I am a member of Holmes Place in Cricklewood for nearly a year now and for my purpose it is the perfect club. It is very important that you know how you intend to use the gym you are joining. Is it to workout at machines , workout classes or the pool? That is something you should be sure of.
First step in Cricklewood, like almost everywhere else, is that you can have a look at the various areas they have to offer you. Unfortunately there is mostly never a chance for a trial day. I can offer you a little inside and hopefully some tips in how to get the most out of your membership.
The joining fee is very high, depending on special offers between 50 and 200 pounds. But there is a way to save money. If you have some friends that would like to go to a gym as well, simply talk it over. One of you joins the club and pays the fee. Than you introduce your friend a day or so later to the club and he will only pay half the fee because you recommended him this club. I paid for example 95 pounds to join and my friends only half of it. Also you could take your friend with you as a guest so he can have a few trial days for free(up to one week).
Don´t forget that in nearly every case you are signing a membership contract that cannot be terminated in the first year. If you are not sure you want to use it for a full year, you can "buy" a "resign option" which is about 30 pounds extra.
Monthly subscription is currently 59 pounds in Cricklewood and is paid beginning of each month.
You have the option to make a club-link like I did, with another Holmes Place(or 2) anywhere in London,(mine is nearer to the place I work) which will cost you 5 pounds more each month. But you can use both clubs equally. No restrictions whatsoever. And you don´t need a second membership card.
Once you joined they will take your picture and print it on your membership card with all your details. Fairly normal. In cricklewood however this machine is very often broken, so sometimes it can take weeks for you to get a card.
Changing rooms are very large with plenty lockers, so there is never a problem in finding one. Divided in coloured bays for easy orientation. If you want a permanent locker, the rent for a year is 50 pounds.
Adjoining the changing room are the shower facilities which are compared to the amount of lockers and members quite small. Towels are provided by receptionist(1 per person) and they don´t really charge you for the second one! Shampoo, showergel and hair conditioner are provided as well, but up to you, it smells strongly like lemon. Not really so good. The cleaners are always around but in peak times you won´t find every shower perfectly clean. This goes for the toilets as well, there are only 5 for all female members and kids!! There are 2 small areas with hairdryers,mirrors, lotions etc. and except for peak times you will always find space.
So your first visit in the workout area starts with an introduction. A trainer shows you how to use the machines and he/she will organize a training programm for you. This is necessary because the gym has to ensure your safety by introducing you to the various machines. You will have one Personal Training session for free by joining, so you can try a Personal Trainer for one hour. To take a Personal Trainer permanent will be between 70 - 190 pounds for 6 sessions. Again depending on special offers.
The Gym is divided into Main Gym and Ladys Gym. The Main Gym has a little more equipment than the other and the machines for the ladies are slightly smaller to be more comfortable. During the day the Ladies Gym is as used as training area for all the interested kids. In the Main gym there is a very large Cardio area with at least 15 of each Cardio-Trainers (Bikes,Rowers,Running-bands, Crosstrainers etc.). The Weight-Training area is depending on popularity of machines. There are between 3-6 of the various different Training Machines. There is a smaller area for the use of free dumpbells, but this gets easily overcrowded. Two stretching areas and a large area where you can do sit-ups or whatever you do for your abs.
The Trainers are there at all times so whenever there is a problem let them help you. You pay for them.
2 Aerobic studios and 1 Holistic Studio. There is no extra charge for the classes. You will have to be there 5 minutes before they start and timetables are at the reception. The variety is huge, at least that is my opinion. There are at least 20 different Aerobic/Workout classes, including Aqua-gymnastic and Yoga Classes.
So now you finished your workout and you want to relax in the pool area. That is where all the trouble starts. If you intend to use the gym in cricklewood largely because of the pool, I recommend you to look somewher else. There are two pools. 1 for kids (10m)and 1 for adults, about 25m long, maybe 1.30m deep, so no jumping and drowning. My experience is that it is far too loud because during daytime there are far too many kids. The existing Crèche is not really used. So if you want to relax in the pool do this after 6pm. At 6.30pm the kids have to be out of the gym(sounds hard I know). But even then the "large" pool is used for all Aqua classes, meaning one part of it is most of the time occupied by them leaving only a small area for swimming. This is then further divided into slow, medium or fast lanes, (if there is enough space for 3 lanes) either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Whoever is first in a lane decides how to swim there. Bad luck if it is not your style. There is a timetable for the pool as well so make sure to go there when they don´t have classes etc.
The Jacuzzi is between mens and women changing rooms,again far too small, and nearly always full.
Saunas and steamrooms are in each changing room and these, according to the amount of members, are also fairly small. But in the evening again it is not largely used, as well as early afternoon. There are sunbeds in the changing rooms (Lie-down and stand-up). This has to be paid additional and is bloody expensive,one session is between 8 to 12 pounds. Look out for special offers where you can buy 12 sessions for 60 pounds(1 session 8 to 10 min)
The Clubroom and bar in the Entrance Hall are quite small again and very expensive. During the day too loud with kids as well. It seems to be only healthy food but I found some chocolate. Hair & Beautysalon in the Club are available but you need to book that of course and the costs are high. They offer plenty things but to be honest, somewhere in London you will get the same for less money.
Since I am not using the pool I am very happy with this club in Cricklewood. But likewise it is not a good choice if you intend to use mostly the swimming facilities. For Workout however you will have plenty options and get enough for your money.
More details
Price
59 pounds
Size
Big
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