Sport & Fitness

The problem with big gym chains is that they recruit too many members. The result is massive overcrowding.
And they don't invest in cleanliness or repair of equipment to a sufficient extent.
The result - mould in the showers, dripping shower-heads, no soap in the dispensers, filthy floors, loos that smell like some kind of slum in Calcutta. And in the gym, machines that say "out of order" for months on end.

I have just moved to North West London and I am looking for a gym to join and take part in some classes. I am looking for a friendly gym where I can meet new people and have fun, was wondering if anyone could recommend some good gyms,
thanks,
Lucy

Why would anyone choose to workout in an airless sweaty gym? There is a great alternative in British Military Fitness. Get outside, get an all over body workout lead by professionals and best of all MEET PEOPLE AND HAVE FUN! When was the last time you had a conversation with anyone in the gym?

In response to Dunstan, it seems you are mistaken. Aegis training may not be a bodybuilding or powerlifting gym - we specialise in weight loss- but it does have a wide variety of equipment and is regularly used for olympic lifting, strength training and strongman type training. The fixed db'd go up to 35 but there are adjustable olympic dumbbells, and also has a 150kg crane tyre - for flipping and sledge hammer work, a weight sled for dragging and heavy sandbags and even a beer keg. Plenty of stuff to keep the strongmen happy.

For a review of the 50 best gyms and fitness centres, its disappointing to see that there wasn't one bodybuilding / powerlifting gym included. The gyms listed are all the type of place where the dumbells dont go heavier than 20kg and there's someone doing bicep curls in the squat rack. If there even is one.

I am unashamedly a complete Bikram Yoga nut and having being do it for over four years now. Without it I would not have been able to even think about running the London Marathon yet alone do it. I been hearing a lot good things about Bikram Yoga Soho for some time now and last week I went to see what all the talk is about. Wow now I know. Clean, great atmosphere and HOT & SWEATY. If you’re into Bikram you must go there is - IT’S FANTASTIC!

aquaterra in islington has a decent pool but is overcrowded. dont know much about the gym as i dont use it. some of the staff are bit wotless and not very upto speed with whats going on when you ask them an easy question regarding the facilities that they offer.

I don't agree with Steve or Mandy. I love Bikram yoga and have also been to many of the Bikram yoga studios in London, and several in Australia - and Bikram Yoga Soho is by far the most pretentious, clinical, crowded and unpleasant studio I have been to, with the rudest and unfriendliest staff. The location is good, but I try to avoid this studio if I can.

Jen- apparently there is a Bikram studio opening in Canary Wharf this summer. Just do a search in "International" on www.bikramyoga.com

This is a great compilation! Great work Time Out!
Just to make a general note and a piece of advice:
I made the unfortunate mistake of joining Fitness First Black Label - AKA Globogym (for those of you who have watched dodgeball).
While the staff and trainers at my local branch were very friendly and made the gym feel as much as a homely environment as one could expect from such a large facility, dealing with head office was a NIGHTMARE! I would not wish this upon anyone. From troubles with cancelling my membership, misinformation, and problems with the direct debits i found my mouth got the biggest workout of all arguing with people over the phone!
My best piece of advice - stick to your local 'small guy' fitness club as much as possible. The people are usually friendlier, you get more personalised service and you don't get caught up in the loads of corporate hotlines.

The Factory Gym (North London) have so many new classes, Bollywood fusion, belly dancing as well as new classes in the next few weeks I am eager to try, like the Jazz fusion and newly added street dance class (even though I have no rhythm). Don't underestimate the power of dance for a full work out!!

Does anyone know of any Bikram yoga classes in Canary Wharf?

I used Gymbox on the pay-as-you go option ... however, this did not turn out to be the case.
Following the cancellation of my membership they continued to extract money from my account and the staff's attitude completely changed when dealing with customer complaints.
Very very disappointing

The aquaterra at Islington is dreadful. The free weight training areas consist of one tiny rubber mat in front of a mirror but the free weight rack is in the same space, so anyone who wants to grab a weight has to somehow get around the person who is using the tiny mat to train. There is another tiny mat area but "priority" is given to staff who have clients to train, to the extent that they barged around me without even waiting for my set to finish. So rude, what kind of work out ethos is that? Also, only one pair of 3kg free weights, although this is the most popular size used by women. Dirty. Machines time limited to 15 minutes. bureaucratic. Dull. Dingy. Depressing.

Steve's comments aobut Bikram Yoga Soho is spot on! It rocks! I did the ten day trial then signed up for the year. Just a few minutes walk from Oxford St tube and so so hot!