Fitness First? Previous experiences?

**Nickster** · 23-08-2007 11:28

Has anyone here been a member of a Fitness First club? Could you please tell me your experience and overall impression?

I have a very tempting contract in front of me, and a very out-of-shape body that wants me to sign it.

Should I do it?

**BrendansMum** · 23-08-2007 12:05

Hi Nickster,

I was with FF before falling pregnant with DS. It was ok but not great. I joined it mainly because it's convenient being so close to work. The classes are good but they can be very packed on busy time. The one I was at was also full-of buff blokes (esp. on weights section), nice scenery but made me a bit uncomfortable doing weights.

I was with Fernwood before that and found it much more enjoyable. Not so crowded and didn't feel like I was the only unbuff one there

Now that I have DS I work out in my neighbourhood gym that has a creche. It's just a small one so everyone kinda know everyone there, plus I enjoy the 'me' time knowing DS is in good hands

Hope this helps.

**MW&S** · 23-08-2007 12:16

I have just joined fernwood. The fernwood ill go to has free breakies, hair dryers, towels, toiletries and is all women. I dont mind perving and all on the blokes, but im soooooo out of shape and I think id feel uncomfortable around them.

The choice survey said that FF and fernwood were complained about mainly that they do not cancel your direct debits after you have ceased membership. But I think if your aware of it it is avoidable.

Goodluck with ur fitness!!

**borntobemummy** · 23-08-2007 12:18

it was great, but pretty expensive compared to others and we weren't able to cancel it until after a year.

**Nickster** · 23-08-2007 12:50

Originally Posted by AngelZara

The choice survey said that FF and fernwood were complained about mainly that they do not cancel your direct debits after you have ceased membership. But I think if your aware of it it is avoidable.

Goodluck with ur fitness!!

Thanks for the heads-up, AngelZara - I've just looked at the contract, and it states you must give them written notice if you wish to terminate your membership on the date it's due to finish, otherwise they will continue to direct debit - that seems fair enough to me, it's exactly what my last gym did.

Fernwood sounds nice, but I've just been made an offer I can't refuse ($wise - a new FF opening in my area), and it doesn't really bother me if there's men or women there to judge my wobbly bits......I guess they'll get judged anyway!

Thanks for your help, BrendansMum, this FF has a creche too, which will make everything much easier.

Thanks everyone for your input, it's much appreciated.

**subaruforestermum** · 23-08-2007 13:40

Guess you might be in Brissy????

I joined DP up to the new one opening in Springwood near the RSPCA shop..... and his cousin joined up too...

They got their membership for $11.95 per week, $40-$60 Administration fees and $60 for 4 personal training sessions!!!! Didnt have to pay MEMBERSHIP FEES!

And their creche is only $2.50 or something, I have to pay $3.50 for 3 hours, cheap but its tiny...

Pretty good deal! Seen advertised $9.95 per week but not sure about membership fees etc...

The plans look great, and it sounds better than most I have seen...I am jealous of his membership, I'm at Zest...

**LittleMissyMoo** · 23-08-2007 14:01

I joined FF and didn't enjoy it. I found it was full of beefheads who 'hogged' four machines at a time by placing a towel on one, a water bottle on another, keys on another and used the other while rotating around. It was impossible to get a workout done. And the staff were useless, they'd stand around chatting to their mates all day instead of helping. Plus it was very expensive.
I ended up joining my local community gym and their prices are great and its small scale so no busy rushes. My advice would be to shop around first.

**Nickster** · 23-08-2007 14:32

That just might be the one, Suby.

Like I said, I've been offered a super cheap deal to join too. Too good to refuse, really.

Sorry you've had a rough experience, Miss Milly Moo, but if there's going to be members that do that, I wouldn't be backwards in coming forwards to complain to the staff. Behaviour like that is just not on, is it, really?

Again, thanks for the advice and perspective, everyone.

**claireandbailey** · 23-08-2007 14:39

I joined fitness first a couple of weeks ago and i am loving it! Yeh sure there is the macho blokes that use the weights, but they are there for the same reason as everyone else to get fit and healthy! At first it was a bit intimidating but now its just some good eye candie while i work out!

**Lila** · 23-08-2007 14:39

hi
i was at a FF in sydney for a few years.
i guess it was quite good (other than DON�T try to talk to instructors about other things than sport.....

...)
they had a pool there, sauna, all the usual stuff and a nice creche....
so i did enjoy it.
btw: i HATED fernwood- can�t stand the fact of women only gyms anymore....

i am now at a mixed gym again and quite happy with it- my main focus is usually good creche (meaning good and nice staff there) and well scheduled classes....