Gym choice......

Woodywizz

I finally visited the local Village Hotel gym and was v impressed with all facilities (albeit I couldn't see a boxing bag / area), gym equipment was great, pool, jacuzzi, sauna etc were very good, and they gave me 14 months membership for price of 12, and 3 free kid's places for the year (costs me £7.50 per child, per visit at Virgin Active). I liked the whole vibe of the place and that'll be me for the next 12 months - along with @Abbeygoo

PU6HY

I've just joined the council gym scheme. Use of multiple leisure centres, gym classes, swimming, squash (which I play with a mate) all included. My local leisure has not too long ago had a complete refurbish and extension to it and its quality inside. Can also use the track at the athletics stadium opposite Cardiff City's ground. Suits me perfectly. Not interested in the sauna or Jacuzzi gyms. I go to train not chill out. Rather do that at home or in the pub with the lads.

YorkieBen

I have used both Virgin Active (my current gym) and a budget gym (Xercise4less) in Leeds. I found the main benefit is that at the Virgin active they have as many squat racks (power racks) as xercise4less, more 20kg plates and more olympic bars, plus some bumper plates and less people use that equipment = less time waiting to squat!

The only problem is there are some people who like to curl in the power rack, which causes me to stare at them in a passive-aggressive manner!

Abbeygoo

Back at the Village and loving it.

The MyZone heart rate monitor and workout stats are a real bonus and keep you pushing on.

I note @PU6HY comment above about jacuzzi etc but it also helps when I have done long runs outside or played football. So, did a 15 mile run and headed straight back into the village and had a great warm down using their facilities.

Loving it so far.

PU6HY

I'm just jealous they don't have them where I am I do like a Jacuzzi and sauna but can live without them if I have to as my gym(s) cater for all my workout and racquet sport  needs.

Abbeygoo

Yep, I get what you mean. I had a year where there wasn't the option and having first thought I wouldn't miss it ..... The jacuzzi, sauna and steam room are excellent now I have them back.

Woodywizz

I completely agree with the sentiment that people should not choose a gym based on jacuzzi / sauna.....though, the amount of fat ****s who I see at Virgin Active, who never ever go on the gym floor, do a class, but just come in and go straight into the steam room to try to sweat off a few pounds - well, that infuriates me. I'm with Steve, the jacuzzi and sauna is a good warm down after a hard session and is something that I welcome and which I need to have in a gym.