Gymophobics versus normal gyms

chocdonuty

I'm hopeless! Can't decide on a gym, my old gym or the gymophobics.
Both are 10/15 mins walk from home so close by and gymophobics is even closer to work or town if I'm popping in
Gymophobics is easier to do as don't really need special gear to wear and takes 30-45 mins.
Old gym I would probably take longer and as it's not combined with work or town needs that little more effort but does have a pool and all classes included.
Convenience and support wise gymophobics wins but cost and variety wise the old gym wins
Any thoughts?

peachyprice

Would you really not want the option to shower and change after a workout?

That really puts me off Gymphobics, you either leave in your sweaty gear or don't work out hard enough to work up a sweat because you know you can't shower.

chocdonuty

You don't get sweaty at gymophobics tbh but even at the old gym I always either went swimming straight after or showered at home. I would only go after work or nothing to go to straight afterwards so no showers doesn't bother me and I am a clean person honest!

Tinks74

It depends on how you feel about gyms.

I was a member of a gymophobics gym for a couple of years, I still would be if I hadn't moved 30 miles away to a town without one.

I joined precisely because I didn't want the extra intimidation that comes from being in a traditional gym with body builders and the like.

With regard to clothing, I found it doesn't really matter what you wear to work out in as long as you are able to complete the exercises without restriction, but at some traditional gyms you may be made to feel that it does.

Also I'm not one for public showers and changing rooms and I always went to the gym on the way home from work, so like you, the need to shower immediately was not an issue.

But don't believe you don't get sweaty, you only get out what you put in it.

The gymophobics gym worked for me because I was never intimidated by the staff, the equipment or the other members, it was a welcoming place and because of that I used it.

heartbreak_star

Just looked at Gymophobics and it looks awful I can't think of anything worse than a gym that doesn't have free weights and where there's the option to not get sweaty!!

HBS x

terra_ferma

There was a thread a while back, in my opinion their workout routine is not very good, you would get better value for money and more flexibility in a normal gym.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2420341

Tinks74

My branch did have free weights and other equipment available if you wanted to use them, however the core routines were based upon the machines.

And as for the option not to get sweaty, well that is up to the person, I once went to a traditional gym where one guy used to spend more time drinking, resting and generally waiting around that the instructor told me he wondered why he came, he would be at the gym for 3 hours and only do about 20 minutes of exercise.

It is all about what suits the user. You could have the best equipped gym in the country with the most qualified instructors but if you don't use it because you don't like it or feel uncomfortable then it isn't worth anything to you.

terra_ferma

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Just looked at Gymophobics and it looks awful I can't think of anything worse than a gym that doesn't have free weights and where there's the option to not get sweaty!!

HBS x

The core client group, when I visited, were elderly ladies, and a few unfit gymophobic women like me . I liked the fact that I could take things slow if I wanted, because my level of fitness is not as good as it could be, although now improving (what I didn't like were their facilities and the routine, as well as the level of knowledge of their staff). My local council gym is much better in this respect, and still not too intimidating, particularly if you go in the morning.

heartbreak_star

Bear in mind if it was me I would destroy all "weights" machines though hehe!

HBS x

~Chameleon~

Tinks74 wrote: »

My branch did have free weights and other equipment available if you wanted to use them, however the core routines were based upon the machines.

And as for the option not to get sweaty, well that is up to the person, I once went to a traditional gym where one guy used to spend more time drinking, resting and generally waiting around that the instructor told me he wondered why he came, he would be at the gym for 3 hours and only do about 20 minutes of exercise.

If you're doing the right type of exercise then 20mins is all you need. I assume he was doing a free weights work out? If so, you need rest periods between sets. When people are sat there seemingly doing nothing, they're actually taking active recovery. It's not all about pounding on a treadmill for hours upon end which, quite frankly, does very little for you


First time I've heard of Gymophobics. Looks truly horrendous to me, would run in the opposite direction :rotfl:

paulineb_2

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Bear in mind if it was me I would destroy all weights "machines" though hehe!

HBS x

Why? Just interested. I know you lift free weights, I do as well. But I also use weights machines as part of a gym programme.