Fitness First is going down the toobs

Level 4 559 posts

AJ says:

Posted 25/11/2007

Hi gym junkies!!

I need advice on new gyms in the area. I'm so sick of Fitness First at Victoria Gardens in Richmond, it's soooooo busy. It was great when it was a Space gym a couple of years back, but now there are just too many people.

Does anyone know of a gym in the area that has decent equipment, but is not ridiculously busy Mon-Thurs nights?

AJ

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Level 2 32 posts

Womper007 says:

Posted 25/11/2007

I know what you mean! It's gotten stupid! There has to be somewhere around that's not so busy. I remember a while ago some people I knew went to a small gym on Church St, but it was a boutique one and didn't have really heavy weights if that's what you need...

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Level 4 559 posts

AJ says:

Posted 25/11/2007

Do you remember the name of the gym at all? It might be a fitness first now, I think there is one on Church St.

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Level 1 2 posts

CarlyAdler says:

Posted 25/11/2007

I go to a gym in Wangarratta street, near the Richmond Station. It is a muscle building gym - BUT it's daggy/old and not pretentious at all. There are no fees so you pay as you come. A casual session is $7.00 a go and you can stay as long as you like. Be warned as there are only a few classes if you are into that. Hope that helps.

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Level 2 91 posts

PureKrome says:

Posted 25/11/2007

The Richmond Baths have a little gym. Being a pool centre, you also have access to their pool (and sauna / spa if that tickles your fancy). They have weights and cardio equipment.

It's located just around the corner from the Town Hall, here: http://www.streetadvisor.com/street/254637/overview/default.aspx

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Level 2 9 posts

soutarm says:

Posted 25/11/2007

Fitness First is fine during lunchtime.

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Level 4 559 posts

AJ says:

Posted 25/11/2007

Thanks Pure.Krome and CarlyAdler, I will have to check out those gyms!

Soutarm, lunchtimes are ok, but not enough time to go. I prefer to relax in the gym, and i usually take about 1-1:30 each session. Thanks for the heads up though.

AJ

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Level 1 1 post

SJH3121 says:

Posted 20/01/2008

Hey guys,

I second the muscle and body shaping gym http://www.muscleandbodyshape.com.au/ - the web sites makes it look like it is really focused on competition training but in reality it is a genuine work gym ... not too many conversations going on as everyone is there to do their thing.

Highly recommend you check it out. They have an awesome 4 day program which will get you into shape pretty fast. Particularly good if you have been having an "out of gym" experience like Fitness First offers - ie going to the gym but not really achieving much.

Simon

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Level 3 73 posts

JVS says:

Posted 27/11/2008

Finally had enough with Fitness First Richmond! I have quit my membership.

This week on average, more than half of the treadmills have bee out of order. In fact last night 13 of 22 were out!

I dont have a problem with the occasional out of order machine, its normal wear and tear but this has been going on for about the last 2 weeks, some machines are left in pieces (not a good look) and even those that work vibrate like crazy and feel unsafe. (right edge of one was buckled - yet no out of order sign was posted).

And they keep adding new members each month.

Disgusted.

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Level 2 151 posts

DArgy says:

Posted 02/12/2008

Invest in a good benchpress , some weights, a treadmill or bicycle. Go for walks or jogs, eat the right foods , ocassionally some of the wrong. Weights average three times a week, cardio average three times a week. Depending on individual goal. There you go free advice , without waiting to use a machine and exposing yourself to an unhygienic environment, not to mention dangerous.

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Level 3 73 posts

JVS says:

Posted 03/12/2008

Thanks Dargy, I think you are right. You can even rent treadmills now much cheaper than memberships.

Only reason I went to the gym was it motivated more than at home - and smells, treadmills in the spare bedroom can soon stink after a while.

Oh...and Fitness First want me to give them a months notice before cancelling, also cant cancel online, must be in writing and with a customer care person (no doubt to try and retain members). Why a months notice!

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Level 2 151 posts

DArgy says:

Posted 03/12/2008

Been there done that JVS, I've probably spent thousands over they years with gyms, and yes it can be motivating and you can get your money's worth if you go enough times.
Gyms are always very desperate for new memberships and they sure make it obvious. Private gyms are opening and closing all the time. My advice to them is to make their memberships more affordable and flexible, and I'm certain that the numbers will increase.Why on earth would they need a month's notice ?, probably to give you more time to think about it, or to get their pyrana salespeople on to you to reconsider.

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Level 4 559 posts

AJ says:

Posted 11/12/2008

DArgy I don't think fitness first is struggling for members. They are always ridiculously busy. I agree with JVS though about the cancellation nonsense, people should be able to come and go as they please.

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Level 2 151 posts

DArgy says:

Posted 12/12/2008

Ridiculously busy doesn't always mean ridiculously successful : ) Look at ABC ..............................

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Level 4 559 posts

AJ says:

Posted 14/12/2008

ahh yes very good point DArgy, you have me there. AND Fitness First has grown enormously just like ABC centers did. Let's hope they don't shut down any because that would mean the ones that were left would become even more crowded.

I wonder if they have a policy on the amount of users in the gym. Do you think they would have a maximum amount of people per gym? Would seem logical to the consumer, but not really good for business.

AJ

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Level 2 151 posts

DArgy says:

Posted 14/12/2008

Business is business, I doubt they would have a limit as long as the dollars are coming in .......

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