Liffey Valley Fitness vs Ben Dunne Gym Lucan

PGL

My membership with Liffey Valley Fitness is due for renewal soon. They want to charge me €300 to renew the membership, which I think could be steep in the current climate. I have done a quick internet search, and note that Ben Dunne Gym in Lucan charges €135 per year.

There is clearly a big difference in cost. I have yet to visit Ben Dunne's gym, but I would be suspicious that such a cheap price would suggest that the facilities are not up to scratch.

Has anyone been a member / visited both gyms, who could give an independent and fair review of both gyms to help me make up my mind?

One thing I am aware of is that Ben Dunne's gym does not have a pool, whereas LVF has a large pool, but I never use the pool.

cheers folks

SanoVitae

PGL wrote: »

Has anyone been a member / visited both gyms, who could give an independent and fair review of both gyms to help me make up my mind?

Before relying on the opinions of others to make up your mind, I'd highly recommend you first visit the Ben Dunne's gym and see if it's for you.

Visit it at the time of day you plan to visit. The big disadvantage of the cheaply-priced gyms is that they have LOTS of members and that can often mean you struggle to get a decent workout due to overcrowding, especially in the free weights area.

PGL wrote: »

One thing I am aware of is that Ben Dunne's gym does not have a pool, whereas LVF has a large pool, but I never use the pool.

If you don't ever use the pool, the fact that Ben Dunne's gym doesn't have one is not important. In fact, it's their lack of the pool which is helping them offer membership for such a low price - a swimming pool is a huge overhead, especially in terms of daily maintenance.

PGL

I called into Ben Dunne Gym this evening, and was quite impressed with the range of machines available. The main downside I noticed is that there are only 3 showers in the changing rooms - when I asked a member of staff, she said that most members shower at home - whats that all about??!! Does anyone know if fellas have to queue up to have a shower?

cmf22

I was a member of liffey valley, wasn't impressed. Thought it was a dirty kip. In ben dunne Lucan now, its much better, really clean. Rarely a que for showers, the odd time you might have to wait a minute or 2. The temperature of the water cant be varied though so you cant have a cold shower. On the gym floor they very rarely have the air con on, even in this weather. I know the membership fee is dirt cheap but its still a bit ridiculous that they didnt have the air con on yesterday evening in that heat

Michael 09

I visited Ben Dunne last week and am joining in a couple of days. I was really impressed with it, the weight lifting area is huge!!

Also, at that price it is an absolute steal. I have trained in LVF a few times, it's a decent gym but nothing special

VONSHIRACH

Any updates on the merits of Liffey Valley Fitness vs Ben Dunne Lucan? Regarding the pool in LVF, is it clean etc?