Council Run Gyms

[Mongrelsrbeautiful]

I've only ever gone to private gyms, but thought I would give my local council ones a go. It's very good value, and you can go to amy out of 6 local ones. However, I went onto all 6 websites, and found in the next 2 weeks there were nil free gyms slots! You can only book 2 weeks in advance. Same for classes. I find having to book a slot for the gym annoying anyway (never had that before), but surely they are oversubscribed and shouldn't be taking on newbies? Is it the same in other areas. I'm disappointed.

Are they definitely still using the gym booking? Mine used it during Covid, but now you can just turn up again. If they are using it, I do find with the classes that there are lots of cancellations the night before or actually on the day. Otherwise maybe it's broken, check with the gym.

but surely they are oversubscribed and shouldn't be taking on newbies?

Just in case you’re not being facetious, that’s kind of the point of council-run facilities

@MrsRetriever not sure I understand this? What do you mean?

I use our council gym. To be honest I miss the gym slots but they stopped long ago.
Our classes get booked up really quick but there's usually cancellations and you can get in the class you want. Either take your chance or book as soon as the slots open up.

No need to book gym or swimming spots at my council gym. Classes can be booked 8 days in advance and often there are spaces on the day.

Sounds like the booking system is broken - I can book a slot in my local council gym any time tomorrow, and every day this week.

Classes tend to book up, but that is the same in private gyms too. They have regulars who book week in, week out, as soon as booking opens.

Are you sure you need to book the gym? At ours, that would only be necessary for help with the equipment etc.

Mine is like this. I know at least for swimming I was miffed that I could never get a slot, then I realised they only pay a lifeguard for two hours a day, different hours each day, so there were actually only two slots.

With the gym slots, I would honestly just try going in and saying "gym please". About 50% book then don't turn up so there'll definitely be space. Depends how jobsworthy the receptionist is.

You click on book gym and it takes you to a page with slots, and they all say unavailable - but it never entered my head that they might not be using it anymore, so thankyou for that suggestion, I've emailed them to find out. I want to reduce gym/swim spend, because I also do pilates, which is £64, a month, and I don't want to give it up. My income will be halving soon, but I'll have more time on my hands to exercise.

It's still bookable at our gym but there is no need to book just rock up and go.

If its council run you might be better off calling as email might take awhile to answer, if at all.

Dh uses the council gym. It's basic but has everything he needs. No booking needed and a bargain at £25/month.

I used to use a council run gym before I had to work away then their roof broke. Anyway you had to book classes 7 days in advance to ensure you got a place. This is because they had shorter opening hours and less classes than the private gyms.

Big joke was the instructors used to instruct or cover classes in the private gyms that ran at different times.

I much prefer council run gyms over private ones as I find the atmosphere much more to my liking. I like the mix of young and old, and everyone is very chilled where I go. Fortunately it’s been refurbished 2 years ago so all equipment is in good nick.
Gym sessions don’t need to be booked any longer - just check at the reception desk when you next visit.
Classes do get booked up but if you’re on the ball, you’ll mostly be able to get a place either 8 days in advance when bookings open, or by booking on the day of the class when others have cancelled.

Don't need to book at our council gym. Classes can be booked 7 days in advance but there are usually spaces on the day anyway

And if there aren't spaces you can book and go on the waiting list and will get emailed if a space becomes available

I go to a private gym and the classes are booked within seconds of opennng

I go to a small council gym and it’s the best one I’ve ever been to. Really nice mix of ages of people in the gym and classes are not always full up. They are on at annoying times though!

Happy to report that I rang (they didn't answer the email) the leisure centre, and they confirmed no need to book gym, so I'm joining. They didn't explain why the website says you do and still has the booking page. Classes are continuously booked, but I want the gym and swim most and due to it being a bargain, I can keep my pilates going as well. Happy ending 😊