Large indoor/outdoor pools . relaxed friendly atmostphere . Lots of equipment and staff to help you use it .
Disadvantages:
general upkeep of pool area . outside pool closed often . cleanliness of changing rooms
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
When I was 18 or 19 years old and partying every spare second I had, there was never any need for diets or exercise, I think I burnt off any excess food dancing and clubbing and chasing the boys! My Mum always said to me that 'Its not so easy to stay slim as you get older' and 'I had a figure like your when I was your age' and I simply thought 'Yeah right!! Like I'm ever going to be as old as you so theirs no need to worry' and besides, I was just one of those lucky people that could eat every in sight and stay like a twig.
And then I grew up.
This is not to say that I'm exactly over the hill! At the ripe old age of 24 I still go clubbing, partying and do still partake on the chasing of the odd boy or two, but I must have calmed down somewhat, because the time came about 6 months ago to admit that I was piling on a few pounds. Excess weight, spare tyres, love handle's, porky bits! Call them what you like, they had to go.
Enter David Lloyd.
My partner was already a member of David Lloyd in Basildon, and after looking at prices and offers available at the time; we upgraded his membership to 'Couple'. This costs us £92.00 a month, and gives us unlimited access to the Gym and Pool, although we are not able to take part in any of the racket sports.
I have visited the David Lloyd club previously, as Christmas of last year, as a member, my partner received a free pass for 2 weeks, which he gave to me. So I had sampled the facilities and knew what I was buying into. But this didn't prepare me for the disappointing service I received when we went to sign me up.
Prior to arriving there, my partner had phoned in advance and told them he wanted to upgrade his membership and asked what was required. They told him that this wouldn't be a problem, and if we came down and I just needed to sign a form. Simple. We thought
Upon arrival at the reception area of David Lloyd, we were kept waiting for 40 minutes for someone from Membership to be able to see us. During this time, no one came and gave us updates or even told us how long we may be waiting, and unlike other leisure centres I had visited just to look at the facilities, we wasn't even offered a drink.
When someone finally did come to see us, no apologies were made for keeping us waiting and we were taken to a side table to fill out a few forms. We explained what we wanted to do and were told that this wouldn't be a problem she would just need to see a joint domestic bill of some description, which proved we lived at the same address. Now we were not told we needed to bring anything like this along, which we were told was not possible because all of her staff were very competent and they wouldn't forget something as simple as that. We of course reiterated what happened during our phone conversation earlier but again we were told this was not possible. We conceded and assured her that we would bring it along the next time we visited so there was a copy on her records. We had visited the gym on that day as it was during the boiling hot summer we had this year and wanted to make use of the outside pool facilities whilst the weather lasted. Being told that because we'd forgotten to bring our gas bill we wouldn’t be able to come in infuriated me somewhat, especially seen, as I hadn't forgotten it, I was simply not told. After waiting for all that time and then being told because of being given the wrong information by someone from her team, we couldn't do what we had planned that sunny Sunday, I was about ready to forget the whole thing and learn to love my food baby belly.
However, she did eventually allow us to go through, but it looked like it was causing her a great of pain to be that helpful.
The joining fee was about £50 at that time, but I was working for a local business then, and a lot of them have free or reduced membership, so if you work in the Basildon area, its well worth asking if your thinking of joining.
So I was at last a member. Hurrah!
Further disappointment was that at no point was I actually formally shown around the gym, or booked in for an induction. I was just left to play with the machines and pick up how to work them from my partner. I did book an induction eventually, upon doing so I was told that I shouldn't have used the equipment without first having the induction. Which was my point exactly but I think the membership lady was gritting her teeth too hard at having to let me in without my gas bill to be able to communicate this to me.
So how have I found the gym? Well to be honest, I thought I'd use it a lot more than I do considering the amount I pay, and I really do love it when I'm there! It’s just an effort to make myself get there in the first place.
The Gym
The gym area itself is large, airy, and spacious. There is enough room between the machines so that you don't feel crowded by anyone who may be using the machine next to you.
All of the cardio machines are lined up so they are facing a row of about 6 television screen, either end of the gym. Some of the machines have ports so you can use headphones whilst working out, which is good although it has to be said that the highest volume is not very high and it is sometimes difficult to hear over the music pumping out in the gym.
The machines are usually all working, and if one does go out of service, it’s not for long. All equipment is relatively new and easy to use, just a few simples buttons to press and you’re away. There are enough of the machines to guarantee that you can pretty much use what you want when you want.
The weights areas are again spacious, and I have found that they are not too intimidating!! I always pictured large men in tight Lycra shorts pumping iron and laughing at the little girlies with their 10kg weights. Buts it’s really not like that.
Classes
It has to be said I haven't taken part in enough of the classes to really be a fair judge. There is a large studio connected to the gym, and there is everything like karate, kickboxing, step, self-defence etc.. Most of the classes are free, but there are some, like the Karate, that carry a small fee.
The instructors that I have met have all been fantastic, although they always make me feel bad by being able to do the most strenuous work out without so much as even one bead of perspiration.
Out door pool.
Great!! When it’s open! During the hot summer months, you really did have to get up early in the day if you thought you would like to lay round this pool. Come 10am and pretty much all the sun loungers would be gone.
At that time, the pool was staying open until 10pm, which was great for us City workers, who then had time to come home, work out and then cool down in the pool. It is a very relaxing atmosphere out there, and surprising quite considering its in Basildon.
The spa at the top end of the outside pool is pretty much always cold and very noisy. It’s also not very comfortable to sit in as it’s either not deep enough or the seats are positioned too high! Either way, which the sand and grit always in the bottom of it, its not the most relaxing of experiences.
Their is a children’s area one end of the pool, but it worth bearing in mind that children are only able to swim their during the day, although this was extended over the weekends during the summer.
This pool is however, hardly ever open. It is lovely when its hot, and yet freezing when its colder, and nope they wont turn up the pool heating, because its within the temperatures they aim to keep the pool at. Maybe that’s why they've closed it for the winter!
Indoor pool
Fantastic, what can I say! Gets a bit nippy sometimes, but its clean and after 9pm they put the under water lights on and turn of the main ceiling ones and it is truly relaxing.
Half the pool is divided by two lanes for people wanted to swim lengths. The other half is usually filled with people just floating or standing at the sides.
Pool facilities
The spa, I thought would be my favourite thing their. But sadly not. The level of chlorine in the water reduces me to tears. The water splashes and bubbles around you, some of which ends up in your eyes, and I invariably have to get out because it stings. I did of course question this again, but once more I was told that it met with their requirements. Funny how no other spa has ever had this effect on me but hey ho.
The steam and sauna's are great. Never get too busy, kept constantly clean and I really can’t fault them.
Changing rooms.
Well, there OK. That really is as far as it goes.
The showers are supposed to have shower gel they’re for members use, and whereas there is always a dispenser, quite often there is nothing to fill it, so always remember your own. I often see staff in their with cleaning equipment, but the amount of times I have been in a shower and found razor blades, clumps of hair and empty bottles, I wonder what it is they are actually cleaning.
The changing area itself is better, marginally. The mirrors are clean, their are plenty of hair dryers, the floor is a bit scummy but I'm used to that now and expect no less!! Complaining in this place really gets you nowhere. They have heard it all before, and I have an answer for everything.
Having said all this, I do still enjoy it there. It’s certainly the best gym I've looked at in Basildon, although it really could be so much better.
As for my spare tyre, well its still their!! But its the Christmas party session, so what can I say!!
More details
Price
£92.00 for a couples membership
Size
Big
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