Friendly, lots of equipment, tv's to take your mind of it all and its pretty cheap .
Disadvantages:
Er, its a gym . Oh, and it doesn't have a swimming pool .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
In a fit of anxiety a couple of weeks ago I decided to join a gym. I have to say it is quite a big thing for me, I haven't exercised in years and am not exactly built for speed! Still, I pulled my stomach in and braced myself... time to take action!
I have to say that Fitness First wasn't my first choice but unfortunately Newport isn't blessed with a wide range of affordable gyms. At least not any that I was prepared to go to! So I took the plunge and started off with a 3 month membership.
*HOW MUCH IS IT? I decided to start with a 3 month membership and work from there. At the time I joined there was no initial joining fee but I still had to pay the administration fee of £30. The monthly payments for a 3 month membership are £34 but if you join for 12 months this goes down to £28. I know that this varies across the country depending on where you are but it was the best value for money I could find in my area. Check out their website fitnessfirst.co.uk for details of the nearest one to you.
*WHAT DO YOU GET? When I joined I was given a free members pack that included the magazine, a hand towel, earphones, sunbed vouchers, various leaflets and information about the club. You also get two initial induction meetings with a member of the Fitness First team. The first one is to learn how to use the equipment there and the second is to go through the personal program they devise for you. You get another official meeting later on to discuss progress but there are people on hand all the time to answer any questions.
The personal program is based on questionnaires and an interview session they do with you to find out your goals and what will motivate you. Personally this is my lifesaver and they were able to tailor it to my needs, avoiding the things I really don't want to do :) You can also go along to any of the classes they do, there are about 5 everyday at my club. These include Step, Aerobics, Yoga, Spinning, Pilates, Bums and Tums etc etc. There are loads!
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS THERE? At Newport they have a whole range of cardio vascular stuff including at least 20 running machines, 20 bikes, 2 rowing machines, 15 cross trainers, 4 steppers and other strange looking contraptions I havent yet worked out! There are two seperate weights areas, one for a quick 30 minute workout and another with free weights and a lot more to choose from.
HINT* this is where all the buff lads are, depending on if you want to avoid them (like me) or hang about looking good in lycra to catch their attention (me, in lycra? you have to be kidding!)
They also have a jacuzzi (a personal fav), a large steamroom and sauna. There are free hot and cold drinks and the cardio section has a bank of tv's to watch while sweating away... you get free headphones to plug in and listen to the station of your choice!
The only downside is the lack of swimming pool but I haven't really missed it. To be honest by the time I have finished a good workout I dont think I would have the time or the energy to swim as well!
*SO IS IT WORTH IT? Yes, definitely yes! The people there are great and it isnt full of super fit body builders. Although there are a few about most people are normal, wearing big baggy t shirts to try and cover up and pretending that they are meant to be sweating that much! After 2 weeks I still have the motivation to keep on going and for me thats pretty good. I have to say I haven't seen the weight dropping off but I can definitely feel the improvement in energy levels and a general sense of wellbeing.
All in all I would say that if you are thinking of joining somewhere then go for it! Personally I think things can only get better from here and I look forward to wearing a bikini with pride!
More details
Price
£30 to join. 3 month membership is £34 a month, 12 month membership is £28 a month
Size
Big
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