AIBU to wonder why David Lloyd gyms are so expensive?

[UndertheCedartree]

I go to a DL gym and interested as to the reasons for it being just so expensive? My thoughts are certainly round here there is no competition. We have lots of the basic gyms and a semi-council run leisure centre. The basic gyms are fine but not all the equipment DL has and I do also like the wide range of classes at DL at multiple times. Also there is no pool and my favourite thing is swimming. And of course they are not family friendly. Then the leisure centre I used for a while but myself and my DC couldn't get along with it. The pool was so crowded and noisy, the changing rooms wet and cold with grotty showers. We are all autistic so sensory issues really affect us. The gym is ok, a few classes. Then the spa was ok - basic sauna, steam and jacuzzi but separate to the pool so if I wanted to do swim and spa had to get changed then undressed again in between. It was also small and full of men talking loudly and I never felt comfortable. So with this all in mind David Lloyd became the only option.

Also interested if you think the high price is worth it. I pay over £200 a month for myself and my daughter. Overall I think it is worth it for me as it massively helps my mental health as well as physical of course. I make good use of it using the weights and cardio in the gym a couple of times a week. I do a class and swim 3 times a week. I play netball. Also swim with my daughter, play badminton and pickle ball, sometimes do a family class. We both have friends there. I also go to seminars such as the Female health series they are doing right now. We also enjoy the seasonal parties and activities and my daughter does some kids club activities. I like being able to use the spa and adult lounge when without my daughter but equally enjoy the family friendly spaces with DD. It is a huge stretch financially, though.

It is expensive, especially how little I use it these days but:
. Changing rooms are beautifully clean with good showers and changing areas
. Pool has lanes and is never very full when we go
. Pool us a sensible temperature for swimming
. Lessons for children were good
. Cafe area clean and quiet

I feel like you’ve answered your own question - they offer a lot more than other gyms and I think they’re doing up all their gyms to make them into proper spas with more specialised things like cold plunge pools etc.

I used to be a member but moved to an area where it just wasn’t worth it for what I got out of it but it sounds like you really capitalise on what’s on offer. If you think what you’d spend on another gym, the classes, the netball, the seminars, the kids club all separate you’ll probably realise you’re getting your money’s worth

I’m not a member right now but for me the pools were the main thing - having a big outdoor pool is so great.

Nice changing rooms and a nice lounge/cafe/bar area.

Clean!

The trouble for me was that the classes weren’t as good as what I can do either PAYG at a local Pilates studio or with a monthly CrossFit membership, both of which are places where there is a real community vibe and I’m getting to know people. So DL had to go. But if I was doing gym and classes there I’d be getting good value I think.

Yes it’s expensive but we think it’s worth it too

funnily enough an ex used to be their financial controller 😂 heating the outdoor pools cost a fortune. Their costs will be much higher than an average gym

That's a good point, hadn't thought of that.

I was a member when my children were younger as they could do a class and I could use the gym. It was well worth the money and we used it loads. Swimming was great, outside pool fabulous!

i moved a few years ago to an adults only Nuffield which includes multi club and I love it!

We don't have Nuffield or Virgin Active or the like round here so really no competition. I do love the outdoor pool! Good you have found something that suits you now.

The DL club I use is a relatively small town centre one, all indoors, but for me it’s extremely convenient. I don’t use the actual gym, only the pool, usually twice a week. I like the club room - often sit with a cup,of tea or coffee and read a book, before or after the swim. Changing rooms are never very busy when I go (before 4 pm, adults only) and there are plenty of hairdryers. Another plus for me, is not having to cart a wet towel home!

One is opening near me soon and I’ve signed up. Main draw for me is the pool(s), and specifically being able to swim at practically any time. Our council pool is ok but lane swimming is restricted to quite specific hours, many of which don’t suit, plus lanes are non-existent at the weekend. I’m also looking forward to (hopefully) nicer changing rooms, and having the spa as the council facility has nothing like that at all.

If you can afford it and you’re getting all of the health benefits imo then it’s worth it.
I pay that for a single health club membership for the same reasons you’ve outlined. I think it’s slightly overpriced but it’s my best option location wise.
i barely drink any more and save money socialising because I’ve usually got an early class the next morning.

All my socialising happens at the gym as I can't afford anything else 😂 But that suits me.

AA

I reframed my thinking about a few things a while back when I got annoyed with the subscription model in general.

A gym membership is a health investment, and at a good gym includes things like entertainment, education, social connection (I WFH), modelling fitness as standard for kids.

In comparison subscriptions to various media services (Netflix, Disney+, etc) tended towards mostly solo entertainment, isolation, sofa/bed rotting...

It would be one thing if you had a gym subscription you didn't use, but from the information given, you're getting value out of it.

I’m a member of one near us as dh joined me, no idea why as I never go. Parking situ awful, they give you one towel as you go in, so if you use it in sauna/wet area you have to use it again for a shower too. Not enough antibac wipes in the gym, hot food tastes like it’s been microwaved and to be honest I just find the whole place really grim.

I’m not a member but have been previously. Like you I value the pool, you don’t get great pool and changing rooms plus classes and cafe anywhere else. 200 a month for 2 is approx 50 a week. A Pilates class now costs at least 10, a swim in local leisure centre is 6+ and that’s without the luxury feel of a DL. Basically I always work out cost per use and make sure I’m getting my monies worth as well as the ease and happiness factor.

I love the way you have reframed that. I sometimes feel guilty for spending so much on a gym but you are quite right it is a health investment and great for kids. I'm very fortunate to be able to afford it.

Yes, good point

I pay a lot less but then again my club is one of the smaller ones - it has a gym, spin classes, studios, an indoor pool and spa, a cafe but it doesn't have sports or treatments. It's also pretty basic for kids and there are restrictions on when they are allowed in, which suits me. I love it.b

I am basically annoyed by David Lloyd all the time. Except they have nice people who work in the cafe. Also it gives me options for exercise, I am lucky to be able to go there but I also find it too noisy now.

The DL near me is amazing. Huge indoor and outdoor pool that’s open year round, of course the tennis courts, training gyms, classes, spa and a restaurant with special children’s section. They also put on socials every year. My DH used it daily me about three times a weeks and we took our kids to the pool most weekends and they did tennis lessons there. Streets ahead of any competitor.

I think some are fancier than others with spa and sauna etc so probably feels like a real treat to go a few times a week. They certainly seem very popular despite the cost. My Ds and his partner both work for a recently opened one and there are plans for another close by. I am hoping my ds will get me a family member pass ( if they exist ) for when I retire in a couple of years.

I think your OP has answered your question TBH.

I hate it that i feel trapped there by the kids swim classes which are really good at ours. I never go the fucking gym i just cant get my daughter into a swim class anywhere else due to timetabling

I dont understand why David lloyd dont show their membership prices online?
You have to wait until till a member of staff calls you to try to make you join.
I just dont like the pressure.

Been a member of DL for many years, but would definitely move if there was anywhere else nearby. In recent years they have cut evening and weekend exercise classes and reduced the opening times, the gym is just full of young lads sitting on the weight machines on their phones instead of doing any exercise so you have to wait around to use equipment.

I have been to DL with a guest pass and absolutely loved it, one of the newer ones so has a fantastic spa and outdoor pool.
I agree with pp about the one towel only - not great. Oh and the only loos are within the changing rooms and quite small, not that convenient for the large cafe bar.

I’m a member of the Village Hotel, I do like it a lot but it isn’t as high quality as the DL. It’s about £60 per month. Loads of people have made comments about it being expensive but I’ve always though that even if I only do swim/spa a couple of times a week, it works out not much more than the council run equivalent. And the cleanliness and convenience is streets ahead. Yes I agree with pp it’s a health investment.