Gyms and spin classes

[Sally81]

Apologies, I know there must be threads on this already but search not working for me at the mo for some reason.

I'm about to change jobs and lose my amazing ?5 per month gym membership, so am thinking of joining a new one close to home. Is there anywhere local that does indoor cycling classes and can anyone recommend a gym

In general? I've been using a lovely, friendly fitness first for a while and really value a gym whee the staff are happy and friendly and really make you feel like you want to go there instead of avoid the place!

[RWellman]

I would recommend trying out Community Circuits in Herne Hill near the station - it is a class rather than PT (but they do PT too from ?35 per hour - I haven't tried PT with them but friends who have recommend them). The first class is FREE and tehn ?10 per class or ?69 for 10 (which you can take over whatever period you want) or ?395 for a year of unlimitted circuits. [www.communitycircuits.com]

I have been going for over 3 years - before I started I did very little exercise since school (getting a D4 in every school PE report does little to instill a love of sport!) and I have got so much fitter since then. The instructors who run and own it, Neil and Jonny, and the other instructors Anne and Rowan are lovely and very encouraging and friendly - it is much more personal than going to a chain/corporate gym. I think it is a nice compromise between PT which is quite expensive and gym membership which is inflexible. not having to pay monthly or a joining fee or commit to a whole year is a definite advantage So many of my friends pay ?60 a month then don't go for weeks - what a waste of money! I like the fact that if you are having a keen week you can pay more but if you are busy or ill or away and don't make it to the classes you pay nothing. If you come along to a few classes and you decide that PT is for you then you will know which instructor would suit you best. The people who go to the classes are very varied - from school pupils to pensioners and hockey players to housewives. I do hope to see you there!

Alternatively I would highly recommend [www.urbanfitandfearless.com] - it is a self defence class but includes quite a bit of fitness training - if you come along for a month you will definitely get fitter. Classes are on wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings on Bellenden Road and Patrice is an ace instructor and the classes are cheap - first one FREE then ?40 for 5 or ?60 for 10 - and you get to learn a skill that might save your life - I used what I learned to stop a fight on the mean streets of Herne Hill. Patrice also does personal training for ?35 an hour so you could come to a free class, decide if you like the activity and instructor.

I hope these recommendations help.

If you want more info PM me and send me your number

Good luck getting fit - having got a lot fitter over the last few years with these two classes and would definitely say it is worth it.