Jackie Skellys Ballsbridge

Dick Turnip

i posted on the gym review thread looking for info but nobodys replied in 2 days so thought id start a new thread to grab attention!

was wondering is anyone a member of jackie skellys in ballsbridge? i'm thinking of joining, got the tour and thought it looked pretty impressive.i really like the idea of the free classes - spin, boxercise etc.
i went at half 6 on a tuesday and it wasnt too packed - only 2/3 full id say. is this usual for peak time?

its near work which would be ideal for me, but its 73e a month which is way dearer than carlisle in kimmage which isnt a huge distance from where i live. im just wondering if any members have any feedback on it.

flaka

Hi Dick,
I'm a member there. Its the best gym I've been too - compared to Crunch on the quays and UCD, JS in town and ParkWest.

Dick Turnip wrote: »

i went at half 6 on a tuesday and it wasnt too packed - only 2/3 full id say. is this usual for peak time?

That would be peak time all right - but January is over. Mostly its busy after 6. Parking becomes free after 7 and you can park in the clearway in front of Ballsbridge Motors. Clampers are fairly active in the area.

I've a few friends that do the Spining and Abs classes - say they are great. The personal trainers there are pretty good and friendly. There is social element with the personal trainers (depending on the individual) and the gym - Christmas drinks.

The main thing I like is its very clean. Well maintained changing rooms.
Crunch had smelly carpet in the changing rooms. Crunch UCD had a high rate of machines that were out of order when I was there. I can't say I've seen any like that since I joined JS BB.

They could do with more pull-up bars.

The pool can get crowded - if there is a class on you can have 3 people in a lane. You tend to get more parents and kids on a Sunday morning - everyone should learn to swim so its no a big deal.

I'm just a normal paying member of the gym and don't work for JS.

I know people who work near by and live far away from ballsbridge - they seem to rather it than other location.

Does the €73 include free towel or other gym use? You should haggle with the sales guy as you have other options.

Dick Turnip

thanks for the reply faka! sounds good. the €73 inc use of all 9 JS gyms but that doesnt really make a diff to me. the only other one i might use is clarendon st. she said it would be €71 a month for just ballsbridge & clarendon.
do you know anything about the training programme they offer you? are they any good, are they pretty specific to everyone or do they just throw out some generic crap programme to everyone only slightly altered.

Buzz Buzz

I have had such ridiculous experiences with JS, mainly involving membership rates and messing with my DD's.. regardless off that.. Claredon st is just sooooo busy at peak times, at one stage I found it too frustrating to even workout there, I'm very much a weights person, but even when I would decide to have a short run, I'd be waiting average 10/15min standing waiting for a treadmill.. I will never join that place again!!

flaka

Yes Claredon Street is a maze. I went there twice. Try changing on the top floor and walking down 3 flights of stairs to the pool in your swimming kacks. Then trapesing back up wet.

Dick Turnip wrote: »

do you know anything about the training programme they offer you? are they any good, are they pretty specific to everyone or do they just throw out some generic crap programme to everyone only slightly altered.

I've not used their personal trainers myself. It depends on who you go for.

AARRRGH

I'm thinking of joining the Ballsbridge Jackie Skelly this week.

Any more opinions on this place?

Thanks

Static M.e.

Also a member, I quite like it too. Ive no complaints about it.

pwd

No squat rack or powercage there - or at least there wasn't when it opened. So it would not be good if your primary interest is in weight training.

hoppo254

Also had bad experiences when it came to Direct Debit and Credit Card with them. Not all classes are free just make sure which ones are. For €73 id push for platinum membership (use all the clubs) you will find the company is so sales orientated that they are only short of doing the exercise for you to get you to join

LolaDub

I'm at Jackie Skelly Ballsbridge. I think its nice enough. Theres two sales people my friends had the tour with who are very pushy, the guy i used is really good, showed me around, talked through everything with me, showed me how to use the machines and organised my personal trainer appointment-so if you pm me i'll give you his info.

I think its a nice gym, carlisle is closer to me but this one is near my work. I've never had to wait on machines, sometimes you have to wait a couple of mins for a lane in the pool, as i think its too small for that gym but again i've never waited more than 5 mins. Haven't taken any classes though and it is pretty expensive. Every time i'm there someone is cleaning something which is nice but theres a bit of 'stinginess' with JS like you have to buy your own locker lock, to get your towels there is 15e a month, etc. Also the weekend opening hours (until 6 sat and sun) are a little irritating as the cleaners start mopping up all the machines half hour before so you can't use them and the pool closes 15 mins before it too.