DCU Gym

Nitsuj

Hi, I'm coming to DCU this year and was just wondering, what's the gym like? I used the search option, and it seems like most threads are quite old. A lot could change in a few years.

Anyways, I don't really care for the cardio, swimming pools or saunas (although the pool and saunas are definitely a plus) and I'm more interested in the weightroom. What's available?

Good selection of dumbbells and free weights?
Is there a power rack (one of the most important things for me, tbh)?
Bench press?

Thanks.

smeal

Great gym! Think it won some award last year for best gym in Dublin? Anyways, there are 2 weights rooms with everything you need. Pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi are all in tip top condition.On freshers week you can ask one of the guys at reception to give you a free tour if you want, they are really nice! Think a membership for the academic year is 180 euro so not too bad!

Nitsuj

But is there a power rack?

smeal

haha yes there is

smooshmonster

I'm a member. It's a great gym. If you're a student, it's quite affordable. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they have group fitness classes every weekday. The classes are free for members and they're varied and fun, and the instructors are great. There are two weights rooms and a cardio area. There are free weights as well, and mats for core work.
Also, pool stuff as the previous poster said.

I definitely recommend it. I know this sounds like an advert for the DCU gym, but it's really just a satisfied customer.

Nitsuj

I just fear that there wouldn't be too much emphasis on the cardio area, the swimming pool and all the other "fun stuff". Personally, I doubt I'll ever even use the cardio area and I might hop into the swimming pool once a week or month.

The most important thing for me is the weightlifting aspect of a gym. I hope that area isn't underdeveloped.

smooshmonster

There's also the high performance gym but I'm not sure what you need to do to qualify for it. But if you pop down they'll give you a tour.

GavMan

Do you play any sport to a decent level? If so, you could get access to the elite gym which has better S&C facilities from what I remember.

Nitsuj

Nah, I'm not involved in any team games or anything. Just enjoy lifting/"bodybuilding".

ButtersSuki

smooshmonster wrote: »

There's also the high performance gym but I'm not sure what you need to do to qualify for it. But if you pop down they'll give you a tour.

You need to be playing/competing at National level (at least, and depending on your sport) to get access to the High Performance Gym. Chances of getting even a tour of it without being at that level are pretty much zero....they can be a bit "snooty" about it. Plus, it's oversubscribed at the moment and I've heard through the grapevine they're actively trying to limit access to it. It's not hugely better than the main area, though can be quieter, which is nice.

Cardor

You should join the weight lifting/bodybuilding society, they have a lot of stuff organised, it looks quite good actually!

Zhavey

What are the weightlifting society like to beginners if I may ask? Like, to complete newbies who are mad to do it but never had access to a gym? :P

Cardor

Zhavey wrote: »

What are the weightlifting society like to beginners if I may ask? Like, to complete newbies who are mad to do it but never had access to a gym? :P

Beginners are always encouraged to join, most people that join are beginners anyway. That applies to all clubs and societies. I think they have everything split up into levels, I know that was the case with kickboxing. There was beginner and intermediate, i'm not sure about advanced, but i'm sure there was an advanced level.

SantryRed

GavMan wrote: »

Do you play any sport to a decent level? If so, you could get access to the elite gym which has better S&C facilities from what I remember.

I had mates who said they played sports at a high level and got in that way. Didn't need any proof.

An Citeog

Zhavey wrote: »

What are the weightlifting society like to beginners if I may ask? Like, to complete newbies who are mad to do it but never had access to a gym? :P

Your best bet is probably to contact them here and find out: http://www.facebook.com/dcuweightlifting

A couple of photos of the high performance gym from that page aswell

Younganddumb

I'm heading DCU in the nxt few weeks and have been told by a reasonable enough 3 rd year that it's not worth joining! No question the facilities are top notch alright..but with 11000 students with irregular hours its always packed Monday-thurs whatever time of day..this won't prob effect any body that wants to plod along on the treadmill for an hour..but if you want weights it can b a stress..I'm local anyway so I have the sus on the hidden caves for lifting

SantryRed

It's never busy between 10-12:30 anyways.

Diamondsandrose

What times would be quietest?