The parliamentary gym, located in a basement next to Portcullis House, has been described as a 'dank underground chamber' by critics. Despite £247,500 spent on ventilation in 2010, the facility still suffers from dampness, according to reports.
The gym is exclusive to MPs, lords, and parliamentary staff, who pay membership fees to use the equipment, including running machines, cross-trainers, and free weights. Classes such as 'zumba', 'beach body', and 'legs, bums and tums' are held in a studio named after former Speaker Betty Boothroyd.
However, the gym is not fully wheelchair accessible, showers are too small, and towel storage is inadequate. A new spinning studio is also overdue. The Parliamentary authorities have approved spending between £200,000 and £250,000 to refurbish the facility.
Critics argue that the cost should be covered by membership fees rather than taxpayer money. One commentator suggested an alternative fitness regime: 'Lynchercise', where politicians are chased to work by an angry mob, though the cost of assembling such a mob was noted as a potential drawback.
