Purpose: To investigate the motivations of clients attending leisure centres/clubs. It is noted that training programmes for instructors tend to neglect this, particularly in relation to the gender and age of clients. Design/methodology/approach: In this study 460 recreational athletes including equal numbers of males and females in the two age groups, 17-27 years and 37-84, were interviewed and given a short questionnaire concerning their motives for taking part in activities in leisure centres/clubs. Findings: It was found that both gender and age influenced motivations to participate and reasons for leaving. Research limitations/implications: The need for instructors to be made aware of the very different motives driving recreational athletes to attend clubs was stressed, if client wastage is to be reduced. Originality/value: This study shows that gender and age variables influence motivations for participation, with marked differences in motivations between males and females. This article pin-points areas that instructors need to take into account when training and will be of interest to instructors in the leisure business. (Contains 11 tables.)