Low-cost fitness chain Fit For Free looks set to close its UK gyms on Sunday (16 July) due to "challenging market conditions".

The business, which has gyms in Birmingham, Bury, Liverpool and Worcester, is a small subsidiary of its parent company in the Netherlands.

The group also has operations in the Netherlands (80), Poland (2), Belgium (1) and Brazil (1).

Property consultants Lyndon Yeomans is dealing with Fit For Free's exit from the UK.

The latest posting on the Fit For Free UK Twitter feed (10 July) reads: "With heavy hearts we are approaching the closing date of Fit For Free forever. Last day being Sunday 16th July."

As well as exercise machines, its gyms offer classes including Zumba, Bodypump, Pilates, Bodyshape, and Bodycombat, with membership costing £21.99 (US$28.27, €24.79) per month.

In a message to members on its UK website, dated 4 July, the company wrote: "You may have heard or been made aware that Fit For Free and your local Fitness Centre are in the process of transferring its location to another operator.

"Whilst we have been reviewing our position in the UK under challenging market conditions in the low-cost fitness sector, which has included the option to sell the Club to other Fitness Operators, this process is ongoing and not finalised."

It goes on to add it will notify members the outcome of the review and that payments owed to them will be refunded.

The company has decided to "suspend the selling of annual contract membership and will only offer monthly rolling memberships and pay as u gym day/week passes" to reduce further inconvenience.

Fit For Free declined to comment.