Ben Dunne Sandyford Beacon

Kevin! · 01-12-2011 1:25pm #1

The Ben Dunne gym in Sandyford is opening on the 27th of December according to a message found on the site, they are also accecpting registrations

columok · 01-12-2011 2:19pm

Kevin! wrote: »

The Ben Dunne gym in Sandyford is opening on the 27th of December according to a message found on the site, they are also accecpting registrations

Had great experiences with the Jervis St. gym. Hard to beat for that price.

mollser · 02-12-2011 9:39am

The Sandyford gym will be similar to the Liverpool gym as pictured on the website. So, if I'm right, there is one hall packed with a few running machines, freeweights etc. It looks like a typical hotel gym. And this is costing €175 a year?

It looks so bad and I cannot see it getting many of the TF Sandyford members who have not already signed up elsewhere. There aren't even any studio's for aerobics/spinning classes?? There doesn't seem to be any small sauna/jacuzzi area even? Oh dear, epic fail in my eyes.

Will have to continue to dream of somebody opening TF Sandyford again!

AntiVirus · 02-12-2011 11:38am

I love the the Lucan Gym, ton's of equipment, big free weights section and all the equipment is new. Great price too!

pauldoo · 02-12-2011 2:39pm

the pictures dont look too bad, looks decent, i suppose not having pool etc is the reason for the price!

redzerredzer · 02-12-2011 5:54pm

Ben Dunnes is gonna be packed because it is so cheap and they have advertised well. I would rather be in BHAF gym which is just across the road for 250 a year.

Steelpony · 04-12-2011 7:35pm

I don't know if that gym will be all that well supported. I have joined at 175 Euro, but I think it was a big mistake. PARKING IS 2 EURO and HOUR. Depending on how often and how long you are in the gym it could very easily push your membership up to over 5 or 6 hundred Euro no problem. I have a motorbike, maybe I could sneak in on the footpath !!!

Inspector Coptoor · 04-12-2011 8:09pm

Parking is free for 2 hours.
€2 per hour there after

Arthurdaly · 04-12-2011 8:10pm

Seriously? You are expected to pay for parking? I am sure there is somewhere within reasonable walking distance where you could park for free? Was waiting for this place to open but if parking is an extra I am out!

Steelpony · 04-12-2011 8:47pm

As far as I know that is the deal, unless the gym has a concession. I would normally attend for 3 hours 3 times a week, that adds up to 300 Euro a year minimum extra. Don't know if I can get my money back, but if I could I would.
Yes the first 2 hours is free.

Steelpony · 04-12-2011 8:50pm

On street parking is 1 Euro per hour, am going to check out the motorbike option. Also a mate of mine knows a guy that owns a business not too far away, about 200 Mtrs, and he is going to see if he will let me park there.

Inspector Coptoor · 04-12-2011 8:56pm

Steelpony wrote: »

As far as I know that is the deal, unless the gym has a concession. I would normally attend for 3 hours 3 times a week, that adds up to 300 Euro a year minimum extra. Don't know if I can get my money back, but if I could I would.
Yes the first 2 hours is free.

3 hours in the gym?
Are you serious?
What do you do in 3 hours that you couldn't do in 2?

Steelpony · 05-12-2011 7:27pm

I do an hour on the treadmill, Half and hour on the cross trainer and half an hour weights minimum the shower etc. that's pushing on for 3 hours when you take dressing and undressing etc. into account.

Transform · 06-12-2011 5:21pm

Liam Henners257 wrote: »

3 hours in the gym?
Are you serious?
What do you do in 3 hours that you couldn't do in 2?

that you couldnt do in 45mins!!

Inspector Coptoor · 06-12-2011 5:30pm

Transform wrote: »

that you couldnt do in 45mins!!

Agreed.
You should be "working" during a workout.
Not jogging idly on a treadmill for 60 mins followed by 30 mins of the same on a cross trainer and then 30 mins weights.

Incorporate weights into all facets of your training. Get more work done in less time.

mccarte2 · 06-12-2011 5:39pm

Steelpony wrote: »

I do an hour on the treadmill, Half and hour on the cross trainer and half an hour weights minimum the shower etc. that's pushing on for 3 hours when you take dressing and undressing etc. into account.

You could run there and back home again saving you upto an hour :P

Steelpony · 06-12-2011 8:06pm

That sounds good to me, mwill look up a routine to try and incorporate the weights into my workout. Thanks for that

Kevin! · 17-12-2011 7:25pm

went to the open day today, nice enough gym has all the basics - one thing that seemed strange though is the dumbells only go up to 30KG and I asked one of the staff why so and he said its to prevent people joining who use steroids?

thought that was a bit of a joke considering 30kg dumbell isint alot for certain exercises & the fact that they have barbells and plenty of plates so its just stupid

manhattan · 17-12-2011 11:01pm

mollser wrote: »

The Sandyford gym will be similar to the Liverpool gym as pictured on the website. So, if I'm right, there is one hall packed with a few running machines, freeweights etc. It looks like a typical hotel gym. And this is costing €175 a year?

It looks so bad and I cannot see it getting many of the TF Sandyford members who have not already signed up elsewhere. There aren't even any studio's for aerobics/spinning classes?? There doesn't seem to be any small sauna/jacuzzi area even? Oh dear, epic fail in my eyes.

Will have to continue to dream of somebody opening TF Sandyford again!

Eh...I was there today and there is a studio as a matter of fact. It's not like a hotel gym at all. There are ample amounts of machines, benches, dumbbells. Also a light weights area upstairs, (beside the Studio:)) True, no sauna/jacuzzi but for €175 per year, turn the heat up at home and have a fart in the bathtub!

Sacred_git · 19-12-2011 3:51pm

Kevin! wrote: »

went to the open day today, nice enough gym has all the basics - one thing that seemed strange though is the dumbells only go up to 30KG and I asked one of the staff why so and he said its to prevent people joining who use steroids?

thought that was a bit of a joke considering 30kg dumbell isint alot for certain exercises & the fact that they have barbells and plenty of plates so its just stupid

Is this true? bit odd? i use 35's exercising my c**k, thats just crap !!

Steelpony · 19-12-2011 9:10pm

manhattan wrote: »

Eh...I was there today and there is a studio as a matter of fact. It's not like a hotel gym at all. There are ample amounts of machines, benches, dumbbells. Also a light weights area upstairs, (beside the Studio:)) True, no sauna/jacuzzi but for €175 per year, turn the heat up at home and have a fart in the bathtub!

Had a look at it myself, it looks fine to me, will give it a go for the year and see if Total Fitness opens up again next year.

saa · 19-12-2011 10:04pm

I wish there was a Ben Dunne gym here

ct_roy · 19-12-2011 10:37pm

poked my head in the door on the viewing day on Sunday and I was pleasantly surprised.

As a TF Sandyford member who hasn't signed up for an alternative gym since it shut (still mourning the loss!) I will be signing up.

Pros
- Very good selection of equipment and lots of it.
- Bigger than I thought it would be - studio upstairs is massive.

Cons
- No pool/sauna - not a deal breaker - especially for the price.
- Weights section could be better. Serious lifters prob won't go near the place.

Even in the midst of a recession I'd say this place will do very well given there is still pent up demand since TF Sandyford closed and given the thousands who work in the industrial estate.

For those banging on about the parking charge - relax - there's 2 hours free parking - I think that's plenty for your typical gym user. If you're going for longer than 3 hours why don't you get on your feckin bike or get the runners out and jog there instead!

Lanterrrn · 26-12-2011 5:28am

As someone looking to do the Starting Strength programme, would this gym be a decent alternative over the likes of Raw? I'm bottom of the rung when it comes to weight training so I'm not sure what one would offer over the other, really. Price and proximity are turning my head... The Beacon's a 5 minute cycle away, and would be dead handy if you fine knowledgeable folks don't see any reason to give Raw the nod over it.

Steelpony · 27-12-2011 1:22pm

Can't help you with the weights, I just do cardio, must try the weights sometime.
Will give the gym a try next week when everyone is back at work in the meantime I have a 12 visit free trial card for 1 Escape valid up to 31st December. It is a very nice gym but very expensive @ 80-00 Euro a month

pauldoo · 27-12-2011 7:07pm

was up there today, very impressed with the place, its huge, loads of equipment

Steelpony · 02-01-2012 5:44pm

Went up to the Gym for the first time today and was very impressed. Lots of equipment, and lots of space, glad I joined.

Lanterrrn · 02-01-2012 9:43pm

Anyone know if there's a spot to do pull-ups in the gym?

Big Nasty · 03-01-2012 1:27pm

saa wrote: »

I wish there was a Ben Dunne gym here

Location - South Dublin?

cbyrne11 · 04-01-2012 5:32pm

Lanterrrn wrote: »

Anyone know if there's a spot to do pull-ups in the gym?

I joined the other day, good so far but there's a lot of people joining each day wondering how busy it will get.

As for pull ups haven't had a good scout around but there was one of those pull up machines that you put your kness on and weights help you pull up. sure you can disable the weights and go normal pull ups, at least you could on the one up in TF!

justindublin · 10-01-2012 10:07am

I know its only opened like a week now, but any word on how busy it is?

I was a member in Northwood for years but had to leave because the place got WAAAAY to full, couldnt fit in the place. Please got full of, well, jersey shore and steroid heads so chuffed to hear its limited to 30kg. I think it'll attract way more customer than it'll turn away. Gets rid of that whole 'hardcore' image which turns women and adverage blokes off.

Worked in Sandyford for years (some hidden free parking on bracken road after 5pm, pm me if you wanna know where) so I know the clientele would be way better too.

pauldoo · 10-01-2012 2:22pm

ive been goin at lunch the last week and its been fine, few people around but theres enough machinery to get on whatever you want, excluding the chip up/dip machine, theres only one, its a bit crap anyway

say it could be a very different story in the evening though

del23 · 11-01-2012 5:39am

Any personal trainers in this place? How to start with workouts? thanks

Pplsgod · 18-01-2012 4:52pm

Just signed up this week and have only been up a couple of times.

First time Monday afternoon before lunch and was very quiet, a few people wandered in nearer to lunchtime but I pretty much had the run of the place.

Went up last night at 7 just to gauge how busy it was at peak times. Lots more people around but still loads of cardio machines available upstairs. Weights area was almost empty in comparison.

I asked about a personal trainer and there is one available at €25 per hour. The fitness instructors on duty can also give you a free programme, it will be more generic but depending on your needs that could do just fine. If going with the free option maybe go in at a quiet time, they will have more time to give to you.

All in all impressed so far. Its nice and clean, has a decent selection of weights and plenty of cardio machines.

LOLA08 · 18-01-2012 6:01pm

does anybody know how busy it is between the hours of 5.30pm and 7pm?

thanks

swededmonkey · 19-01-2012 11:15pm

pretty busy, its the time i go every evening, but there's plenty of everything, so you're never waiting long periods, at most a couple of minutes if you're looking to use squat rack/smith machine.

In terms of cardio equipment, i've never had to wait for anything

roashter · 20-01-2012 5:28pm

I'm going to join here this weekend, so if anyone else is looking to join and save themselves €20, can you send me a pm.

€195 for 1 person.
€175 each for 2 people joining together.

link_2007 · 24-01-2012 8:15pm

I joined. After training in Raw since it opened (and Pinnacle before that), I thought I would hate the place but I must admit it's growing on me.

It is busy (as practically all gyms are) between 6 and 8 but there is plenty of machinery/racks/benches and I am yet to wait to use anything.

The one big tick in the 'against' box is the dumbells only go up to 30kg but this has just meant a tweak in what lifts I do.

I do miss training in Raw but at €150 for the year (I got the pre-Christmas deal) I couldn't afford not to join, especially taking into account it's only a minutes walk from my apartment.

rolexeagle1 · 15-02-2012 5:55pm

Whats the general consensus on the gym then?? seem like its worth it??

Used to train in RAW myself also but beacon is so much handier!!

cheers

link_2007 · 15-02-2012 7:42pm

It's certainly got busier srumball but I still haven't had to wait for anything (apart from someone finishing a couple of sets but you get that everywhere).

I don't mean to sound arrogant as I am aware we all had to start somewhere, myself included, but after training in Raw and Pinnacle it is strange being surrounded by so many 'Chest and Bi' people doing weights. The place is certainly less friendly than Raw (both staff and fellow members), there is no 'community' feel to it although I felt that has disappeared slightly in Raw as well recently.

To put it bluntly - Is it as good of a gym as Raw? No, absolutely not even close.
Will you enjoy being a member as much as you (presumably) did in Raw? Again, no.
Is it worth making these sacrifices for saving half your annual membership fee and having the gym 2 minutes walk from where you live? For me, yes.

I don't know what their stance is on letting people use the gym to try it out before they join but if they don't allow it, members can sign in a guest for a single session but it costs €10 per session. If you wanted to pay that to try it out, pm me and I can arrange to meet you some evening and sign you in.

elleelle19 · 03-05-2012 4:05pm

Hey,

Thinking of joining and was wondering now that it's been open a few months how busy it is between 5 - 7pm?

Thanks:)

miller82 · 03-05-2012 5:22pm

just joined this week myself from a different gym in the area. pleasently surprised. i go in the mornings though so cant really help ya out with 5 to 7, but the bird goes at that time the odd day and she says its busy but not manic

saa · 03-05-2012 9:23pm

MCMLXXV wrote: »

Location - South Dublin?

Yuup its a big ol place and I've no car, but I found the Postal club's fitness studio, small gym but I get classes included for 230 a year which is awesome.

miller82 · 07-05-2012 12:05pm

was in the gym for the first time in the evenings and it was very busy. didnt look too crazy, but i would imagine there might be some waiting around

eimear10 · 04-07-2012 12:27pm

Is it near the luas? and is there plenty of treadmills?

LuckyLloyd · 04-07-2012 1:19pm

eimear10 wrote: »

Is it near the luas? and is there plenty of treadmills?

Couple of minutes walk from the Stillorgan LUAS stop.

There is a long bank of treadmills downstairs and another few upstairs as well. Plenty of cardio machines in general from what I can see (don't use them myself).

Sheep Shagger · 22-07-2012 5:52pm

Does anyone know what is listed On the email confirm if you join online?

Thinking about joining with the other half as its cheaper than two individual memberships, employer pays part of my gym cost but not sure how much they would reimburse if the invoice showed both names?

cjmcork · 30-09-2012 8:42pm

sorry to bump this thread - just wanted to see what the opinions were on this - really only interested in using the treadmills between 6.30 and 8.......would I be waiting around?

StickyMcGinty · 01-10-2012 12:27pm

cjmcork wrote: »

sorry to bump this thread - just wanted to see what the opinions were on this - really only interested in using the treadmills between 6.30 and 8.......would I be waiting around?

To be honest, at those times you'll be fine. I'm rarely waiting around for anything - maybe the bikes on occasion but that's down to them only having 5!

cjmcork · 01-10-2012 12:57pm

ta very much - think I'm gonna pop up tonight to have a gander, and possibly even join!!!

StickyMcGinty · 01-10-2012 2:38pm

cjmcork wrote: »

ta very much - think I'm gonna pop up tonight to have a gander, and possibly even join!!!

Monday's the busiest day up there so you definitely wont see it any more packed than you will tonight!

Ben Dunne Sandyford Beacon

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