Work out in style

Years ago, when fitness meant buying a Jane Fonda video and "step-and-spin" was something you did when you danced, the gym was grim. Rank basement rooms, to which you had to take your own towel, were filled with ominous- looking exercise machines: these were sweatshops for packing muscle and no one dared to think that getting fit might be fun.

Thankfully, the new-generation gym is as much about pampering as pumping iron. "The gym has evolved to become a holistic health centre where you are as likely to be offered acupuncture as aerobics," says architect Tim Bushe of Bushe Associates.

Bushe has worked on two clubs for The Laboratory Spa and Health Club chain, the latest of which is in Hendon. This complex, all bright and white and bristling with health, includes a large pool, which is cleaned with ozone and ultraviolet light rather than chlorine; treatment suites, gym area, sauna, steam room and a juice bar. " People want more than just lumps of equipment. After all, you can buy a treadmill or weights to use at home," says Bushe. "There's been a definite move towards a more sociable environment. There will always be people who want a solitary work-out, but classes are gaining in popularity and that's how clubs will keep members coming back for more."

He says that interiors have softened too, with greater use of natural materials such as limestone and timber, twinkling mosaic tiling and excellent lighting. The new look is such a success that those who work out are taking the ideas home. "They know it feels good to be in clean, modern, well-lit spaces with great showers and they want some of that at home too," Bushe says.

In fact, the rise of the private gym and health club isn't just good for personal wellbeing, it's great for house prices too. "A well-run gym can enhance a neighbourhood and could be as appealing as good schools for some buyers," says John Wriglesworth, housing market economist for the property website Hometrack. "It's been interesting too, to see clubs open in central London to service the office population. This helps to make those areas more attractive to employees."

And the market is showing impressive strength: according to market researcher Mintel we spent £1.7 billion on health clubs in Britain last year, a 145 per cent rise since 1996. The value is expected to rise a further 60 per cent by 2005.

We are also witnessing diversification of the market. KX (pronounced "kicks") Gym opened last month in Chelsea and is one of the most exclusive places in town. This multi-million-pound club, with a staggering annual membership fee of £2,000, has the feel of a boutique hotel. From the doorman, past the ebony-panelled walls and across the teak floors, this is seriously seductive stuff for all sybarites. Designers James and Philippa Thorp of Thorp Design are known for their plush interiors for homes, planes and yachts and had worked on the home of KX founders Simon and Karen Fry. The Thorpes have imported their five-star style to KX right down to the bespoke range of luggage, clothing and towels. "There is nowhere else with this level of opulence and it runs through everything from the materials used, to the equipment and service," explains James, adding that members can make use of the laundry service, personal trainers and fitness equipment fitted with TV monitors. "The level of quality has to be synonymous with the sort of restaurants and hotels that members choose to visit," says James.

The ultimate in fun can be found at Soho club The Third Space. Opened last year, this multi-storey health and fitness centre (they don't call it a gym) is a cross between a nightclub and a grownups' playground. The wild design, complete with glass - floored aerobics room suspended over the swimming pool, was overseen by in-house coordinator Mark Goldstein, working with architects Richard Hywel Evans and Collcutt and Hamp, plus several interior designers. As well as the best work-out equipment, every class and activity imaginable is available, from boxing to Sunday aerobics accompanied by a live gospel choir.

Goldstein says: "Our typical member will be time-poor, so we are competing for time when they could be going to a bar or restaurant; it has to be fun to come here and different every visit." There is a serious side too: the top floor is given over to a medical centre with GP and complementary health practitioners, while on the same site there is a branch of organic food shop Fresh and Wild, plus a massage centre called Relax.

For further information, contact The Third Space, 020 7439 6333; Richard Hywel Evans, 020 7436 3400; Collcutt and Hamp, 01494 791291; The Laboratory Spa and Health Club, Hendon, 020 8201 5500; Bushe Associates, 020 7697 0707; KX Gym, 0700 222 5959; and Thorp Design, 020 7731 6887.