Crunch Fitness Dun Laoghaire

justdoit

Hi all,

Sorry if this should be in review section, but read through and found no mention of this gym.

Looking for some feedback/ thoughts on the above gym. Please bear in mind what I want out my gym, and I will happily listen to any other recommendations.

My current gym (Benildus HFC) is closing at the end of the month, due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. I joined it initially because it was what most other gyms appear not to be- friendly, unintimidating, not crowded, and convenient/ close to where I lived.

I have since renewed my membership because it was familiar, and I got to know the staff, who were always on hand to review my programme, correct my form, or just give general pointers.

I would be a committed long-term member if they weren't closing.

Since being in Benildus, I have gained a small bit of confidence in my work-outs, so am not as intimidated by the big, impersonal corporate gyms that are out there, but I want something with a decent free weights area, wide selection of machines (not fussed with cardio machines particularly), approachable staff and decent value for money.Pool is a bonus, but not a requirement.

I live and work in the Dun Laoghaire area, so Crunch is far and away the most convenient, but I'm open to suggestions.

Membership in Benildus was c.€400. I'm looking at c.€700 in Crunch, which is pushing it, but I'll pay if I have to...

EileenG

Ok, I haven't seen Crunch in DL, but I tried out the one in the city centre, and it was a joke. They have a golden throne in the foyer, black marble and blue back lights on the stairs, gold and black tiles in the showers, and a swimming pool.

And the weights area is dimly lit and the music is wind chimes. There are lots of machines, but very few mirrors, and a ludicrous selection of free weights. I'm not joking, they didn't have a bench press or a squat rack. The dumbells went all the way up to 20kg!!! And there were no barbells beyond the curling bars.

When I asked about a squat rack, they looked at me blankly, and went to get a manager. She pointed at the (angled) smith machine and kept insisting that was a squat rack.

I didn't join, and I haven't been back, but I'd make sure I did a couple of trial workouts there before I joined any Crunch.

Take a look at their website. I'm not making this stuff up. http://www.crunchfitness.ie/

eclectichoney

I think the one in DL might be a bit better (no wind chimes ) and lots of mirrors in the weights area, which is quite big (there are actually 2 separate weights areas, one with lighter weights (DBS to around 30kg) and one with heavier ones. They will give you a tour etc. no problem so just drop in, as everyone will be looking for something different in a gym and it's a lot of money so you should try it out first!

Lockstep

I'm a member of Crunch Fitness in Galway and it suits me very well.

I'm unsure of how it is in DL but Crunch are doing things fine out here

Cheeky_gal

Crunch Fitness City Centre...savage! Not intimidating, quality lighting (can't see those red faces) only thing I will say though is that the staff are the most ARROGANT, OBNOXIOUS, RUDE, UNACCOMODATING FOREIGN ASSHOLES.....apart from that its a lovely gym!

LegacyUser

I'm in Crunch in Dun Laoghaire. It suits me down to the ground...well it would be even better if there were way more fit looking girls. But i've a girlfriend so i don't care but from my mates perspective, they would like more filth walking around

But bottom floor is full of cardio equipment. Upstairs has machines and a decent weights area. Dumbbells upstairs go up to 18kg's and have barbells up to 46kg. The weights room with the bench press is tiny and can jam easily on busy nights but people take turns and stuff so i don't mind.

We have a good few Polish lads in the gym too who are MASSIVE and a joy to watch as they just run around the place mental working out insanely. Big up to steroids on that one! Not generalising, they told me which ones they use. But there impressive beasts with their workouts. They also have a brilliant swimming pool (which i never use) and they also have seperate male and female saunas and jacuzzis which is quite annoying from a lads perspective but whatever.

I'd recommend the gym...instructors are good-ish, there all female and i'd prefer some big impressive men working there with a body to match what they are saying. But that's just me and no i'm not gay! I just prefer lads being instructors as I would listen to them more.

Cheeky_gal

cheesedude wrote: »

it would be even better if there were way more fit looking girls. But i've a girlfriend so i don't care but from my mates perspective, they would like more filth walking around

aaaaw Crunch Temple Bar is lucky to have me so! haha

cheesedude wrote: »

I'd recommend the gym...instructors are good-ish, there all female and i'd prefer some big impressive men working there with a body to match what they are saying. But that's just me and no i'm not gay! I just prefer lads being instructors as I would listen to them more.

Lucky girl...I really doubt your sexuality dude!

Malteaser!

I was in one of the Crunchs before (Westmanstown i think) and the only nice thing I can really say about it is that its pretty, lots of faux flames, red carpets, gold fixtures etc.

The one I was in had lots of cardio machines and not a particularly big free weights section, dunno what the DL one is like though!!

maxi-twist

cheesedude wrote: »

We have a good few Polish lads in the gym too who are MASSIVE and a joy to watch as they just run around the place mental working out insanely. Big up to steroids on that one! Not generalising, they told me which ones they use.

Always thought they were on something. I helped spot one of the benching 160*3 and i was very scared (the guy who always wears the blue wifebeater). There fvcking massive.

Thomas_S_Hunterson

Bear in mind that the membership fee includes membership in some other crunch gyms as well afaik

maxi-twist

It includes templebar. You have to pay 65 euro extra to be a member of the ucd oe too.

Thomas_S_Hunterson

From what i've heard, it's not too difficult to talk them around into giving you the extra memberships for free

LegacyUser

maxi-twist wrote: »

Always thought they were on something. I helped spot one of the benching 160*3 and i was very scared (the guy who always wears the blue wifebeater). There fvcking massive.

After watching Ross Kemp on Gangs last night, he was talking about Poland and the gangs over there and OH MY God....even the hooligans are cut to shreds...they all look the same...massive with shaved heads. You'd kill yourself before one of them got to you...

I know the lad you are talking about...have you seen his mate? He is about 6'7 and absolutely huge. Fantastic shape. Would put the lads who want to be big to shame because I have never seen anyone as big as this guy...Obviously Ronnie Coleman aside....

Hanley

maxi-twist wrote: »

Always thought they were on something. I helped spot one of the benching 160*3 and i was very scared (the guy who always wears the blue wifebeater). There fvcking massive.

160x3 isn't that massive at all. Definately attainable drug free. Hell I'd go as far to say it would be relatively achieveable for anyone who wanted it and trained for it.

Beanmachine

yeah i agree it would be fairly achievable my friend is only 19 trains for rugby not bodybuilding and he's already benching 125

maxi-twist

cheesedude wrote: »

After watching Ross Kemp on Gangs last night, he was talking about Poland and the gangs over there and OH MY God....even the hooligans are cut to shreds...they all look the same...massive with shaved heads. You'd kill yourself before one of them got to you...

I know the lad you are talking about...have you seen his mate? He is about 6'7 and absolutely huge. Fantastic shape. Would put the lads who want to be big to shame because I have never seen anyone as big as this guy...Obviously Ronnie Coleman aside....

Yeah i saw that aswell, havent seen his mate no. the only guy i ever see him with is the massive fat chap. He has not one word of english either so its kinda awkward when he asks for a spot! They are all absolutely massive though. really impressive.


Aside: Hanley its the best ive ever seen. Im sure it is achieveable but im also sure ill never achieve it in my lifetime so im quite impressed with it!

LegacyUser

Oh hold on Maxi, now i know who you are talking about...the shaved head dude in the blue wifebeater....yeah i know that lad now!!! Jesus if you think he is impressive, wait till u see his mates...

There down there in the evening around 7/8 till 9'ish.

Transform

I train a client in DL crunch once a week and i love the place - clean, lots of equipment (even if its cardio heavy). There is absolutely tons to keep 99% of all clients happy.

LegacyUser

Transform are you the world class personal trainer Crunch are associated with who train clients there? I remember hearing something about it.

t-ha

Transform wrote: »

There is absolutely tons to keep 99% of all clients happy.

I'm in the 1% then, I guess. It's pretty much everything I hate about gyms. That said, I'm aware that I am certaintly in the minority when it comes to choosing gyms - I'm sure the OP would find it fine.

Transform

Not that i am aware off. I just go about my business and get the session done - in and out in about an hour and thats the only session i take there.

The trainers are ok there but there is zero atmosphere from what i can gather - will be there again this friday at about 12.30pm

LegacyUser

Yeah the atmosphere is pretty non existant during the day...There is only any form of work ethic in the evening whenever the Polish guys come in...that's the only time the place has energy.

eirewest

The following is my experience of crunch fitness Aston Quay, Dublin.

The gym has no squat rack, hack squat rack, calve machine, inverted leg press with free weights, back pully machine with a place to put your feet, rear delt machine, declined ab bench, leg rise machine for lower abs, lying leg curl machine, bench with low back, lat raise machine, inclined bench with integrated rack for bench pressing, declined bench with integrated rack for bench pressing, or declined bench. The gym has one smith machine which is always in use. The gym has one bench with integrated rack for bench pressing. The gym has one olympic bar and one EZ bar. If these are in use with one of the benches then a member who simply needs to exercise with one of the bars cannot.

Recently a cable broke on the cable cross over machine and it took 7 weeks to repair it. Then one of the hooks to attach the various handles went missing and again it took weeks to replace this simple piece of equipment. Many of the TVs on the cardio machines are not working and have not been replaced for months.

There is chewing gum on many of the machines and in the showers in visible positions but are never removed. Some staff wear trainers or shoes in the pool area.

The gym has fancy decoration but the equipment or lack of it leaves much to be desired. Basically if a machine breaks the club does nothing to repair them. They have invested nothing in a long time to deal with the equipment deficit.

blackgirl

I am in Crunch in Dun Laoghaire, it's not bad. Much better than the gyms in Belfast.
I have to leave the gym until July 09. The gym says that I can transfer my membership to another person. Anybody interested about joining the gym without paying membership? Let me know.

Wood

eirewest wrote: »

The following is my experience of crunch fitness Aston Quay, Dublin.

The gym has no squat rack, hack squat rack, calve machine, inverted leg press with free weights, back pully machine with a place to put your feet, rear delt machine, declined ab bench, leg rise machine for lower abs, lying leg curl machine, bench with low back, lat raise machine, inclined bench with integrated rack for bench pressing, declined bench with integrated rack for bench pressing, or declined bench. The gym has one smith machine which is always in use. The gym has one bench with integrated rack for bench pressing. The gym has one olympic bar and one EZ bar. If these are in use with one of the benches then a member who simply needs to exercise with one of the bars cannot.
.

You'd be very lucky to find all the items listed in bold in a gym in Ireland at all, not just crunch. I have never seen the underlined items in any gym i've been in.

Don't look too much into the machines, stick with the free weights and you'll be laughing. Why would you want to watch TV in a gym anyway?



But Crunch on Aston Quay looks more like a brothel inside than a gym

cance

crunch in DL is pants, plain and simple its cardio heaven.

Their weights section is too crowded, their heavy weights section is so small i get freaked out if im in there for any amount of time and theres quite a few undesirables in there.

I'd avoid it, I've been an active member with them since october and am looking for any reason to drop the contract.

Gillo

I find the one in Temple Bar decent enough, but TBH haven't tried many other gyms, maintenance can sometimes be a bit slow, but nothing drastic.

What I don't understand is the number of people complaining about the place when you get a tour of it before you sign up, I mean saying that the free weights area is too small, did you not check it before you signed up

G86

I'm in Crunch in Temple bar and I joined it simply because it was the most convenient location for me and the free weights section didn't seem to packed on my trial session there.

DON'T go there if you're looking for guidance on your routine/help - the instructors are the least helpful I've ever come across and don't understand you half the time. I recently asked if they had medicine balls and the girl looked at me like I was mad. Another time I asked if I could go get a stepper out from the room the classes are in as I needed it, and the guy grudgingly said ok but wasn't very accomodating!

The ladies free weights section is great - because I find its usually empty enough - but the weights only go up to 10kg so if you need a heavier weight you have to take it from the communal weights section. Maybe its just me but I always feel a bit intimidated doing that!

The cardio is grand - plenty of treadmills/crosstrainers/bikes/rowers - you'll never be left waiting.

Changing rooms are kept clean, I've never had a problem with them

The main problem with the place is the staff to be honest. I'd never have joined if I wasn't already sorted with my own training program. The staff just aren't friendly and very unapproachable.

That said, I'm still there its convenient and has what I need for now.

Hanley

Wood wrote: »

You'd be very lucky to find all the items listed in bold in a gym in Ireland at all, not just crunch. I have never seen the underlined items in any gym i've been in.

Don't look too much into the machines, stick with the free weights and you'll be laughing. Why would you want to watch TV in a gym anyway?



But Crunch on Aston Quay looks more like a brothel inside than a gym

Every gym I've ever been in has a lying leg curl machine... All the TF's had lateral raise machines, I think Westpoint does too? Most gyms have hack squat machines in them...

TF has benches with a low back support on em too... There's a rear delt machine and lower ab machine in hercs too.

I've actually got access to ALL the listed things apart from the inverted leg press. They're not THAT rare... you might just need to join bigger gyms.

gabgab

How come cheesedudes posts are guest?

Anyway as for Crunch, been in it a load of times and used to know a girl that worked there. Its a clean gym with lots of equipment,

For the OP, just go and try it out, do your workout and try go at a peak time as opposed to quiete. That way you can get a feel for what it will be like to be an actual member,

tribulus

gabgab wrote: »

How come cheesedudes posts are guest?

Anyway as for Crunch, been in it a load of times and used to know a girl that worked there. Its a clean gym with lots of equipment,

For the OP, just go and try it out, do your workout and try go at a peak time as opposed to quiete. That way you can get a feel for what it will be like to be an actual member,

His account was deleted I believe.

Crunch seems to have a fear of lying leg curls! There's none in UCD either.

Shaki

Hi, I am hoping some one may be of some help, I am moving to this area in 3 weeks time and am looking for a good gym in the area. I am a female who does a combination of cardio and free weights. Would normally attend 3-4 times a week and am not a new year resolution type, and realise it is a mad time to join a gym.

Have looked on the gym websites, but to be honest, they are not of much use. Any one has used the local gyms inthe area? I would love to hear your views and experiences of them.

Thanks

S.

BBMcQ

Anybody know how much Crunch is at the moment in Dun Laoghaire? Monthly/Annual etc?

eclectichoney

stuartmchugh wrote: »

Anybody know how much Crunch is at the moment in Dun Laoghaire? Monthly/Annual etc?

I rang up a couple of weeks ago and they told me the annual ranges from €550-€730. I think they said monthly started at €54 per month.

The Davestator

I've been in every gym / health club / hotel gym in Ireland through a previous job. IMO, The DL crunch is the best of the crunches - i.e. plush, but not too over the top like tallaght or city centre.
Love the studio, pool, reception, cardio. Weights too crowded.

Crunch go for the initial wow factor so you make an impulse buy but dont deliver after that in my opinion