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NEWS
Channel 4 comedian Rosie Jones mystery shopped gyms for accessibility – guess which operator passed the test
POSTED 22 Apr 2020 . BY Tom Walker
Jones, who has cerebral palsy, was asked to investigate disabled access to gyms in the latest episode of Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back Credit: Channel4
Comedian Rosie Jones found that just one of the three gyms she tried to train at, for a Channel 4 consumer rights programme, offered adequate facilities for disabled users.

Jones, who has cerebral palsy, was asked to investigate disabled access to gyms in the latest episode of Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back.

The programme, which has the tagline of "making complaining funny", takes a somewhat lighthearted approach to highlight (the sometimes serious) shortcomings of British businesses.

In the latest episode, broadcast on 17 April 2020 – but filmed prior to the COVID-19 outbreak – the show's host sent Jones to test the accessibility of three popular high-street gyms: Fitness First, Gymbox and The Gym Group.

Only one of the three gyms passed the test with flying colours.

The other two sites Jones visited fell badly short. Issues uncovered by the comedian included lack of site access and facilities meant for disabled exercisers being used as storage space for cleaning equipment.

At one of the clubs, Jones was told by a member of staff that their "gyms aren't designed for disabled people".

The final outcome saw The Gym Group come out on top, with good disabled access, well-briefed staff and a warm welcome. The other two operators fell down on access, with broken lift (or no lift), lack of disabled facilities and staff who were not welcoming.

"We know mystery shopping can be a brutal business," said HCM editor, Liz Terry, "most businesses have days when they excel and others when they could do better – it's tough to deliver every time in a service business. However, these kinds of lapses do show a systematic lack of attention to the needs of people with disabilities.

"Congratulations to The Gym Group for its consistency and robust delivery – it really stood out in this programme."

Click here to see the full clip of Jones' experience.

The full episode will air on repeat on Channel 4 today (22 April) at 11pm. For more info, click here.

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NEWS
Channel 4 comedian Rosie Jones mystery shopped gyms for accessibility – guess which operator passed the test
POSTED 22 Apr 2020 . BY Tom Walker
Jones, who has cerebral palsy, was asked to investigate disabled access to gyms in the latest episode of Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back Credit: Channel4
Comedian Rosie Jones found that just one of the three gyms she tried to train at, for a Channel 4 consumer rights programme, offered adequate facilities for disabled users.

Jones, who has cerebral palsy, was asked to investigate disabled access to gyms in the latest episode of Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back.

The programme, which has the tagline of "making complaining funny", takes a somewhat lighthearted approach to highlight (the sometimes serious) shortcomings of British businesses.

In the latest episode, broadcast on 17 April 2020 – but filmed prior to the COVID-19 outbreak – the show's host sent Jones to test the accessibility of three popular high-street gyms: Fitness First, Gymbox and The Gym Group.

Only one of the three gyms passed the test with flying colours.

The other two sites Jones visited fell badly short. Issues uncovered by the comedian included lack of site access and facilities meant for disabled exercisers being used as storage space for cleaning equipment.

At one of the clubs, Jones was told by a member of staff that their "gyms aren't designed for disabled people".

The final outcome saw The Gym Group come out on top, with good disabled access, well-briefed staff and a warm welcome. The other two operators fell down on access, with broken lift (or no lift), lack of disabled facilities and staff who were not welcoming.

"We know mystery shopping can be a brutal business," said HCM editor, Liz Terry, "most businesses have days when they excel and others when they could do better – it's tough to deliver every time in a service business. However, these kinds of lapses do show a systematic lack of attention to the needs of people with disabilities.

"Congratulations to The Gym Group for its consistency and robust delivery – it really stood out in this programme."

Click here to see the full clip of Jones' experience.

The full episode will air on repeat on Channel 4 today (22 April) at 11pm. For more info, click here.

RELATED STORIES
Facility operator launches disability awareness training for fitness staff


A leisure facility operator has launched an e-Learning course to improve the service that disabled customers experience at its fitness facilities.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
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COMPANY PROFILES
Simworx Ltd

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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