Looking for a Gym recommendation...

[pollyannapatch]

Long time lurker, first time poster so not sure if this is the right place for this...

After putting it off for a while, now is the time to get myself down to the gym. I don't want to lose weight, but just sort of tone up, improve stamina etc.

Can anyone recommend a decent gym in Stafford? Late-ish opening preferred as with 2 little ones, I am not usually ready to go out until 8pm. probably only gonna manage 2 nights a week

Failing that can anyone recommend any sort of workout classes?

Thanks in advance,

Al

 

[Gramaisc]

There's been quite a bit on here about various gyms, some of it may be useful - try the search function..

 

[grumpystaffordguy]

If your only going a couple of times a week I doubt a membership is worth it. Pay as you go would be better.

I would say go to the gym that is most convenient for you.

 

[ATJ]

If your only going a couple of times a week I doubt a membership is worth it. Pay as you go would be better.

I would say go to the gym that is most convenient for you.

It depends really, the leisure centre gym is £35 a month for membership, but £6 a session for the gym and £4 a session for the pool. Even if you only use the gym and not the pool, at twice a week for a month that's £48

 

[gilesjuk]

Try before you buy. University gym is handy if you live up that way as you can just drop in and pay per session.

Ultimately you join a gym and make it your hobby, but then if you're going to do that then sports tend to be more fun.

 

[Jimbo]

I joined the leisure centre about 5/6 months ago. The equipment is really very modern, (think touch screen monitors with Sky) plenty of cardio machines etc. my only gripe is that the free weight area gets VERY busy with groups of posers, all chatting and doing bits on benches etc meaning they hog the space. Frustrating for me but I try and avoid peak times. I have heard some of them talking about moving elsewhere (fingers crossed!)

I visited the University gym and I thought, for how much equipment there is and no pool etc, it was a bit expensive. That is probably to keep it more exclusively for students.

I've heard that Virgin Active (Esporta) is expensive and all the kit is alot older, maybe Virgin will change that!

 

[wooly28]

hi if you live on Sandalwood there's a new gym Lifestyle Fitness opening on Astonfields ,

 

[Nicedave]

hi if you live on Sandalwood there's a new gym Lifestyle Fitness opening on Astonfields ,

When is this opening? They advertise £12.99 a month at the Stoke gym

 

[Gramaisc]

hi if you live on Sandalwood there's a new gym Lifestyle Fitness opening on Astonfields ,

When is this opening?

Try this thread - http://www.staffordforum.com/viewtopic.php?id=8146&p=1 - originally intended to open in December and it doesn't look too far off now..

 

[Birdies_best_mate]

I joined the leisure centre about 5/6 months ago. The equipment is really very modern, (think touch screen monitors with Sky) plenty of cardio machines etc. my only gripe is that the free weight area gets VERY busy with groups of posers, all chatting and doing bits on benches etc meaning they hog the space. Frustrating for me but I try and avoid peak times. I have heard some of them talking about moving elsewhere (fingers crossed!)

I visited the University gym and I thought, for how much equipment there is and no pool etc, it was a bit expensive. That is probably to keep it more exclusively for students.

I've heard that Virgin Active (Esporta) is expensive and all the kit is alot older, maybe Virgin will change that!

What are the prices for the Stafford University gym, seems they have taken down their website since i last looked.

 

[My Name is URL]

hi if you live on Sandalwood there's a new gym Lifestyle Fitness opening on Astonfields ,

When is this opening? They advertise £12.99 a month at the Stoke gym

Not the same gym by all accounts.... shame, Stafford needs one of these cheap no-frills gyms...

 

[pollyannapatch]

Thanks for all the feedback - the new one on Astonfields will be perfect! Will check it out.

 

[Gramaisc]

Thanks for all the feedback - the new one on Astonfields will be perfect! Will check it out.

..and report back...

 

[Randlesuk]

you'd be as well to look at classes like Zumba where there is no committment and can book in weekly. I do a Zumba class for £4. I know there are some good ones in Stafford.

 

[Sophie.pocock1]

The new virgin gym is very nice and the price is okay too.

 

[My Name is URL]

How much is classed as "okay" these days if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Dawz]

As people have mentioned be sure to check out http://www.lsfitnessgym.co.uk, currently aiming for a 7th Jan opening date. Progressing well.

£180 for the year, working out at £15 per month. Great price.

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

I know nothing about gyms/fitness but running and cycling is free
If you like I could arrange for a large dog to chase you, you get fit, the dog gets exercise = everyones happy!

 

[gilesjuk]

I know nothing about gyms/fitness but running and cycling is free
If you like I could arrange for a large dog to chase you, you get fit, the dog gets exercise = everyones happy!

True, but it depends what you go to a gym for. With many people it's purely for vanity reasons. They want muscles or the outward appearance of being fit.

If you run, walk or cycle then you don't always get the muscle where you want and you often don't look as fit on the outside. Even though you'll wipe the floor with some of these people with "gym" physiques as many have only done resistance training and not cardio.

It's funny how fewer people go out walking and cycling on the chase in winter. It's the best time, you don't sweat as much and there's no flies. It's easier to wrap up and stay warm than it is to stay cool in the sun. You might get a bit muddier but it's not so bad when the ground freezes. You get home, take a warm shower and feel twice as good as you would after a summer ride. I think it's because you've "survived" the cold when so many people would have you think that cold weather is bad for you.

As for dogs, I have two very energetic lurchers that need a good run

 

[Birdies_best_mate]

How much is classed as "okay" these days if you don't mind me asking?

Gym and tonic is £199 for 13 months and another £25 off if joining online if i read it correctly

http://gym-tonic.net/gym-and-tonic/stafford-gym/join-today/



Then theres Stafford Leisure center which costs £420 for 13 months


Heres the link to university gym but no prices
http://sportscentrestafford.com/