Forum Topic

Would you recommend Everyone Active?

I just wanted to find out if the teething problems had been sorted .  I would like to join for classes - the timetable online looks good.  Any recommendations?

Lena Armstrong ● 4447d17 Comments

The gym is OK. (Now with radio 4 & 5 hurrah!) but not designed by a trainer or user so some odd anomalies like the too small floor mat area is in a path and there are no mirrors to check posture unless you are doing weights. Nice staff and other users. Too many specialist machines for the space. Wet side changing still said to be rubbish but contractors due in. Dry side change seems ok.Dunno about classes

Sara Nathan ● 4447d

It's still not easy to book classes; you have to get online the day they become available, a week in advance, to stand a chance of a place.Given that it's much cheaper than other gyms and doesn't tie you into a contract and then do everything possible to make you keep on paying when you want to leave, like some I could mention, I think it's pretty good value for money.

Susan Kelly ● 4447d

I gave it a good try but have gone back to Virgin. The main problems are the class booking system which is awful, not enough classes, horrid showers and wet changing area. But you get what you pay for - it is much cheaper than Virgin, the hairdryers are good and the classes that I could book were generally fine.

Chris Hurley ● 4447d

The advice I was given by someone who does a lot of classes, is to go online, if its full, join the waiting list and then just turn up. She said she had never been turned away - that's for studio classes  NOT the fiercely competitive Ladies acqua.

Sara Nathan ● 4447d

Thank you so much for your replies.  The class situation is disappointing

Lena Armstrong ● 4446d

They do say that they review classes every three months, so there is hope of more being scheduled. I think the demand for them took EA by surprise. Still, every extra class costs them money while not bringing in any more income, so I doubt we're going to see provision double overnight.

Susan Kelly ● 4446d

I am on the £25 for life package at EA and I do 2 classes a week which I am very pleased with. I don't use the changing facilities as I live close enough.In the holidays my son can use the pool while I do a class.I am getting my moneys worth. I personally don't need more as I do boot camp in the park. I couldn't afford the membership at a more expensive gym as my 2 weekly visits would make it exorbitant. They are quite different gyms catering for different needs, if you are an everyday gym user EA is probably not for you.

Kim Rugg ● 4446d

Apart from the booking problems, the classes and dryside changing are OK. However, the poolside changing facilities are appalling, so I would definitely not recommend it to someone for whom swimming is the main priority.  I just wondered if it's possible to turn up and pay to swim without joining, anyone?

Anne Brown ● 4446d

Yes you can turn up and pay to swim - that is what I do. You need to show your EA card to pay but that is free to get the first time you go. The prices are on the web site.I agree with you that poolside changing is bad. I am still going to Chiswick New Pool as that is much nicer changing facilities. Although the main pool and water quality at Acton is very good. It is cool and does not seem to have many chemicals added. It is a shame that the aqua is not run more often. I used to go 4 times a week to the old pool - there was no booking and it was a real community event.

Sue Buchan ● 4446d

Thanks everyone for your replies.  I went to tour EA yesterday.  The gym was great but I was disappointed with the swimming changing room. If you have a 25 pm deal - well done. It's now over 43 pm.

Lena Armstrong ● 4445d

I am a casual member - so pay for when I go swimming. I get regular text messages with special offers for gym. So if you are interested I would "join" and then wait for a suitable text. I was also told by one of the EA staff that the fees change regularly based on demand on the day - so its worth asking again what the cost is or try to negotiate. I get the feeling they need more members.

Sue Buchan ● 4445d

Thanks Sue

Lena Armstrong ● 4445d

NO radio 4 or 5 Live on the cardio machines today...honestly you would think they had sensed it was reshuffle day and turned off so loyal workers-out couldnt listen to one of the best breaking news stories for aeons.SO frustrating!

Sara Nathan ● 4445d

I suppose you have to weigh in the balance the good pools, where you are for the best part of an hour, and the poor changing rooms, where you are for a few minutes.

Susan Kelly ● 4444d

Sara, why don't you take in your own device and plug it in to one of the sockets?  Then you can listen to whatever you choose.

Anne Brown ● 4444d

Because I find it a hassle, would have to get something to attach it to myself, don't have an ipod, never have had to, don't want to leave stuff lying around a gym...And shouldn't have to..Having a decent audio system is surely part of the offer.

Sara Nathan ● 4444d

Oh dear, Sara, it was just a suggestion to try to help! BTW if you have a smartphone, that would do the trick.  And there is a hook to hang one on.

Anne Brown ● 4444d