Sports Direct to put its weight behind gyms NEWCASTLE UNITED owner Mike Ashley is to open a chain of cut-price gyms charging just £5 a month in the latest expansion of his Sports Direct business empire. The retailer claimed it would "revolutionise the market" with plans to open 200 sites charging a fraction of rivals" prices. There will be a £10 joining fee. A flagship 20,000 sq ft site is to open at Aintree on Merseyside next month alongside a new Sports Direct store. Another gym will follow at Keighley, West Yorkshire. Yesterday's announcement comes after a recent deal to ­acquire up to 30 sites from LA Fitness, which is in the process of rebranding. A Sports Direct spokesman said: "This will be affordable fitness on an unprecedented scale."