Gym Review: Fitness First

Gym Name: West Hants

Free weights: 4/5

CV: 5/5

Resistance Machines: 4/5

Extras:5/5

Atmosphere: 4/5

Price: 3/5

Overall: 25/30

Description:

With the overall score this gym received, it really is as good as it sounds. Situated over two enormous floors this is definitely the new style of gym with all the new machines and technology taking centre stage. As soon as you walk in however you know that proper work goes on in there and any gym goer would be proud to call it their home gym. The reception staff are very friendly and helpful but the most intriguing bit is the juice bar that is situated next to the reception. In there they sell protein shakes and all sorts of supplements to sort you out after your workout. These are very reasonably priced with a bottle of most protein shakes costing between £2-£3. You can also buy tubs after your session for a discounted rate.
Now onto the gym itself. The CV machines are the main focal point of the gym and are the centre piece of the bottom floor. As well as the usual treadmills, cross-trainers etc there are also cycling machines and rowing machines with in built PC technology. With these your screen shows you racing against computer animated characters which can add something to your session. You can also use a password so next time you come back you can compare your times over the different distances in which you race in which is a nice little twist. So get on them and show Steve Redgrave how to row properly. (Never liked that bloke, too smarmy, Wanker!)
As expected from a major chain of gyms like the Fitness First the equipment is very new and that especially is what the resistance machines are like. There are more than an adequate amount of machines to use and even though the gym does get very busy there is always a spare machine free, in fact there are at least 5 pec decks situated around the floor however these are usually taken up by the machines who will stay on them for hours at a time. Many of them probably put a tent up at night so they can claim them in the morning! There are also a good selection of free weights to be used and that area is rarely busy.
Fitness First also offers an extensive range of extras which are all situated on the top floor. This can range from spinning to aerobics and yoga. There is also a crèche on site so you can drop your kids off before doing a workout so now there’s no excuse! As this is also a health club Fitness First offers sun-beds, a hair salon, and sauna and steam rooms to help you unwind.
Now to the price which is actually quite reasonable. A standard gym membership will set you back £25 a month if you are a student or £33 if not. The joining fee can be pricey but can also be negotiated as it is a health spa so have the bottle to barter with them!
Overall this is definitely for the newer gym goer. If you enjoy a workout in a colder, darker and more basic gym then this isn’t the place for you but if you want a good atmosphere and quality equipment this is perfect. A big thumbs up!!



About the Author: A lovable character Rich Silverton is currently recuperating from a knee operation that should put him back on the rugby pitch. Having taken PE to GCSE level he plans to pursue a carreer playing or coaching the sport.