Fitness First

Honestly a joke! I signed up for a years membership at the Lavender Hill branch, was told with no warning that this none was closing. I now have to go to the other nearby branch where it’s ramo and you’re waiting at least 20 minutes for a machine. I rightfully requested to come out of my membership early as this wasn’t what I signed up to, I was told I will have to pay a ‘settlement fee’ if I want to leave early even though they ‘understand I have to wait longer for machines and it is twice as busy now’Honestly such a scam and horrible people to work with. I will never used this gym again, I want out of my contract.

Far, far too busy. I was a member of the Lavender Hill branch, which I preferred despite an older fit out- it suited me slightly better location wise, was larger and therefore less crowded at peak times (even prior to the recent membership consolidation) and was significantly better laid out, with proper walkways etc.Now that the members of two gyms have been condensed into this one (the smaller of the two), the gym is insanely busy. At peak times, you are literally stepping over people doing floorwork to get to the changing rooms because there is no separate pathway, and there have been times where there was not one single machine or bench available. I imagine they'll up the membership rates soon, but I don't think many will be keen to pay more for what is objectively a worse experience, regardless of which gym you belonged to originally.

Please reconsider joining this gym. Since I have joined they have closed Chancey Lane, Holburn and now Lavender Hill. Previously, the Clapham Junction gym was great especially after 9pm, but since the other gym has closed it is now busy at all times of the day.They've also adjusted their closing hours on weekends which is ridiculous.Edit: Apparently the hours haven't changed for weekends.The refurbishment of the gym co-encided with the Lavender Hill branch closing which was never communicated, I feel for any new members that signed on as now the gym is busier than ever and has seen the Lavender Hill members probably transfer over at the cheaper rate.They've now closed off new memberships apparently but will see how this goes, I'll be looking at options to cancel the membership as it is far too busy and with all the other close gyms being gyms being shut down or in poor condition I do regret the membership.UPDATE: In addition to closing Lavender Hill, reducing opening hours on weekends they've since sent an email to increase fees by £13. This is after they've closed 3-4 gyms that were meant to be part of my accessible locations (close to work). I am meant to be on a corporate rate. I have sent an email to confirm but will be looking to cancel the membership subject to how this conversation goes.UPDATE 2: Although Lavender Hill Facility says temporarily closed this is not the case. The Google review site has FF staff stating that the Lavender Hill Facility is permanently closed. The gym is not unsustainable.UPDATE 3: Sent this email to membership services:Hi,Can someone please revert to me regarding several emails I have sent over the past week, since the gym reopened post refurbishment.1. The closure of the Lavender Hill facility - this has never been communicated properly. Is it a permanent closure? On Google it says temporarily closed and one member at the gym said it could be permanent due to a rental dispute. If so, this has not been articulated.2. If the Lavender Hill gym has closed, this will be the third gym I've seen closed that impacts me. As I work in Chancery Lane, I opted for Fitness First (FF) due to the ability to work out there. Within 2 months of signing up It was closed.3. As the gym has closed, the gym has become exceptionally busy and with the layout changing there are no areas to lock bikes. Is there any plan to deal with this?4. Members are now keeping lockers closed overnight so they can have a locker, I believe this was happening at Lavender Hill so now there are times when there are no lockers.5. Gym hours - increasing access yet reducing opening hours on the weekend? How does this make sense? I often attended the gym from 7pm - 8pm. Can this be looked out.6. Increase of fees - I am a corporate member who is entitled to a 20% discount, yet you want to increase the price of the standard membership by more than 20% yet I have less gyms available to use, less access and no bike parking? This does not make sense.With the above in mind what are the options to cancel contracts? You have materially changed the membership experience.Please respond to me as soon as possible as I need to look at options to move to another location.

Do not join this gym.I am appalled at the lack of communication from Fitness First, leaving members and staff in the dark. Closing the Lavender Hill location and then to go on describing Clapham Junction as a little busier than normal" is farcical

I’ve been a member since moving to London and have enjoyed the classes as well as the gym floor. There’s a generally positive vibe with the PTs and gym stuff being always nice and approachable.The recent makeover has brought in some new squats rack which are absolutely fabulous.I’ve also started PT sessions with Paige a couple of months ago and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the work we’re doing together and the results I’ve already achieved.

The spacious industrial warehouse feel is a real luxury in an urban setting plus it has astonishing natural light as a bonus. All on one floor so easy to navigate and with the new refurb it has enough squat racks for the whole South West London. Been loving this gym for over 10 years...

This gym is fantastic! Impeccable facilities, top-notch equipment, and motivating trainers make workouts enjoyable. The welcoming atmosphere and variety of classes cater to all fitness levels. A definite go-to for anyone seeking a fulfilling fitness journey!

A warning to not join this gym! You’ll have people stepping over you whilst you’re on the gym floor, and their walking to the changing room. I was on the gym floor today and had 5 people step over my body. It’s an absolute zoo and you have to queue for a machine for up to 15 minutes. This is not doable.Emma who works at Memberships head office has also said that they have made changes but I see none whatsoever. So unfair on the in-house staff who are getting grief because head office refuse to have contact with their members.Also, I heard the AC has been out of order since the summer 2023, and they’ve confirmed the AC will not be operational until May 2024.I’ve been a member for 8 years and unfortunately it’s my time to move on to a safer gym where the head office team actually care for their members and safety.The 5 star reviews you see over the last 1-2 weeks are all fake from head office and their friends - confirmed by head office management when they visited the club about 2 weeks ago.The only 5 star I give to the club is the staff who work behind the desk - they are approachable and make you feel welcome but unfortunately are getting the grief because head office refuse to help.

Amazing vibe in Clapham Junction,yes, It has been a bit busy lately but overall any great gym is busy, that shows a lot of people enjoy coming here otherwise would be working out elsewhere.I've been a member here for years and honestly the club never looked any better is always cleaned I can fairly say this club is at its peaks.The new squats rack after the refurbishment are an absolute banger I simply love them.Every day seems to arrive a new piece of equipment, the staff is been very helpful giving options to have different workout and boosting the classes, couldn't ask for any better gym.

Fitness First in Clapham Junction is a great gym. Staff are friendly, helpful, and will do what they can for members. The facilities are well equipped and the space is an ideal location for locals and commuters. Yes, it can get busy, but understandably, that's down to the popularity and the obvious peak times people want to train. The energy is high and classes are on point. I know there's been a bit of clash with Lavender Hill having just closed, but I'm not giving up on a good thing; this is my gym, and I'm here to stay!