Gym recommendations

[Savoury77]

I’m 50 something. Need a gym recommendation in N8 and have 3tribes, virgin, pure gym, trinity and Fusion within walking distance. I’m a teacher on a tight budget. Apart from choosing on price (£34 + is the cheapest monthly membership) how do I assess which gym will be kind and encouraging to a flabby woman with knackered knees and a bad attitude to disciplined exercise? Any recommendations from those with experience of these things? Many thanks.

Wherever you think about joining I'd suggest you ask their policy on whether they allow self ID-ing men in to women's changing rooms. The last thing you want to see when you're getting your gear together is a penis waving in your face.

It would be best if you could get a free trial. Most gyms offer one before you commit. You could try it out at the times that you'd typically go there. If you're lacking motivation and discipline, classes could be good; often you have to sign up on advance, so that commits you - no backing out! Would be worth checking out how many classes they offer and what sort (balance, combat step etc) and see if you can actually get to any of them around your working hours. You'll pay more for a gym with pool so unless you'd use that, it might not be worth it. Finally, if you're interested in doing strength training (recommended for women our age!) see what the weights area is like - some are crowded with sweaty teenage lads hogging the squat rack. Better gyms have a larger area and a range of weights spread around, from dumbbells to barbells. Hope you find one you like!

Many thanks for your wise advice. I hadn’t thought of any of those things and it will help me assess what’s on offer. Thanks for taking the time!

I won’t have my glasses or contacts in. I won’t see a thing… but a good point, nonetheless. Thank you.

Not sure if this helps but I was just in EC1 for 3 weeks. I'm a fit-but-chunky 40+ woman who was travelling for work and wanted somewhere to keep my fitness up, and I love classes. I had a choice between Virgin and Nuffield, and walked into both. Virgin had music blaring and indifferent staff. I joined Nuffield, and loved it--and even though it was more expensive

I would get a day pass or free trial and make sure you go at the time of day you'd be going regularly. Most gyms look lovely and quiet on a Sunday evening but 6pm on Monday after work is a different matter. I tried Pure Gym but at my local one the weights area was always mobbed with groups of teenage lads who spent more time on their mobiles than lifting any metal.