Forum Topic

Who's in charge at Everyone Active gym?

If it's still Harriet Moreton, then she hasn't even got the courtesy to answer her emails.

Susan Kelly ● 4432d12 Comments

I think Harriet is on holiday. She only manages front of house staff. General manager of the centre is Luke Charlton: lukecharlton@everyoneactive.comApproachable and, based on a 45-minute meeting two of us had with him about the shambles that was this morning's Aqua class, seems intent on sorting out issues brought to his attention.

Susan Flory ● 4432d

I tried to email Luke but it kept bouncing back.So glad you saw him about the Aqua shambles yesterday, Susan, as that was what I was trying to contact him about. Did he give any indication of how he intends to deal with the problem? I'm booked in for next Monday but after two disastrous weeks I don't know whether to bother going or not!And it was working so well in the small pool. Why do people always have to look for something that isn't broken and break it?

Susan Kelly ● 4431d

What's going on with the aqua classes (apart from being difficult/impossible to book?)

Chris Hurley ● 4431d

They're great, Chris, except for the Monday morning one which is timetabled for the big pool. Even then, we did the Monday one in the training pool until last week when we were just told we were in the big pool, no arguments. It was a fiasco: all in different depths, a slippery floor so hard to keep a foothold and other pool users swimming through the middle of us! Half a dozen people left during the course of the class, which I'd never seen before.Yesterday was even more of a fiasco when we were told we had to use just one roped-off lane so as not to disturb other pool users! That would mean that half of us would be out of our depths and half not, making it impossible to operate the class. The trainer was furious and was still trying to get hold of the manager when I decided that the situation was intolerable and left.

Susan Kelly ● 4431d

Hi Susan - email as given by receptionist before I insisted on meeting him. He was suitably concerned, apologised, took notes and assured there will never again be an attempt to squish 30 women into the shallow end of a swim lane. Suggested it revert to learner's pool but not sure that will happen. Also asked that he crack the whip on class start times. Yet again for this evening's Aqua at 8, the pool hadn't even been lowered by 5 past and there was five more minutes of faffing before we got going. Class finished right on time though, five to 9. And the lifeguard sprung into action immediately to shut things down, eyeballing us to hurry up and get out. That said, love Aqua. Suggested all take their cue from the excellent Angela on Thursday mornings. She arrives before time and lays out the barbells and noodles around the perimeter so we don't waste time chasing after them mid-session. And that sets the tone for a great workout.

Susan Flory ● 4430d

I got an apologetic email from the manager yesterday afternoon but he was adamant that we must be in the main pool on Monday mornings, despite not giving any coherent reason why this had to be. He blamed the pool staff for this week's fiasco so I guess the buck doesn't stop with him!Do agree about getting the small pool open ready. It's just that they can't seem to be bothered.I wish Angela would do all the classes!See you tomorrow.

Susan Kelly ● 4430d

Angela is very good. She teaches a wonderful Aqua Zumba class at Virgin. Sorry to hear of the on going issues.

Chris Hurley ● 4430d

Trouble is, this sort of stuff drives the good trainers away to better-organised gyms. Seems the young woman who was taking Monday's class left in tears, so that may be the last we see of her.

Susan Kelly ● 4430d

Susan - nice to get the call. The fitness chica Kay called me and left a voicemaiI of apology. Ria, the instructor, was reduced to tears and fled after battling ferociously on our behalf with pool staff. At 1030, staff had finally seen sense - or been told to do the obvious - and opened up a second lane for us. She finally lost it when she was berated for taking a photo - at our urging - of us sardines squished into that small area. Then, once the second lane had been opened, she was pushed to stay later to give a full class but already had another to get to for 1100. Madness all round. And some of the ladies who'd hired in sitters for the occasion were spitting mad. Bad movie. Manager Luke did say he would call her when we told him the sorry tale. She is a terrific Pilates instructor so hope nothing stupid has come of this. I actually don't mind being in the big pool. It is slippy but has such a wonderful sense of space, just as long as we aren't penned in like farmed fish. Yay Angela tomorrow morning. Chris - good to know. She apparently had a turn on "Lorraine" the other week talking Zumba. I am loathe to switch to Virgin because EveryoneActive is a four minute walk from home. That in itself ensures I get my you know what in gear and go.

Susan Flory ● 4430d

I'm glad I decided to leave when the pool staff started being so silly. Kay is taking next Monday's class, according to Luke Charlton. No doubt she'll say how wonderful it all is.

Susan Kelly ● 4430d

Hi Susan - I have been on annual leave from Friday the 25th until today the 30th. Your email has been sent to the general manager.

Harriet Moreton ● 4430d

Yes, I heard from him yesterday, thanks.

Susan Kelly ● 4430d