[Closed] Virgin active

I was - they took over some of the sites of the gym group I used to work for.

Had great facilities, but like a lot of chains growing in late 90s/early naughties, the contract was an attempt at a sham - ours were two year terms which you either paid up front or split over 24 months and the contract stated that even if you cancelled you had to pay the outstanding amount.

No idea how strictly it was enforced, the chain went bust before anyone got us to court.

Thanks. I'm fine with my council facilities gym wise, but the swim times have been cut so far be back it's difficult to get there and hold down a job. At least virgin active are open until 10 and at weekends.

There are options to not tie yourself into a contract and pay month my month. I was a member for a few months this way when working right by one of their clubs. I only used it for the swimming, pretty much guaranteed a lane to myself whatever time I went. My only minor grumble was the outside pool didn't have a pace clock.

Joined a couple of months ago as we decided to get Vitality instead of the expensive work health insurance. Really enjoying it so far. Went to pilates this evening which has made my back feel much better. Gym seems good and has Wattbikes. Lots of classes. Pools are nice. They even have a creche so the wife and I can get an hour of peace together.

I got a few free gym passes through my wife being a member cos she likes the classes. The gym was really dirty, rarely cleaned. The pool was a decent size, but swimming clubs regularly took 3/4 of it. Spa and sauna doors were broken so they were out of order!! and the price…. £76 per month for the pleasure, more if you want a flexi membership with one month cancellation notice . I’m at another gym paying a quarter ( minus pool though) as I’m only interested in weights . It works for my wife and she thinks she gets great value from the classes.