis was trying to get into fitness. He was a member at PureGym, which cost £20 per month, but he didn't really enjoy the experience of working out there. After taking a tour of the brand new Third Space location, he was instantly lured by the soft lighting and luxurious smell pumped into every room. He decided to upgrade and pay for the £190 a month membership. Despite the membership eating up 15pc of his annual salary, for Willis the pay-off was immediate. 'When I started spending that much money, I actually committed to my fitness,' he says. His mindset shifted too: 'I'm investing in my fitness journey, rather than just paying for a gym membership.' Within five months, Willis had lost five stone. 'I'm spending this much money. I have to go and work my ass off to make it worth it,' he says. Now, Willis' life fits around the gym. He goes every day, sometimes more than once per day. 'I started working out the cost per visit,' he says. 'It's so expensive to just go three times a week. That's like £30 a visit.' Over the years his membership has increased to £262, which he works out to average around £9 each visit (if he goes frequently enough). When the price of his membership first went up, Willis cancelled to try out a cheaper gym. 'It just didn't have the little luxuries,' he explains. 'The towels were old and scratchy, whereas the towels at Third Space are soft and fluffy.' He quickly came running back. In order to budget for his membership he cuts costs in other areas, mainly eating out and drinking. Instead he will socialise by taking a workout class with friends rather than going out for expensive dinners. He also chooses to cycle to work rather than taking the Tube. 'I could spend £200 a month on the Tube,' he adds. 'That's the whole membership covered if I just cycle.' People are often shocked when Willis tells them how much he spends each month on his gym membership. 'If you break it down, I actually think it's pretty cheap,' he says. 'People pay £35 to go to Pilates, £20 to go to yoga, £15 to go to a spin class ... They're actually probably spending the same, if not more, than me but just spreading it across different classes.' 'I'd rather spend £35 on a workout class than on cocktails' Shardow was looking for some more structure in her workouts than her current gym membership was offering. 'I need someone to tell me what to do,' she says. After trying out a few studios on Classpass, she fell in love with The Proud Project pilates studio and signed up for a £75 monthly membership, which is discounted as she is an ambassador. The membership includes eight classes a month, but Shardow likes to work out at least six times a week. To supplement her membership, Shardow shops around for introductory offers at other studios to make her money stretch further. These range from £30 to £50 for a three-class pack. 'I always feel like it's better value for money and hopefully – if I actually like the class – I'll come back,' says the marketing assistant. She also spends £69 a month on a Classpass membership, where she will switch between pilates, barre, spin and strength training classes at different studios. This brings Shardow's total spend each month to around £250 on her workouts. For Shardow, spending on fitness is an investment in her future self, something she is willing to budget for. She saves money which she would've spent on alcohol and going on expensive nights out. 'I have just transferred that money to working out,' she says. 'I'd rather spend £35 on a workout class than on two cocktails.' Despite her budgeting, spending this amount is only possible as Shardow is able to save by living at her family home in London. The money she saves on rent is put directly towards her workouts. 'The first thing out of my salary is always my phone bill and then my memberships,' she says. When she does eventually move out, Shardow admits she will have to be more strategic with how much she spends on gym classes, but she's confident that working out will remain a top priority for her budget. 'I've spent over £3k in preparation for an Ironman triathlon' Daisy, 27, a civil servant based in London, has always been into fitness. As a runner, however, working out has never cost her much money. That all changed this year when she signed up for her first Ironman triathlon. The feat, which involves a 2.6-mile open water swim, a 112-mile cycle and a 26.2-mile run, requires a lot of investment of both time and money. Daisy paid the £700 entry fee, purchased a bike on sale for £1,500 via her company's cycle to work scheme (which she is now paying off in monthly instalments), bought new trainers that cost £250 and her first wetsuit and trisuit, each costing over £100. After sorting her kit, Daisy invested in a training plan for £110. And, as part of her training, she also signed up for a half Ironman and a marathon, which came with entry costs of £270 and £170 respectively. To have somewhere to train, she also spends £40 a month on a gym membership and £40 a month for a summer pass to a Lido in London. The race isn't until August, but so far it has cost her upwards of £3,000 – and there's more to spend yet. 'I've tried to spread it out, so this month I'll buy one expensive thing, and then the next something else,' she explains. Just yesterday, she spent £80 on an electric bike pump. 'I'm trying to do one thing at a time, just so it's not so painful on the bank account.' Due to the cost of her training, Daisy has cut back on social plans that involve eating out and drinking. She also has prioritised her races over holidays this year. 'Rather than spending £300 to £400 on a holiday, I've spent it on fitness.' Cutting back on socialising has been necessary to save money, but Daisy also simply doesn't have the time. During the week she cycles 15km each way to and from work. Some days she will also fit in a swim in the morning before work and then either strength train at the gym or run in the evening. Saturday is her long cycle day, often totalling four or five hours, while Sunday is her long run day, taking up about two hours. Some weeks, Daisy will have one rest day. Others she won't have any. 'I was kind of prepared before starting that it would cost a lot of money and take up a lot of time,' says Daisy. However, for her, the price is worth it. 'It's something I enjoy and it's where all of my focus is going,' she adds. 'Before, I did enjoy going out and drinking but I feel like I've done that for however many years now. It's quite nice to have a different sort of routine.'
What's On
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- What's On
Beat the Heat: 24/7 gyms open all summer in Dubai
With temperatures getting ready to soar in Dubai, running outside or hitting the beach for a workout just won't be an option for a few months. Luckily, Dubai has you covered with 24/7 gyms that let you train indoors around the clock. Whether you're a night owl or an early riser, here are three top fitness centers where you can work out anytime, all summer long. GymNation GymNation is one of Dubai's most affordable and accessible gym chains, with state of the art Matrix equipment, a free weights section up to 60kg, and over 400 free group classes every month. It's ideal for everyone from beginners to serious athletes. Location: Al Quoz, Mirdif, Bur Dubai, Motor City, Silicon Oasis, and Downtown Dubai Cost: monthly packages starting from Dhs199 Contact: PureGym Known for its no frills, high value setup, PureGym offers the basics done well. You'll get 24/7 access to cardio and weight training machines, a clean and modern space, and optional personal training Location: Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba Cost: monthly packages starting from Dhs199 + joining fee Contact: AB Fitness This massive 120,000 square foot gym boasts more than 500 pieces of equipment, an indoor running track, and a view of the marina. If you're after luxury and space, this is the place. Location: Dubai Maritime City Cost: monthly packages starting from Dhs472.50 + joining fee Contact: Warehouse Gym Warehouse Gym is a bold, high-energy fitness destination known for its graffiti-covered walls, nightclub lighting, and a strong community vibe. Designed to motivate, this gym offers specialised training zones including CrossFit, Olympic lifting, cardio, and boxing, plus group classes like cycle, HIIT, and yoga. Whether you're after aesthetic goals or performance gains, WH Gym aims to deliver serious results in a seriously cool space. Location: 12 locations across Dubai Cost: Monthly packages from Dhs315 Contact: Don't miss a thing, follow What's On on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for the latest news, events and everything in between… Images: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Press and Journal
10-06-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Aldi reveals latest on Elgin supermarket move 10 months after announcing new store plans
Aldi has revealed a new timeline for plans to open an expanded store in Elgin. Last year, the discount supermarket giant said its current town centre home at Trinity Place was no longer fit for purpose. The German-founded chain has 'exhausted' options to expand the store with the site being constrained by the A96, Trinity Place, Elgin Town Hall and an SSEN substation. They wants to take two units at the Elgin Retail Park between Pure Gym and Edgar Road. A small extension would be built on the rear of the currently empty units. The unit nearest Edgar Road itself would principally be the supermarket while the one on the left would be warehouse space, a 'welfare block' and house equipment. Aldi initially announced it hoped to submit the final plans for the new store by the end of last year or early this year. They need planning permission to move into the retail park because the units were granted approval with a restriction on the amount of food they can sell. Now a spokeswoman has revealed the company still plan to open a new store with the final plans due to be submitted later this year. The floor space for customers in the new supermarket will be 50% larger than the existing location. This new Aldi supermarket will be a £3m investment and create 10 new jobs for the Elgin area. There will be wider aisles and more space for customers to move around too. The Elgin Retail Park on Edgar Road already boasts the likes of Matalan, Home Bargains, PureGym and the Food Warehouse.
