Joining a Gym

gazzae · 13-11-2007, 09:37

I'm thinking about joining a gym.

There are two options near me, JJB Fitness and Fitness First. They both have pretty much the same facilities and are roughly the same cost per month.

Is anyone here member of either of these gyms, what are your experiences, good or bad.

Thanks.

Chris W · 13-11-2007, 10:06

I had Fitness First membership when i lived in London. Decent facilities and always very clean and hygienic. Managed to negociate a good deal for joining as well- No joining free, and if i took platinum membership, my partner got gold membership free.

Remember though that you'll be tied into a 12month contract, so if you are not sure about your commitment I would think about a gym that you can pay per visit or are only commited for a month at a time. I moved from London to Reading and spoke to Fitness First regarding cancelling after 6 months because my nearest gym is now a good half hour drive away. They wouldn't budge at all- couldn't cancel, couldn't downgrade my membership so ended up paying over Ã‚Â£300 for gym membership i couldn't use.

gazzae · 13-11-2007, 10:22

Its something I've been thinking about for a while.

I think the minimum contract at JJB is 6 months.

Do Fitness First charge for classes/instructors?

Wicked_and_Crazy · 13-11-2007, 12:09

Thinking about it and going are wildly different. I joined a Gym in August this year and am still going 3 times a week, which does suprise me.

I'd take Chris's advice and see if you can negotiate a one month membership initially just to see how much use you make of it. Its an expensive commitment if you get fed up or dont enjoy it after a month and have to pay for the year.

Check to see how they set you up on a personal fitness programme and how its monitored. For me if there are no targets then it gets boring. If you have a schedule and targets your much more likely to keep it up

**Graham M** · 13-11-2007, 12:46

Out of the 2, I'd definitely go for Fitness First, they're a well known name and always have good facilities, plus JJB will probably be full of chavs trying to look "buff"! lol

gazzae · 13-11-2007, 13:06

I will have the motivation to go, as I'm doing a half marathon next year so have something to work towards.

Sort of siding with JJB at the mo, as its a lot newer than the fitness first, plus they have tanning units in the changing rooms - very vain I know!

**Graham M** · 13-11-2007, 13:07

Alright if you like Skin Cancer I guess!

Help!!! · 13-11-2007, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by gazzae

I will have the motivation to go, as I'm doing a half marathon next year so have something to work towards.

Sort of siding with JJB at the mo, as its a lot newer than the fitness first, plus they have tanning units in the changing rooms - very vain I know!

HaHa, Easyjet offer cheap flight uno!

Fingy · 14-11-2007, 22:01

I'm guessing you live near the Boucher Road then.

I do not know anyone that has used JJB but know several who have used Fitness First and didn't really like it.

If you drive and it is not too far I would recommend LA Fitness at the Ramada at Shaws Bridge... Has the gym, a spin class room, a studio for classes, a pool... and for the vain side sun beds and Clarins treatment rooms!

Mr Angry · 14-11-2007, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fingy

I would recommend LA Fitness at the Ramada at Shaws Bridge... Has the gym, a spin class room, a studio for classes, a pool... and for the vain side sun beds and Clarins treatment rooms!

More importantly, Ma Fingy, is the fact that it's also in close proximity to a bar!!

gazzae · 14-11-2007, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fingy

I'm guessing you live near the Boucher Road then.

Nah, they have opened a new one beside the abbey centre which is 2 minutes down the road from me.

Fingy · 16-11-2007, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

More importantly, Ma Fingy, is the fact that it's also in close proximity to a bar!!

Damn I've been caught out. Now you know why I joined that one.

PeteTheMusicGuy · 16-11-2007, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

More importantly, Ma Fingy, is the fact that it's also in close proximity to a bar!!

So are the Gyms at the top of the boucher road

Vlad_Dracul · 16-11-2007, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by gazzae

I'm thinking about joining a gym.

There are two options near me, JJB Fitness and Fitness First. They both have pretty much the same facilities and are roughly the same cost per month.

Is anyone here member of either of these gyms, what are your experiences, good or bad.

Thanks.

This is how these places thrive. People know they should take more excercise. They want to keep fit,stave off advancing years and generally look after themselves. Unfortunately excercise involves a certain level of will power and some suffering too!

What is our soultion? Throw some money at it. Unfortunately it isnt a cure. All it means is that when you do feel the pain of excercise,you will be several pounds lighter in the pocket rather than in the body.

You can excercise free of charge. Just step outside the door and walk,run or cycle. Its all free.

Most people who join gyms sign up with good intent,go for a few weeks ,then realise it aint so easy. They then don't bother going but unfortunately,they are still tethered to an expensive contract.

gazzae · 17-11-2007, 00:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by dooper786

You can excercise free of charge. Just step outside the door and walk,run or cycle. Its all free.

Maybe in the summer, but with dark nights, cold and rain I'd rather not