PureGym Southport

Right, so you're thinking about joining a gym in town? PureGym on Lord Street is a decent shout. It's got a solid 4.5 stars from over a hundred Google reviews, which tells you something. It's not the poshest gym I've ever seen, but it's got all the equipment you really need to get a good workout in. Plus, and this is a big plus for some of us, it's open 24/7.

It's a PureGym, so you know what you're getting: no-frills, but affordable. Don’t expect a sauna or fluffy towels, but they do run plenty of classes if you're into that sort of thing. I've heard good things about the spin classes, though I'm more of a weights man myself. It can get pretty busy during peak hours – especially after work – so be prepared to wait for some of the more popular machines.

It's right in the middle of town, so handy for popping in before or after work, or even on your lunch break if you're keen. Being central, parking can be a pain. You're best off using one of the town centre car parks, but they do get busy.

Worth checking their website for the latest deals; they often have introductory offers. And don't forget your padlock for the lockers!