I’m a member of Pure Gym. It’s a national chain. The nearest one is in Colwick which is 8 miles or 20 miles away. I’m on a monthly contract which I can cancel at any time with no penalties. The contract costs about £28/month, the gym is very well stocked for equipment and, best of all, the gym is open 24/7. But I like the thought of supporting local businesses more than I like the thought of supporting national chains.
It was recently announced that our local health centre has, at great expense, revamped their gym. New layout, new equipment, new paintjob, new hours. You name it, it’s all new. And, bonus time, it’s just over 3 miles or 8 miles away. So we toddled along and had a look at it.
The place is so new it still smelled of fresh paint. The equipment is all brand spanking new, the layout is slightly confusing but it works, but…
- The local gym’s hours are restricted – weekend hours are pretty pathetic
- The local gym is twice the cost, and
- The local gym has a very restrictive contract term which means if I cancel I have to pay a huge penalty
Sometimes you just can’t support local businesses because they make it so hard to.
Sounds like they’re not fit for purpose.
12 weeks ago I signed up at the local spit and sawdust gym, run by some ex military chaps. As I’m on gardening leave, I had the time to commit to a program and see what results I could get. They had just what I wanted, max 5 people per session, lots of one to one coaching and a decent program to follow. However, they are very expensive and when I start my new job in January I won’t be home much again.
Joined the fantastic gym at the boy’s school. £45 per month, great cardio and strength rooms, all brand new equipment. Should be enough to tide me over and keep me on track when I’m home. Feels good to also support the school too.
Can’t believe the difference it has made to my life. Incredible.