Frequently Asked Questions
Does a container gym need planning permission in the UK?
In most cases, no. A Gym Box placed in a garden or on private land typically falls within Permitted Development Rights (PDR) as a temporary or ancillary garden structure, provided it:
➜ Is not used as a separate dwelling
➜ Does not exceed the height and footprint thresholds in your PDR class
➜ Is on land that benefits from standard residential PDR
If your property is in a Conservation Area, National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or if it is a listed building, different rules apply. Similarly, commercial sites (hotels, sports clubs) may need formal planning consent.
We assess the planning position for every project location before we proceed. If permitted development is not available, we can advise on the pre-application enquiry route. The projects we show are in Poland — see our case studies.
How long does it take from order to first training session?
Your Gym Box is ready 12 weeks from your deposit (30% of the price, paid when you sign the contract). That covers production in our workshop in Pawłów, Poland (4–6 weeks), transport to your site (1–7 days) and on-site installation, which normally takes 1–2 days. The foundation should be ready 2 weeks before delivery.
If you have an upcoming deadline (hotel opening, event, season start), tell us early – we will check whether an accelerated timeline is possible.
What foundation does a Gym Box need?
Most installations use concrete pad footings or precast concrete blocks. No major groundworks are required in most cases. If your ground is uneven or soft, we may recommend a simple levelling course.
We send detailed foundation specifications before production starts. Your own groundworker can prepare it.
Do you deliver to the UK?
Yes. We deliver throughout the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Delivery is by low-loader transport and requires reasonable access to the site (typically a standard residential street is fine). We confirm access requirements from your plot plan and photos, free of charge.
Delivery is not included in the Gym Box price — installation is. We quote delivery by postcode within 1 business day: approx. £1,200–2,500 to mainland UK. Delivery to remote highland or island locations may require specialist logistics – we quote for this individually.
Is a container gym genuinely usable year-round in the UK?
Yes. The standard specification includes:
➜ 120 mm mineral wool insulation in walls, floor and ceiling
➜ Insulated steel entrance door (min. 1.1 W/m²K)
➜ Electric heater or split-system heat pump
➜ LED lighting with motion sensor option
In UK winter conditions the interior reaches 18°C within 20–30 minutes of switching on the heater. During summer, the same split unit provides cooling. The UK climate is well within the operating range – the units are tested to -25°C external.
What are the electricity running costs?
At a typical UK electricity rate of ~£0.29/kWh (2025 tariff) and 3 training sessions per week in winter:
➜ Electric panel heater: approx. £20–45/month
➜ Split-system heat pump (more efficient): approx. £8–18/month
Running costs are substantially lower than a gym membership. And the Gym Box is yours.
What ground surfaces can the container be placed on?
Grass, gravel, concrete, block paving or tarmac – all work. The ground needs to be stable and reasonably well-drained. Waterlogged or very soft ground may need a simple concrete slab or raised platform. We advise on this when we assess your plot from the plan and photos.
Can the container be relocated after installation?
Yes. A Gym Box can be lifted onto a flatbed or low-loader and moved to a new location. In practice this is rarely needed, but it is technically straightforward – the container is a self-contained unit with no permanent structural connections to the ground.
What warranty do you offer?
2-year warranty on the Gym Box (structure, installations, finish); equipment is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Your statutory rights are not affected.
All warranty work is handled directly by Gym Assistance. You do not need to manage multiple suppliers.
Can I choose my own equipment?
Yes. Equipment selection is always agreed individually. You can specify brands, models and configurations you prefer – or leave the selection to us and we will propose a proven package within your budget.
We work with commercial-grade suppliers including Technogym, Life Fitness, Matrix and Panatta, as well as more accessible brands for private installations.
Can I buy the container shell only, without equipment?
Yes. We offer both turnkey packages (container + full fit-out + equipment) and the container module only, which you equip yourself. The shell-only option suits clients who already own equipment or who want to source specific machines independently.
What services (utilities) does a Gym Box need?
The only utility required is an electricity supply – minimum 16A single phase (a standard UK domestic supply is sufficient). No water or drainage is needed for a standard gym. An optional shower cubicle add-on requires a cold water supply and drain connection.
What is the door width? Can I get a larger opening?
The standard entrance door is approximately 90 cm wide – sufficient for all standard gym equipment. On request we fit double doors up to 180 cm wide, which allows access for bikes, rowing machines or other oversized items.
What does after-sales service look like?
After the warranty you can continue with service care on individually agreed terms. We agree the scope with you — for example a periodic inspection of the structure and installations, or maintenance on request.
One contact, full accountability.
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