Need to pause your gym bill without quitting? A David Lloyd freeze lets you put your membership on hold
for a short period while you travel, recover, or manage a busy season — and pick up where you left off.
Below is the 2025 guide covering how freezes work, fees, notice periods, and smart ways to save.
What Is a “Freeze” at David Lloyd?
Freezing your membership means you temporarily pause access and payments (or pay a small “freeze fee”),
then resume later without re‑joining from scratch. It’s designed for short‑term gaps — not as a permanent discount.
- Access: Usually suspended while frozen (some clubs allow limited entry at a day rate).
- Billing: You pay a reduced freeze fee each month instead of your full dues.
- Contract: Your minimum term extends by the amount of time you’re frozen.
Common Reasons You Can Freeze
Every club follows a similar framework, but the accepted reasons and proof may vary slightly by location.
- Medical / Injury: Doctor’s note may be required.
- Travel / Work Placement / Study Abroad: Proof of flights or a letter may be requested.
- Pregnancy / Post‑natal: Often granted on medical grounds, sometimes on a longer timeline.
- Short‑term Financial Pressure: Discretionary; speak to the manager.
- Seasonal Use: Common for students or those away for the summer/winter.
Tip: Keep all freeze confirmations in writing (email or member portal screenshots).
How Long Can You Freeze?
Typical ranges seen across UK & EU clubs in 2025:
- Minimum: 1 full billing month.
- Per Freeze: Often 1–6 months at a time.
- Annual Cap: Commonly up to 9–12 months total per 12‑month period (club‑dependent).
- Notice: Request 14–30 days before your next billing date.
Freeze Fees & Examples (2025)
Expect a small monthly charge while frozen. These 2025 ranges reflect realistic pricing many clubs use.
| Region | Standard Freeze Fee | Medical / Pregnancy | Typical Max Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | £10–£25 / month | £0–£15 / month | 6 months per freeze · 9–12 months/yr cap | Fee & proof vary by club; request 14–30 days ahead |
| Ireland | €12–€28 / month | €0–€18 / month | Up to 6 months per freeze | Some sites allow longer for maternity with documentation |
| Spain / France | €12–€30 / month | €0–€20 / month | 3–6 months per freeze | Outdoor facilities may influence seasonality rules |
| Germany (Meridian) | €15–€30 / month | €0–€20 / month | Up to 6 months per freeze | Wellness/spa‑heavy sites may offer alternative options |
Example: If your normal UK fee is £140 and your club charges a £15 freeze fee, a three‑month freeze would cost £45 in total and push your minimum term end date back by three months.
How to Freeze Your David Lloyd Membership
- Check your billing date. Plan the start of your freeze from that date for a clean month.
- Gather proof if needed (doctor’s note, travel letter, pregnancy note, etc.).
- Submit your request at reception, via email, or through the member portal/app (where enabled).
- Get written confirmation with the freeze start date, end date, monthly fee, and impact on your term.
- Unfreeze automatically at the agreed date, or request an early unfreeze with notice.
Key Terms & Small Print (Worth Reading)
- Extension of Term: Frozen months are added to the end of your minimum contract.
- Access During Freeze: Usually no entry; some clubs allow paid day access.
- Outstanding Balances: You can’t freeze if you’re in arrears — settle first.
- Household / Family: Each member’s freeze is handled separately (fees vary).
- Corporate & Student: Freeze is typically allowed, but discount rates resume only when you unfreeze and re‑verify if required.
- Short Notice: Requests inside the notice window may only start from the next billing cycle.
Alternatives to Freezing (Sometimes Cheaper)
- Switch to Off‑Peak: If your schedule allows, drop to off‑peak instead of freezing.
- Downgrade Membership Type: Move from Platinum/Diamond to Plus/Standard temporarily.
- Change Home Club: If you’re relocating, switch to a lower‑tier home club to cut the base rate.
- Pause Add‑Ons: Cancel towel service, racquet bolt‑ons, or lockers while away.
These options keep you training (at a lower cost) and avoid extending your term.
Money‑Saving Tips When You Freeze
- Time It Right: Submit before the notice window so you don’t pay an extra full month.
- Stack with Holidays: Freeze across long trips and bank‑holiday closures.
- Ask About Medical Rates: Many clubs reduce the freeze fee with documentation.
- Unfreeze Early: If you return sooner, ask to unfreeze before your next billing cycle.
- Get It in Writing: Keep the confirmation showing fee, dates, and term extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freeze policy · 2025
Always check your signed agreement and get the approval in writing.
Medical/pregnancy freezes are often cheaper or occasionally free.
Late requests usually start from the following month.
Each freeze typically runs for 1–6 months.
Still unsure? Ask reception to confirm freeze fee, start/end dates, and term impact in writing for your club.
Final Thoughts: Freeze vs Downgrade
If you won’t use the club for a month or more, a freeze is a simple way to save — just remember it
extends your term. If you’ll still train occasionally, a temporary downgrade (off‑peak or lower tier)
can be better value and avoids pushing your end date back.