Need a new gym - Southside Dublin

PrettyBoy

Looking for recommendations for a new gym in Southside Dublin. I've been a member in Carlisle for 6 years now and while I really like the layout and facilities, I've just grown a bit tired of the place. It's all too familiar, been going to the same place and seeing the same people for so long now, I've been very unmotivated for the last 6 months and I'm hoping that a new gym/change of scenery will renew my interest.

I'm not a fitness fanatic. I just want a regular gym with good equipment to spend an hour a day in relative peace. I tried Raw in Sandyford for a week and while it's a great location/layout, there's just too many YouTubers and bloggers going around with cameras, I find it distracting. I'm considering FlyeFit in Dundrum and getting the roaming membership but I just realised (correct me if I'm wrong) there seems to be little to no parking available for all of their gyms on the Southside? The one in Dundrum has space for about 5 cars, the rest have none?

Tried Westwood in Leopardstown and Energie in Nutgrove, no interest in joining either of them. I've heard about a few of the warehouse style gyms that have opened up in Sandyford (Strength & Fitness?) but I get the impression that these are for more serious gym goers and a casual novice like myself might just be better off in the Ben Dunne gym beside it?

Any advice/recommendations appreciated. As I've been in Carlisle so long I'm a bit out of touch with what options are out there.

Zillah

PrettyBoy wrote: »

I've heard about a few of the warehouse style gyms that have opened up in Sandyford (Strength & Fitness?) but I get the impression that these are for more serious gym goers and a casual novice like myself might just be better off in the Ben Dunne gym beside it?

I don't what that would mean. Do they measure your biceps on the way in or something?

Personally I'm a huge fan of Flyefit. Their self-service aspect is great. I got a new debit card last week and forgot that the old one was my access card, didn't realise until I was standing at the door. Hopped on the computer in the hall, updated my card, and was immediately able to swipe in. I cycle everywhere so the lack of car parking space isn't an issue.

Where do you live? They branches all over the gaff: Ranelagh, George's St, Macken St, etc. Surely one must be bikable?

PowerToWait

PrettyBoy wrote: »

I get the impression that these are for more serious gym goers and a casual novice like myself might just be better off in the Ben Dunne gym beside it?

Yeah, I don't get this either. And anyway, after 6 years you're hardly a novice?

I don't see any problem with BD either, excellent value and got all the equipment the average to above average punter is going to need.

I recently changed for the same reasons as you, was jaded looking at the same heads and tails, new one costs a bit more, is a bit further but it's great, really enjoying it.

PrettyBoy

Zillah wrote: »

I don't what that would mean. Do they measure your biceps on the way in or something?

PowerToWait wrote: »

Yeah, I don't get this either. And anyway, after 6 years you're hardly a novice?

I only said that as I know a few lads that go there and they'd be quite advanced, they compete in bodybuilding competitions a few times a year so I got the impression that it would be that kind of crowd in there, I guess I'm wrong? Novice was probably the wrong word for myself but I'm no bodybuilder. I've neglected the gym for the last year and I'm not in great shape at the moment so in my head I see joining a new gym as starting from scratch again.

Dundrum is the nearest FlyFit to me, I don't have a bike so I would be driving as it's a bit too far to walk every day.

VonLuck

PrettyBoy wrote: »

I only said that as I know a few lads that go there and they'd be quite advanced, they compete in bodybuilding competitions a few times a year so I got the impression that it would be that kind of crowd in there, I guess I'm wrong? Novice was probably the wrong word for myself but I'm no bodybuilder. I've neglected the gym for the last year and I'm not in great shape at the moment so in my head I see joining a new gym as starting from scratch again.

It doesn't really matter what crowd goes to the gym. Novice to experienced, as long as the equipment is there, who cares?

Unless you're looking to get talking to randomers at the new gym and get some advice?

Manzoor14

Been to a few around the area, but i've settled in Southside Gym (rebranded from Southside Strength & Fitness a while back, so I think its the same place you mentioned?) for the last few years. I can't really fault it really, atmosphere is great there, and a good mix of casual and serious goers, equipment is well maintained, clean etc. I'd be a casual goer, generally only pop in 2 or 3 times a week, sometimes no at all, and never felt out of place there. If nothing else, it'd be worth dropping in for a few sessions and see how it goes.

Mr. CooL ICE

I lived in sandyford for a few years and it is probably the best part of Dublin for choice of gyms. It sounds like you have them all sussed out already. Id also recommend Southside as well. Mix of casual and hardcore gym goers, but not that it really matters.

I was in BDs for a while too. If you just want to tip away at cardio machines, it's fine, but the weights section is too busy for my liking.

PrettyBoy

Sounds like Southside is worth a look so I've booked a trial day with them next week. Also want to try out Ben Dunne Sandyford just to see how it compares. Surprised YourFitness in Harolds Cross hasn't been mentioned. I've been there a few times and liked it, might drop in again during the week before I make up my mind.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Alf Veedersane

PrettyBoy wrote: »

Sounds like Southside is worth a look so I've booked a trial day with them next week. Also want to try out Ben Dunne Sandyford just to see how it compares. Surprised YourFitness in Harolds Cross hasn't been mentioned. I've been there a few times and liked it, might drop in again during the week before I make up my mind.

Thanks for the recommendations.

If I'd thought you were going to come that far I'd have suggested Raw in Portobello. Not really much further than YF and better.

PrettyBoy

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

If I'd thought you were going to come that far I'd have suggested Raw in Portobello. Not really much further than YF and better.

I considered there but if it's like Raw Sandyford where a lot of the members workouts seem to include a photoshoot and vlogging about it then I wouldn't have any interest.

Alf Veedersane

PrettyBoy wrote: »

I considered there but if it's like Raw Sandyford where a lot of the members workouts seem to include a photoshoot and vlogging about it then I wouldn't have any interest.

It's not. Well, I should caveat that with "its not anytime I've been there".

The Sandyford version sounds like a place I would avoid.

PowerToWait

PrettyBoy wrote: »

I considered there but if it's like Raw Sandyford where a lot of the members workouts seem to include a photoshoot and vlogging about it then I wouldn't have any interest.

That's gas. I'd love to see these uber confident 'millennials' at 'work', genuinely. Is it that common in this gym?

LiamaDelta

As this is gone a bit quiet I'm gonna hijack it...in a nice way!! OP if you're expecting more replies l'll start a new thread.

I was thinking of joining David Lloyd Riverview...anyone any opinions on the place. I know it'll be expensive but I'm already paying €800 a year for a place that I don't think is worth it (poor range of equipment, too busy etc.). I've started back swimming recently so somewhere with swimming pool access is important.

billybonkers

South side Strength & Fitness is the place to be out here, as said above Raw is full of people taking videos of themselves lifting and vlogging, i have even seen people using a bench as a rest for their GoPro while filming themselves on another bench.

SSS&F is a little gem of a place

deadlybuzzman

What would be the best PAYG option in that area?
I know south side has a free trial but I'd feel bad taking advantage like that as I'm only going to be in town for a couple of days

Manzoor14

deadlybuzzman wrote: »

What would be the best PAYG option in that area?
I know south side has a free trial but I'd feel bad taking advantage like that as I'm only going to be in town for a couple of days

Southside have a day pass as well, €10 I think...

picklesndip

I was the same I was looking for a gym in and around Sandyford a while back and settled in Southside Gym. I cant recommend it enough the equipment set up rivals anywhere in the country. It really seems to attract people who just want a solid gym to train in run by lads who look after the place. Not a camera in sight too which brings me to my next point.....


I tried Raw when I first moved to Dublin and honestly there seems to be a new generation of gym member in Raw Sandyford and they spend more time worrying about their camera setting than their training. Incredible to witness a queue for a gym mirror.

deadlybuzzman

Manzoor14 wrote: »

Southside have a day pass as well, €10 I think...

Southside was the one I went for, I couldn't fault the place. Plenty of car parking, lots of equipment, they've even Strongman logs (which I decided against trying as I didn't fancy embarrassing myself)
It might sort of market itself as a rough around the edges, powerlifters gym but it's really a well maintained, clean spot for anybody.
I'll be back!

PrettyBoy

I ended up settling in Southside too, really happy with it. Great equipment, plenty of parking and always a good atmosphere in the place. I wanted a no-nonsense gym and that's exactly what I got. I can't fault the place to be honest.

I liked Raw - the facilities and location are excellent but I honestly couldn't go to a gym everyday where lads are running around talking to a camera and posing for photoshoots. I genuinely hope this kind of thing doesn't start happening in more places.

ludite

Was just investigating this earlier, according to Flyefit Dundrum website "No car-parking available, but on-street parking is available nearby and car parks in the surrounding area"

PrettyBoy

ludite wrote: »

Was just investigating this earlier, according to Flyefit Dundrum website "No car-parking available, but on-street parking is available nearby and car parks in the surrounding area"

I was considering a FlyeFit roaming membership until I found out that there was no parking whatsoever for any of their gyms on the southside. A friend of mine just cancelled his membership in Dundrum as the parking was costing him more each month than the membership itself.