Gym Reviews

COH · 10-11-2011 11:40am

themoocher wrote: »

does anyone know if universal gym is still open or any any other more 'hardcore' gyms than the commercial gyms on the northside???

It is indeed. There's also Unique Physique in Kilbarrack run by the lads that used to run Powerhouse in town. You cant go wrong with Hercs on Lurgan St either

Ki ki · 11-11-2011 10:03am

Meredith wrote: »

Has anyone tried the pay as you go fitness class in Newpark, Blackrock?

Yeah, I've been to a few and enjoyed them.

Fitbox is really good. A great work out and the instructor is top.

Circuit training is also pretty intense (especially on a Wednesday night). If you're new to it don't expect too much help from the instructor as he's usually the other side of the hall doing his own work out.

I haven't tried the Body Conditioning or Bosu Ball but I have friends who go regularly and love them.

engrish? · 21-11-2011 4:01pm

Can anyone recommend a gym to me in Dublin City Centre? I am training for an Iron Man and I need a gym with a pool, weights and cardio equipment - I dont have a huge amount to spend.

I was in crunch but I cant afford it and I didnt like it.

I was looking at Countess Markievicz which is €300 for the year but I see a lot of bad reviews of the place. I work close to temple bar and I would like to have a gym I could visit during lunch and before work which was close by.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dathai · 21-11-2011 5:03pm

The Trinity College gym is just down by Pearse Street Dart station. Loads in my job use it. They've a pool, load of cardio equipment and a weights area by the looks of it.

d'Oracle · 21-11-2011 5:10pm

engrish? wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a gym to me in Dublin City Centre? I am training for an Iron Man and I need a gym with a pool, weights and cardio equipment - I dont have a huge amount to spend.

I was in crunch but I cant afford it and I didnt like it.

I was looking at Countess Markievicz which is €300 for the year but I see a lot of bad reviews of the place. I work close to temple bar and I would like to have a gym I could visit during lunch and before work which was close by.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I don't see anything wrong with Markievicz.

It looks clean enough. The weights room is probably a nightmare if its busy cos it long and narrow......and some of the machines are frankly bizarre. But if you are training for an ironman, it shouldn't matter.

engrish? · 23-11-2011 3:17pm

d'Oracle wrote: »

I don't see anything wrong with Markievicz.

It looks clean enough. The weights room is probably a nightmare if its busy cos it long and narrow......and some of the machines are frankly bizarre. But if you are training for an ironman, it shouldn't matter.

hey,

I went in there the other day - my only concern is with the amount of time I will be in there, I'd like it to be clean enough. It seems fine but while I was there (lunch time) the place looked mobbed.

Trinity looks great but they have a joining fee - I just cant pay a joining fee to a gym, it kills me inside to part with betweeen €70 and €200 every time you change location or gym.

Thanks - if anyone has another suggestion I would appreciate it. I will be running out my Cruch contract until Christmas.

johnfás · 23-11-2011 11:23pm

Does anybody know if there is any room for negotiation in Riverview prices? I toured it today and was quoted 124 a month and a "special" of 49 for a joining fee.

Hanley · 23-11-2011 11:33pm

johnfás wrote: »

Does anybody know if there is any room for negotiation in Riverview prices? I toured it today and was quoted 124 a month and a "special" of 49 for a joining fee.

You could try, but it's a pretty high level in demand club, so unlikely.

Robdude · 24-11-2011 3:50am

Can someone help me find a gym? I've been searching online but I worry that I've missed something.

I'll be working near the IFSC (but not inside of it - I'll be on 'George's Dock') and I live on Upper Leeson street. I'd like to hit the gym after work, so something that isn't terribly far out of the way would be perfect.

I'm not very interested in cardio or group classes, I just want some barbells/squat rack/free weights to do my thing with. And I'm pretty poor, so the cheaper the better.

I've heard of RAW Condition Gym - but it sounds like it might be too much for me to afford. Truthfully 50 euro a month is the absolute max I could pay and still make rent. If there aren't any gyms like that, I totally understand, I just thought I'd ask.

ucd.1985 · 24-11-2011 12:01pm

Robdude wrote: »

Can someone help me find a gym? I've been searching online but I worry that I've missed something.

I'll be working near the IFSC (but not inside of it - I'll be on 'George's Dock') and I live on Upper Leeson street. I'd like to hit the gym after work, so something that isn't terribly far out of the way would be perfect.

I'm not very interested in cardio or group classes, I just want some barbells/squat rack/free weights to do my thing with. And I'm pretty poor, so the cheaper the better.

I've heard of RAW Condition Gym - but it sounds like it might be too much for me to afford. Truthfully 50 euro a month is the absolute max I could pay and still make rent. If there aren't any gyms like that, I totally understand, I just thought I'd ask.

Pretty sure Raw works out at a lot less than €600 for the year.

€399 last time I checked.

johnfás · 24-11-2011 4:43pm

Robdude wrote: »

Can someone help me find a gym? I've been searching online but I worry that I've missed something.

I'll be working near the IFSC (but not inside of it - I'll be on 'George's Dock') and I live on Upper Leeson street. I'd like to hit the gym after work, so something that isn't terribly far out of the way would be perfect.

I'm not very interested in cardio or group classes, I just want some barbells/squat rack/free weights to do my thing with. And I'm pretty poor, so the cheaper the better.

I've heard of RAW Condition Gym - but it sounds like it might be too much for me to afford. Truthfully 50 euro a month is the absolute max I could pay and still make rent. If there aren't any gyms like that, I totally understand, I just thought I'd ask.

The Ben Dunne place on Jervis Street is only €195 a year or €165 if three of you join together. It is about 20 minutes walk from George's Dock, considerably less on a bike and also on the Red Luas Line. Probably not the best of gyms but might suit if on a tight budget.

Poccington · 09-12-2011 2:04am

Anyone have any experience of training in Morton Stadium?

I've been using the gym in work since IP closed and it's utterly ****e. So been looking at going back to a proper gym and Morton Stadium works out fairly convenient for me.

link_2007 · 09-12-2011 9:24am

ucd.1985 wrote: »

Pretty sure Raw works out at a lot less than €600 for the year.

€399 last time I checked.

Going up to €499, I'd say the €600 is if you are paying monthly.

daveyc21 · 09-12-2011 11:22am

Poccington wrote: »

Anyone have any experience of training in Morton Stadium?

I've been using the gym in work since IP closed and it's utterly ****e. So been looking at going back to a proper gym and Morton Stadium works out fairly convenient for me.

http://www.mortonstadium.ie/#/hp-gym/4548302258 you probably have checked out this anyway but I used to train there a good bit when I was sprinting been revamped with top of the line gear so you could do an awful lot worse.

eleven1 · 11-12-2011 9:55pm

did u try energiefitness in clarendon street ! they have a pool +...... , but u have to ask about prices, my advice is if u want join the gym do it now , b4 xmas, otherwise in january prices will go up , now their business is very quiet they will give u the best deals. after new year , with new year resolutions in mind , gyms r no go !!!!

d'Oracle · 22-12-2011 3:58pm

I was sort of waiting till things were finished but I'm not sure they will ever be now, they guys seem to be constantly tweaking and improving stuff.

Ironside is a serious Gym.
Its a Strength and Conditioning facility aimed primarily at athletes and lifters, but half broken Gym rats like myself are more than welcome, as I have been from very early on indeed.

The facility is well equipped with Olympic Bars, tonnes of plates, dumbells to (I believe) 60kg, Some speciality bars (Trap bar, Axles, logs etc), 7 assorted racks, a monolift and two specialised bench presses. (you can bench in more or less all the racks.) There are also 2 platforms for picking stuff up off. You will literally not be stuck for a place to do anything training in Ironside. Unless you want to do treadmill intervals. Bands and some chains are also available as well as two sets of bumpers at the platforms.

There is a 20m 2 lane sprint track in the middle where people run, carry loads and pull sleds. A Brower timing system is available for testing or timed sprints.
There is a prowler.

The gym also has a small selection of kettlebells and the Westside/Elitefts holy trinity of a Reverse Hyper, Glute-Ham Raise and 45 Degree Back raise benches. To round things off there is a leg press and cable crossover machine in the corner.

The gym has recently expanded to include changing rooms and extra room for the dumbell area. Personally I could care less about changing rooms but it is a welcome addition by other members. The Dumbbell area is a very useful addition as the racks and speciality equipment now have lots of space making a good open safe environment. The place has been steadily developing & improving since I joined absolute Kudos to Dave and Barry for that.

As a result of its origins as a strongman facility, there is a certain amount of strongman implements in the Gym. Some are available to train with and some.... well you should probably be supervised with those ones anyway.

Ironside also Houses the East Coast Barbell olympic weightlifting club.
Where some of the countries finest Olympic Lifters can be seen training now and again. By contrast Token also trains there. The lads who run the club are very knowledgeable coaches and are approachable and sound men in my experience. They also brought along the Chartered high performance sports Physiotherapist, Emma Gallivan who now works out of the Ironside Building.

It is basically a one stop shop for strength athletics training. Cept maybe Highland games.

This gym is not a health spa. Do not expect polished chrome and spotless carpets. Expect Black Iron, chalk and noise. But also expect a supportive hard-working "club man" atmosphere that Barry and Dave have worked hard to cultivate.

The only drawback in my eyes might be a lack of indoor cardio options. But then again there is a truck load of world out there so either get out and run or shut up and do your swings and farmers walks.:)

Literally, if I had to move house now proximity to Ironside would be a serious factor for consideration. I cannot say enough about this gym.

http://ironsidegym.ie/

gavtron · 22-12-2011 4:17pm

gonna pay them a visit in the new year cheers d'Oracle!

JJayoo · 22-12-2011 5:37pm

Got a years membership to the NUIGalway gym for 250. Its the current student price, but they seem very keen to get new members.

I was a member with Peak Physique before and they sent me 3 x 50 euro vouchers. These can be used against the current full year membership,so you can get it for 149.

If anyone in Galway wants them pm me, have to be used before the 1st jan.

singlesnights · 22-12-2011 5:54pm

Once I get a car, I'll definitely join Ironside gym - looks exactly what I need.

Cheers for the review d'Oracle - very helpful.

tem · 04-01-2012 8:52pm

went to ben dunne's gym in sandyford to-day, with my €195 cash for the year...they wouldn't accept it.........only credit and laser cards....but i don't have either....first business i've been too that refuses cash

)))

roashter · 04-01-2012 8:56pm

You're better off to pay by credit card.
If you pay by cash or laser and the gym goes bust then you have no chance of refund.
If you pay by credit card then you have some comeback. (As far as i know)

Bairdsy · 08-01-2012 8:09pm

Hi all,

I just finished up my membership to Energie fitness as I have moved. Was wondering whether anyone had any comments about Ben Dunne gyms in general and in particular the one in Sandyford. Any ideas how busy it gets? I'm looking to use free weights but hate it when there is no room.

Thanks!

The Davestator · 08-01-2012 8:24pm

There's a thread here about it. Should only be a few pages back I reckon.

eimear10 · 13-01-2012 4:12pm

ANybody have more recent deals on at the moment ? thinking of joining

jedgar · 15-01-2012 3:10pm

It's very cheap. And probably ideal if you don't mind waiting and know what you are doing. If you are looking for cheap, try some of the county council clubs.

placebo29 · 16-01-2012 4:48pm

hey guys,

thinking of joining here as its nearby and seems to have the best deal around for me. just wondering if there are any members on here who can say how they find it?

I'm a total gym newbie so was even nervous goin in to tour the place but they seem pretty sound. any advice?

drdeadlift · 16-01-2012 10:08pm

placebo29 wrote: »

hey guys,

thinking of joining here as its nearby and seems to have the best deal around for me. just wondering if there are any members on here who can say how they find it?

I'm a total gym newbie so was even nervous goin in to tour the place but they seem pretty sound. any advice?

If you liked the atmosphere,equipment,facilities and staff sure give it a go.Go have a look around and compare if your unsure.
Your alternatives Raw south Richmond street,ymca Aungier street,Camden court hotel upper Camden street,Iveagh Fitness Club Bride street.

EdenHazard · 17-01-2012 1:45am

placebo29 wrote: »

hey guys,

thinking of joining here as its nearby and seems to have the best deal around for me. just wondering if there are any members on here who can say how they find it?

I'm a total gym newbie so was even nervous goin in to tour the place but they seem pretty sound. any advice?

I really like this gym, but why I was in it I don't know, live wayyyyy too far away to have stayed but when I was there it was good, like theres nothing amazing about it but I enjoyed my time there

NicoSanty · 19-01-2012 3:12pm

I live in Templeogue and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for gyms around or near this area.

Had a tour of the Carlisle earlier and it seems alrite but would like some other options.

Dubdude · 19-01-2012 4:03pm

NicoSanty wrote: »

I live in Templeogue and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for gyms around or near this area.

Had a tour of the Carlisle earlier and it seems alrite but would like some other options.

You could try http://the-gym.ie/ in rathgar

Gav.80 · 19-01-2012 5:38pm

Im thinking of the caryle also but looking into other options, there is a new gym in rathmnines/dartry, I got a flyer saying its half price in January but cant find any info on how much it is to join, I phoned them but they wouldnt tell me and its not on their site, has anyone joined LA fitness in Rathmines?

jugger0 · 20-01-2012 5:21am

JJayoo wrote: »

Got a years membership to the NUIGalway gym for 250. Its the current student price, but they seem very keen to get new members.

I was a member with Peak Physique before and they sent me 3 x 50 euro vouchers. These can be used against the current full year membership,so you can get it for 149.

If anyone in Galway wants them pm me, have to be used before the 1st jan.

whats your opinion on the nui gym?

mobile w · 26-01-2012 9:34pm

Hey folks. My gym membership has expired and was looking around to see if there is anything in my area that might suit me better and i came across The Gym in rathgar.

Does anyone have any experience with it? how are the facilities? Is it excessively busy?

Its very close to where I live so would be tempting if it was good. Im currently doing de franco's BLABA programme to indicate what sort of equip i would be interested in.

tech · 29-01-2012 12:55pm

Gym Membership is up in the Cork City area,

been looking at the following

Leisureworld €535
NRG Fitness € ?
marydke arena €640
Clarion Gym €495
K2ny €? no pool
Denneheny Fitness €495 no pool

Has anyone got any thoughts on the above, good / bad points

tks

Daisies · 30-01-2012 5:50pm

Hey guys,

I'm looking to join a gym in Galway city. Preferably no more than 15/20 min walk from Bridge St. I will ideally use in twice a week but if it has a wide range of classes that I can attend without paying extra I will use it more frequently.

I'm looking for somewhere not too expensive and with a decent cardio and weights selection.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

shortys94 · 30-01-2012 6:10pm

jugger0 wrote: »

whats your opinion on the nui gym?

Currently a member of NUIG Gym, go every two days, but if they bring in universal membership next year I dont know whats gonna happen

The weights section is already way too small, the whole top floor should have been open plan, without the studios, the scholarship gym is almost bigger than the weights section for normal members

Suzanne30 · 31-01-2012 9:18am

mobile w wrote: »

Hey folks. My gym membership has expired and was looking around to see if there is anything in my area that might suit me better and i came across The Gym in rathgar.

Does anyone have any experience with it? how are the facilities? Is it excessively busy?

Its very close to where I live so would be tempting if it was good. Im currently doing de franco's BLABA programme to indicate what sort of equip i would be interested in.

I joined last week its got everything you need, really nice team and not excessively busy its close to me too so dead handy :-)

hillaryclinton · 01-02-2012 1:19pm

You have probably seen The Total Gym on television or listened to an ad on the radio.
The infomercial and commercials often star Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley, whom are both known for having fit bodies and a healthy lifestyle.

But you probably didn't know that Chuck Norris has been using this home gym for over 30 years (yes, 30 years) to help build and keep lean muscle, stay strong and keep his body firm and masculine. I find it hard to believe that Chuck just turned 71 on March 10th 2011

Christie, as you may have imagined does a totally different workout on the Total Gym than Chuck, and Christie has been using the Total Gym for over 10 years to help stay slim, trim and keep her body curvy and feminine.

You have to admit, that both Chuck and Christie look great and look better than most people half their age and yes, they both believe in having a healthy diet is essential.

On this page we will take a look at the Total Gym, the exercises that can be performed on it, what results can be expected and more - so that you can decide whether the Total Gym is right for you.

jugger0 · 02-02-2012 6:19am

shortys94 wrote: »

Currently a member of NUIG Gym, go every two days, but if they bring in universal membership next year I dont know whats gonna happen

The weights section is already way too small, the whole top floor should have been open plan, without the studios, the scholarship gym is almost bigger than the weights section for normal members

Yeah surprised they haven't sorted that out tbh, useless staff for the most part too... worst thing is the fact that the scholarship gym is empty most of the time and unused.. such a waste.

rockfist · 07-02-2012 2:28pm

I joined the one in sandyford just before it opened. Very cheap but it is nothing like what i expected. I thought it wouldn't be the best but for €195 its an absolute bargain. I usually go at around 9am so its never even near full.

lainey_ie · 24-02-2012 9:04pm

recently left David Lloyd (wasnt going and was a waste of money) and was thinking of joining carlisle (close to work/home).Have heard a few stories about having to wait for machines and not being the cleanest so having second thoughts...

is this true anyone have any thoughts/experiences

money talks and the membership price is really tempting but not sure if should spend the extra or take a chance on it

havent made up mind yet but would be interested in hearing about it

thanks a mil:)

disneyonfire · 25-02-2012 2:58pm

I've been a member of the Carlisle gym for nearly 5 months and I find it pretty good. Admittedly, I would mostly be there at off peak times but I havnt really found any problems with waiting for machines and I wouldnt have any issues with the cleanliness of the place.

I have a good few friends who go there too and as far as Ive heard none of them have had any problems either. Its not a luxury gym but like you said, its really good value and for what you pay I think its well worth it.

clairel · 28-02-2012 9:21pm

I was a member 2 years ago and I am about to rejoin. All in all it was fine when I was a member, it can get very busy in the evenings but I never had problems with waiting for equipment.
The biggest problem I had with the place was the staff, they were useless! There was never anyone around and when you managed to get someones attention they tended to fob you off.
But the place was kept clean, the locker rooms were always clean and everyone seemed to follow the hand towel rule. Couldn't complain about the pool or sauna either.
All in all it suited me as I use the pool and classes mainly and I am not someone that needs a trainer standing over me when I am using the equipment.
If you are still joining let me know as it's a lot cheaper to join in groups!

Dotcomdolly · 28-02-2012 10:31pm

Yeah it really is a skeleton staff, instructor wise.
They have a load of new classes starting next week which should be good.

faolteam · 29-02-2012 10:21pm

Major Issues, with Locker Thefts, they have removed there bags they gave you for wet clothes,
They are only using one jacuzzi most days which leave the other one cramped,

I have found the gym equipment filthy, and not working,even when u report it at desk
Most of them do not work, the Staff are poor they are hard to find and do not want to help you feel like begging and the inside of lockers and toilets are bad,

Cut down on there Passes too

Rob87 · 07-03-2012 12:02am

1 more person needed for Carlisle gym triple membership - €185 each

Hi All,

Two of us are looking for one other to renew our memberships at the Carlisle gym. Looking to sign up before the end of the week.

PM me if interested.

Rob

DOMMM · 08-03-2012 8:26am

Def intertested am looking to re join.
Dommm

LOLA08 · 08-03-2012 10:34am

my membership is nearly up in westwood leopardstown, and i just went onto Ben Dunnes site the time table is good and all the classes are free.
for €200, compared to westwood €900 a year, what I would like to know is how busy is it in rush hour, from 5.30pm to 7pm those are the times i'd be going.

rubadub · 08-03-2012 11:00am

I did hear people say it was packed around that time you mention, they are not members, just looked in the big windows. It could become less as the year goes on and the new years brigade drop out.

I think it is 360 for a couple to join, not sure how this works, i.e. if it can be just 2 random strangers like you see people asking in other threads. At that price I was even thinking of it for showering facilities cycling to work!

LOLA08 · 08-03-2012 12:44pm

Like all ex t/f members my current membership is up in march it was this time last year that t/f closed. so i can only imagine that Ben Dunne will get a flood of new members in march, who are in the same boat as me.
rang up ben in s/f and the chap said they have capped the classes its a 1st come 1st servied. i dont fancy q for a bike or to do a step class waste of time when you could be doing free weight and use that time for good purpose, hard to know after all as you said €200 is really a shower at the end of the

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