fitness first membership

slewts

If you want to get fit, go to a running shop get measured for a pair of running shoes and the join a local running club.

you may pay £70-£80 for the shoes, but after that your ongoing outlay will be subs of a couple of pounds a week,far less than any gym and much more socially beneficial to you, than the gym trying to converse with the gym bunnies.

coolagarry

slewts wrote: »

If you want to get fit, go to a running shop get measured for a pair of running shoes and the join a local running club.

you may pay £70-£80 for the shoes, but after that your ongoing outlay will be subs of a couple of pounds a week,far less than any gym and much more socially beneficial to you, than the gym trying to converse with the gym bunnies.

I was an FF member for many years but had to pack up in the end because of sciatica. The classes (which I attended three times a week) were great fun and in all my time there I didn't see any 'gym bunnies'. I found that the others there were nice people trying to keep reasonably fit for as long as possible. The instructors were similarly really nice and helpful. I really miss the exercise and company.

pixelchick10

I found Fitness First OK re facilities and price, and with nice locker rooms and drinks area (although the equipment wasn't cleaned very often in my gym) but when I came to leave they made it very difficult. Pretended they hadn't received the letter I wrote - so had to pay for another month - in the end, I sent it Record Delivery so they couldn't dispute it. I wouldn't join them again.

presh_2

Well today I paid a visit to FF and the instructor was giving me a membership for £46 per month but was willing to give me the same for £40 if I sign up immediately. I said no. He said this wont be available tomorrow. Needless to say he can find someone else to swindle. I will join another gym. I guess he has lost a customer.

jenniewb

I went to several FF around 2 years ago- they may have changed since but I doubt it:
The gyms themselves- all of them! were SOOO TINY! It amazed me that they could run so many machines so close together. I felt sorry for the failing airconditioning, although it was mid summer, this is no excuse for a gym.
The classes I did not like and were the main reason for me not joining. The instructors seemed to just teach with little regard to anyone trying to follow- they were too hard for most of us but there was no attempt in any of the three to slow it down for a second so we could get the step patterns right.
In one FF (Lewisham) there is a huge pillar right in the center of the class- it means most of the class cannot see the instructor. There was in each case only one class excercise room, so few classes there in all and little variety.

I guess it depends on your reason for joining the gym, for me I wanted to get fitter and maintain my fitness. Classes are essential as gyms themselves can become very dull places, so this did not work for me. But if your the type who can just zone out on a machine several times a week, regardless of heat, having to que for a machine and don't mind the marketing thrown at you, join up. Otherwise, don't!

FF have a habit of bombing you with marketing material- so do not give your mobile phone number if you can help it. Trust me on that!

presh_2

Thanks Jenniewb about the mobile phone tip.

Anyway, I was first offered monthly gym fee of 46 £ pcm on signing a contract for 1 year. I bargained hard and have secured a membership for 29.95 £ pcm. Well chuffed as 30 was the max i was willing to pay.

TallGirl

Just come back from my session and I was offered £33 for 12 months membership or £34.95 for 3 months. No signup fee and I got 12 guest passes.

Took up the boby first package which is refunded at £30. Got a nice rucksack too so quite happy.