Northwood, Ballymun or Total Fitness, Coolock?

CoffeeAndTV

Hey Folks,

I've decided to join a gym as an xmas present to myself. I want to do it for motivation and health reasons.

Basically, I'd like to know which is better - Total Fitness in Coolock or Northwood, Ballymun?

I've heard that Northwood/Westpoint etc generally are quite busy and have long waiting times - is this true? Total Fitness doesn't seem to suffer from this, but is twice the price.

I would be using the gym mostly 5.30pm onwards during the week, and mid morning - afternoon at the weekends.

All help appreciated!

Coffee

justsomebloke

haven't been in total fitness but I am a member of northwood. The free weights are in the evening can be a bit busy but even at that point isn't that bad, and as for cardio machines I don't think there has ever been anyone waiting on one.

Jimmy Bottlehead

If you've time to get the bus to Swords, Image Gym is fantastic - not the most fancy, but most regulars who go there set a great example and make you work that bit harder. Also offer loads of great advice. And it's not expensive!

Hanley

I had the option of joining TF or Westpoint and tbh there was no question on which I was gonna join.

Compared to TF, the Ben Dunne gyms are crap (for what I want).

Trojan

I joined Total Fitness Clare Hall as I live near Artane. I went twice in a year. It certainly seemed to have good facilities but just was out of the way for me.

I've rejoined Westwood Clontarf (overpriced, overcrowded) and delighted with the move - I've been 8 times in the past 3 weeks because I pass by there far more often.

Proximity was the vital factor for me - not facilities, costs, etc. I believe some studies have shown this is true (but don't have links).

EileenG

I did a couple of trial days in Total Fitness and didn't join. In fact, I ended up injuring a wrist on a badly maintained machine, and I wasn't impressed by the staff.

I did join Northwood, and work out mostly in the morning or afternoon, never had problems with waiting (mind you, I mostly do free weights, not machines). I haven't set a toe in the pool yet, too busy in the gym.

I'll second the suggestion for Image in Swords, great gym. Crap showers, but great staff.

CoffeeAndTV

Hey guys - thanks for all of the replies - hadn't thought of the gym in swords!

If you go in will they let you do a free trial in most gyms?

I live 2 mins from total fitness, but pass near the Northwood gym on a regular basis. The swords one is a bit out of the way.

EileenG

I have never yet been to a gym that won't let you do a trial if you ask.

And it's definitely worth doing a trial. I quite liked Total Fitness until I actually did a workout there, but found the equipment wasn't well maintained, and there was a regular "BEEP" that drove mad.

camf-23

To be honest Ive been a member of Total fitness for 3 years but it was too expensive so I joined Northwood last month and have never been happier. Its a cleaner more well run gym with each piece of machinery having its own tv and the staff are nearly too friendly! I wouldnt go back to Total Fitness its way over priced for what you get!