Image: The study will examine the impact of exercise

The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has announced that 26 member sites have agreed to participate in one of the UK's largest fitness centre-based wellbeing studies.

The new nationwide research is designed to compare the effectiveness of structured exercise schemes with unstructured exercise and physical activity counselling among 3,000 people.

Each of the 26 fitness facilities taking part will receive an evidence-based programme, which will provide training, academic recognition and scientific equipment.

Two staff members from each site will be trained by the University of Greenwich in order to upskill them in the delivery of academic-level research.

It follows a successful pilot study completed last year with Impulse Leisure, which reported a 92 per cent retention rate and improved physiological outcomes among participants.

Sites taking part include Aquaterra's Highbury Pool and Fitness Centre, London; DC Leisure sites in Harborne, New Malden and Taro; and Halo Leisure in Hereford.

FIA CEO David Stalker said: "Accurate and up to date academic research on this scale has never been previously achieved, so these sites will be part of ground breaking results."

Details: www.fia.org.uk

Image: Benis Arapovic/shutterstock.com