Thoughts on Northwood gym?

flogen

Hey folks.

Considering joining a gym again as I'd like to start doing some strength & conditioning in the months ahead.

There's one in my job but it's quite limited in terms of equipment, so I'm thinking of rejoining Northwood (of which I was a member a few years back but let it go as I wasn't using it).

When I was there the gym had plenty going on and always seemed to be well looked after - the only downside being how busy it got for large portions of the day.

I'm just wondering if people here might be able to tell me what it's like nowadays and whether it's worth returning to?

I can deal with getting there early to avoid a rush, but just want to make sure it's not gone downhill in recent years.

Thanks.

Fat_Fingers

Hi,

I've been member since it was opened. Since you were member a few years back i will try to cover the changes in last while.

First lets get the bad and ugly out of the way. There was a spate of robberies in changing rooms and breakings in the car park. I've literally seen people come out of the shower just with towel and all their stuff was gone! At the time gym seams to deal with it by putting large signs that items left in the lockers are at your own risk and management is not responsible.
Ben has also done some cost saving since you were member.
Gone are TV's , gone are hair-dryers, gone are soap dispensers in showers, gone are air conditioners. Cleaning standards are lower then you would remember especially in shower area.

On the plus side gym has received a bit of a facelift and lots of new equipment. There never is time when i have to wait for equipment . Generally its not crazy busy unless you go on monday night after 5:00PM . There never is broken machine. If something is not working its immediately fixed.

flogen

Thanks for that - the spate of robberies is a bit off-putting... wonder if there's much of any substance being done to stop it.

Not too bothered about the TVs being gone but shame the cleaning standards have slipped too! At least the gym itself hasn't been let slip too much by the sounds of things, though, so that's something.

Will probably be waiting another week or two before I sign up any where, though I'm not sure if I'll find much better for the price.

Thanks again.

hi there,

I'm a member and I can tell you I think the robberies thing may be a bit drastic, there were some but I don't think they were that bad now. I have left gear in lockers loadsa times and they're fine but that said, Ive a lock on my gear always now, not an idiot either. I used to be in total fitness blanch and it was extremely over priced, though a superb gym, however my locker weas robbed once without a lock and once with a lock (bent the bottom of the door back on two lockers and raided them!!) CnutZ!!!!

the other poster is bang on,, 5pm Monday in winter especially is tough even parking wise but not as bad anymore. he's also right about the equipment, prowlers ropes extra weights squat rack etc downstairs. I think the make over is brilliant and I really like it there. Also theres not as many big whopper steroid freaks taking over the leg press and benches anymore. Yes you still have to be polite and assertive but I always get my workout done. Finally for the price it's unreal!!! and from a blokes standpoint, not sure of your gender but jasus ive never seen as densly a populated floor in my life, with gorgeous women!! unreal!! ha ha ha

Noxin

I've not been in a few months but doesn't the car park have an security chap walking around at night now?
And as for the robberies.. was this on someone who left their gear in a locker without putting a lock on? There seems to be a fair few there who do this. Not surprising things go missing then..

I've had to let my membership slip the last few months but plan on rejoining at the end of this month or early next.
Never had a problem with the place. I was annoyed when they removed the soap dispensers but what can ye do.. I just bring my own now. The showers were always clean when I'd use em too.. Maybe this has changed since September?

Noxin

Noxin wrote: »

I've not been in a few months but doesn't the car park have an security chap walking around at night now?
And as for the robberies.. was this on someone who left their gear in a locker without putting a lock on? There seems to be a fair few there who do this. Not surprising things go missing then..

I've had to let my membership slip the last few months but plan on rejoining at the end of this month or early next.
Never had a problem with the place. I was annoyed when they removed the soap dispensers but what can ye do.. I just bring my own now. The showers were always clean when I'd use em too.. Maybe this has changed since September?

nope your pretty much on the money as I see it even on the dispensers thing and security in the car park.it's a steal for the money they ask

flogen

Thanks for all that!

you're welcome.. I'm off now to use the pool. another excellent perk for such a price.

flogen

Knew I wouldn't have the money to sign up until February, and figured they might even do a deal on the price at that stage (I remember they did a 'Valentines Day' special a few years ago!) - checked the website today and it seems as though the fee has gone up instead of down!!

webwayz

I note a notice in Northwood about rejuvenations at the end of November - while there has been some improvements in recent years, and the equipment is generally in good nick, the showers could be improved and hopefully they will fix and reinstate the saunas which just seem to be sealed off.

flogen

webwayz wrote: »

I note a notice in Northwood about rejuvenations at the end of November - while there has been some improvements in recent years, and the equipment is generally in good nick, the showers could be improved and hopefully they will fix and reinstate the saunas which just seem to be sealed off.

Showers could definitely do with a refresh. Would be surprised if they did a complete overhaul of the swimming area too - it’s tired looking anyway and the three large jacuzzis, two steam rooms and two saunas (though as you say they’ve been closed for a while) must cost them a fortune to keep running.