Do you think expensive gyms are worth the money?

[Junaluma]

I have been going to the gym on-and-off for over a decade and what has really helped me stick to it I think is going to an expensive gym.

I used to go to PureGym when I was a teenager and thought as I’m paying for it, I will go and while it started off well, I eventually stopped going as it wasn’t much money and there wasn’t a fixed contract so I could just cancel whenever I wanted.

I now go to a more premium gym where I am fixed into a contract and I go 4-5 times a week and have been going to the gym for nearly a year without quitting. I actually look forward to classes now and exercises as it’s a lovely place to workout and you have a pool to use which is great as I love to swim.

What is everyone else’s thoughts? Has this made a difference to you?

I really resonate with this actually. When I worked in London I went to the gym every day at lunch like clockwork, and it was routine.

Now I have to force myself to run outside every day (I hate it, and there are no alternatives!) but it actually takes a chunk of motivation I don't have, which leads me to feeling very drained.

I've been a member of a Virgin Active for several years and now changed to a cheaper local one. The Virgin experience was definitely more upmarket - big, well equipped gym, loads of online resources, lots more classes especially morning, evening and weekend, immaculate changing rooms and great personal training. It was a lovely experience going there. Obviously had to pay an arm and a leg for all this. The local gym has the potential for all the same exercises but on a much smaller (and potentially friendlier) scale.

Location matters most.
If you do classes that also matters.

Cheaper ones are great I've transformed myself in them.

Pricier ones are mixed bag. Some are amazing and I prefer to have a nice sauna and towels provided but our local virgin pretends to be nice but I had to leave as the previously amazing classes are now terrible if they're in at all, the showers are a health hazard

I go to my local Bannatyne’s.

great staff, brilliant classes, clean and warm changing room, pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, spa.

love it. Worth every penny.

Agree with several others about location being of most value. I pay a lot to go to F45 because it is a 5 min drive and they offer the type of training I want across the day so I can go when it suits me. The trainers are fantastic and will spot you when you want to challenge yourself plus correct where needed as well as motivating you. It is a brilliant friendly atmosphere. There are no bells and whistles - clean simple showers if needed post class.

Parking is literally outside the front door, so I can do the class and leave. They are not overfull so I get the choice of class I want without having to strategically book a set time in advance. I am only committed for a month so no crazy notice period to cancel.

It does feel like a lot to pay compared to PureGym which is another 5-7 mins drive but they have no parking so add another 10 to find, pay and go. Then I either need to get a place on the class I want (none of which are as good as F45) or motivate myself to go then have a programme to follow, machines to be available when I need etc. Add all those factors and I just don't go to PureGym.

I have been consistently going min 4 times each week for almost 2 years having never done regular exercise prior so it works!

Yes to location.

Gym Group works for me because it’s 10 mins walk, so I can easily fit my training in before work 3 mornings a week.

I'm a runner who hates weights so the only way I'll do them is to go somewhere really fancy. So I joined a private members club that has a gym and a pool and go there - I can then reward myself with a coffee or a glass of wine in swanky surroundings and it is always spotless and the staff are really helpful. Don't think it is anymore expensive than a Virgin gym (although there are hardly any classes and they cost extra).

Me too! It's nearest to me anyway so I can walk if needed, go to a minimum of 4 classes a week, use the gym, sauna, get discounts at the spa and have regular appointments with the PTs so definitely get my money's worth!

We have a family membership at David Lloyds and it is worth the money for me. Kids do lots of classes which means I can do classes, go to the gym or spa too. We swim (indoor and outdoor heated pool), play racquet sports etc and sometimes just go for a coffee or lunch.

I find it saves us money as we just go there to chill or burn of steam rather than soft plays and mooching round shops spending.

Edited to add, it is less than 5 minutes away too so very convenient.

Mine is. It has the right mix of classes, equipment and outdoor pool. 5 mins from home, lovely staff, good cleanliness and I feel safe there. It has really helped me improve my health and fitness.

Londonmummy, can i ask which private members club ? Understand if you dont want to say

I use a gym at a local hotel mainly used by retired people or people using the hotel spa.
The gym is only busy before 11am and then I can use the spa too.

@Gintime74 - I've PMd you

I’m the opposite. Was at a “boutique gym” (their description not mine) until the end of last year. Got to the point it was full of influencers, groups of people taking over lots of equipment doing Hyrox training and a whole section of the gym out of use for circuit classes several times a week.

I had to plan my visits as to when I would be able to use certain equipment and this just didn’t work around my schedule. I barely went from around October time.

Switched to a local “bog standard” gym end of December and I’m in the best routine ever. Can go whenever it suits me so I’m consistently going 3-4 times a week and saving over £30 a month.

What i would really really love is a gym with outdoor pool, if anyone knows of one in london that isnt full of instagrammers please share.

Fusion Leisure have a gym in Brockwell Park near Brixton which includes the Lido (which is not heated). Its too scruffy to be instagram central and at this time of year is mainly full of ladies of a certain age.

Sounds like i may fit in!

£305 per month for a gym subscription that's more than my mortgage!

For me definitely yes. I drive passed a functional gym to a DL. Probably not the best environmental choice but it does make me very happy (and healthy!)

No. I was a David Lloyd member for several years and paid £98 per month. I did go a lot and there was a nice outdoor pool but the gym was quite run down. I'm now a member of an everyone active gym and pay £29 monthly. It's cleaner, more modern, the kit is better, the classes are better (Les Mills originals not DL rip off versions.) I'd never go back to David Lloyd.

Also my DL membership was the most basic one, no towels or racquets and I had to pay £13 each for my kids to swim. New gym is only £3.50 each I think

DL is the biggest farce going, it’s very interesting reading their business strategy and fb complaints page. The problem is they have managed to buy loads of land and so there is no competition even though their customer service is shocking.
we have joined a small “country club” type gym in recent years after wasting a second mortgage on DL. Much happier, agree for me I need something more premium to stay motivated.

David Lloyd has a heated outdoor pool. It's so lovely

Charlton Lido also has a gym (and the massive pool is heated!).

My DH was a member of a local David Lloyd (not a top tier one) for 15 years until COVID. He went nearly every day and made several good friends. Post COVID he joined our local The Gym which is walkable, and prefers it because they have many more machines available and there are no queues or waiting around for machines unlike at DL. It’s only £24pm unlike DL at near £200. He does miss the sauna and jacuzzi though.