Fitness club's shock closure (From Andover Advertiser)
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Shock closure of Fitness First in Southampton
4:00am Tuesday 4th December 2012 in Hampshire Business
By Jon Reeve, Education Reporter
Fitness First in Southampton, which will close within two weeks
SHOCKED members of a popular Southampton gym have been told it is closing within two weeks.
Struggling chain Fitness First has announced it is shutting the Shirley Road branch as it attempts to cut huge losses.
The news sparked “uproar” among the thousands of upset members when they discovered their £25-a-month subscriptions would be ended within a fortnight.
Philip Austin, who has been using the gym for three years, said he was “very disappointed” by the news.
The 50-year-old company director, from Marchwood, said: “As a gymnasium it was probably one of the best in the area.
“I feel sorry for the staff because they do work hard and it was a friendly club. The people there were really helpful and there was no stuffiness there.
“Apparently there was an uproar in the club when people heard. It was a busy club and it will be missed.”
Poole-based Fitness First, which runs 417 centres across the UK, Germany, Australia and Asia, announced earlier this year it had entered a company voluntary agreement (CVA) to sell 67 of its British clubs as part of a restructuring to save the business.
The chain was saved from administration when landlords agreed to slash rents by around 70 per cent in a deal that saw its £600million of debt wiped out.
But last month it posted a pre-tax loss of £671.5million for the 12 months to October 2011, compared with a loss of £82.9million for the year before.
Fitness First confirmed the Southampton branch, which has been open since 1998 and has 2,364 members, is closing on December 12 as part of the chain’s restructuring.
Amongst the personal trainers at the gym is world champion bodybuilder Marina Cornwall.
In letters sent to members, bosses apologised to customers for the short notice ahead of the closure and promised refunds for anyone who has pre-paid their subscriptions.
The company added it will “continue to work hard with the club landlord” to find a new operator for the gym.
Comments(66)
freemantlegirl2
says...
6:10am Tue 4 Dec 12
i don't know why members are moaning though, they've been promised refunds,, it's not as if it's closed overnight and they haven't a chance to get refunded or collect their belongings, say goodbye etc. The company seems to be operating responsibly by avoiding going completely bust.
It's the staff i feel sorry for :(
Lockssmart
says...
6:44am Tue 4 Dec 12
arthur dalyrimple
says...
7:03am Tue 4 Dec 12
Peoples Choice
says...
8:35am Tue 4 Dec 12
gazdance
says...
8:54am Tue 4 Dec 12
Huey
says...
8:55am Tue 4 Dec 12
Peoples Choice wrote:5hitness First.
What a shame!! Where will my vein friends now 'Check In' on Facebook to?!??
loosehead
says...
8:57am Tue 4 Dec 12
I remember when it had a bar & many business men/women would work out then meet clients take them into the bar & do business.
This bought in revenue through out the day.
they stopped selling alcohol made that area open planned so no divider between it & the gym & lost those business customers to David LLoyds.
The actual Gym is far better than LA fitness but if you swim then LA's got a pool.
I hope some one steps in & runs this club maybe City Gym can take over this Gym?
gazdance
says...
9:00am Tue 4 Dec 12
There has been talk for quite some time that this branch was, at the very least, being sold to another operator so it is surprising that its just closing with no replacement gym chain apparently willing to step in a take over.
I wouldn't be surprised if it reopens but whether that's short term will be quite frustrating to not know, for some.
Typical for some readers to be sniping though - don't you understand that a lot of people these days just enjoy going to a gym to keep fit and socialise? It's not vain or a replacement for walking or healthy eating but a supplement to those thisgs.
Fingers crossed it reopens soon. It's the easiest gym for me to get to by far and I'd rather not have to join the likes of LA Fitness.
fantasanta
says...
9:05am Tue 4 Dec 12
folding a company is not without consequences further down the food chain ,you can bet the lot will go in short succession and take a lot of suppliers with them , its irresponsible to trade with that level of debt and should be regulated , customer service counts for nothing if the management cant control the finances.
at what point do you decide that your level of debt is so high that you just dump it and disown your responsibility ?
nobbythesheep
says...
9:07am Tue 4 Dec 12
jeebuscripes
says...
9:23am Tue 4 Dec 12
RageAgainstTheMachine
says...
9:37am Tue 4 Dec 12
gazdance wrote:Gazdance.... im glad you said it! as i was wondering who likes peoples veins?
It's "vain" not "vein".
elvisimo
says...
9:48am Tue 4 Dec 12
hulla baloo
says...
10:09am Tue 4 Dec 12
RageAgainstTheMachinVampires?
e wrote:
gazdance wrote:Gazdance.... im glad you said it! as i was wondering who likes peoples veins?
It's "vain" not "vein".
bigfella777
says...
10:14am Tue 4 Dec 12
It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
fat_doughnut
says...
10:25am Tue 4 Dec 12
If you are late with your payment it jumps to 50 and the trainers are forced to be pushy sales staff.
fantasanta
says...
10:27am Tue 4 Dec 12
bigfella777 wrote:yeah too much info thanks , cant you keep it to yourself ,like ,Mr Savile !!
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once.
It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
loosehead
says...
10:27am Tue 4 Dec 12
bigfella777 wrote:So your the idiot that lost us the jacuzzi then?
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once.
It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
fantasanta
says...
10:31am Tue 4 Dec 12
loosehead wrote:i think he might have been on his own !
bigfella777 wrote:So your the idiot that lost us the jacuzzi then?
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once.
It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
grazzer
says...
10:40am Tue 4 Dec 12
l do not recognise the names of any of the bloggers on this article so they are obviously from the Southampton area.
What exactly is the point?
For pity sake
says...
10:40am Tue 4 Dec 12
bigfella777 wrote:You could get a nasty paper cut from a stationery bicycle...
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once.
It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
fat_doughnut
says...
10:46am Tue 4 Dec 12
fat_doughnut
says...
10:49am Tue 4 Dec 12
grazzer wrote:Maybe because the company is based in Poole? Don't know.
ls the Bournemouth Echo short of news today as this article is obviously from the SOUTHAMPTON Echo?
l do not recognise the names of any of the bloggers on this article so they are obviously from the Southampton area.
What exactly is the point?
rickey
says...
10:57am Tue 4 Dec 12
fat_doughnut wrote:Because its the same story in the Southampton Daily Echo and they have joined the comments. Don't know why its in the Bournemouth Echo unless they are short of news!
grazzer wrote:Maybe because the company is based in Poole? Don't know.
ls the Bournemouth Echo short of news today as this article is obviously from the SOUTHAMPTON Echo?
l do not recognise the names of any of the bloggers on this article so they are obviously from the Southampton area.
What exactly is the point?
John T
says...
11:00am Tue 4 Dec 12
jeebuscripes wrote:That sounds fishy.
In other news, a restaurant has closed its doors in Grimsby.
Bournemouth's investigative Echo reporters are trawling the net for more information before they release this vital news!
VIVERS
says...
11:34am Tue 4 Dec 12
loosehead wrote:what a plonker, all those people lazing around in your bodly fluids after a good workout and i was one of them, your just a discusting individual do what you want in your own jacuzzi but in a health club. barff.
bigfella777 wrote:So your the idiot that lost us the jacuzzi then?
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once.
It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
loosehead
says...
11:50am Tue 4 Dec 12
VIVERS wrote:Vivers It was Bigfella not me so why reply to my post?
loosehead wrote:what a plonker, all those people lazing around in your bodly fluids after a good workout and i was one of them, your just a discusting individual do what you want in your own jacuzzi but in a health club. barff.
bigfella777 wrote:So your the idiot that lost us the jacuzzi then?
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once.
It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
loosehead
says...
11:51am Tue 4 Dec 12
fat_doughnut wrote:The Gym area is also hired out by Martial Arts & other groups
They can't make a profit with minimum takings of £709,200 a year plus money for personal training extra classes and drinks.
Finbarr Finkelstein
says...
12:13pm Tue 4 Dec 12
bigfella777 wrote:Well done Bigfella777 you certainly shifted the angle of this story
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once. It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
bigfella777
says...
12:41pm Tue 4 Dec 12
Finbarr Finkelstein wrote:You cant beat the bubbles mate.
bigfella777 wrote:Well done Bigfella777 you certainly shifted the angle of this story
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once. It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
JLC U Later
says...
12:54pm Tue 4 Dec 12
My cousin Miffy works for the Health and Safety Executive and was up in arms at the damage that this company were doing to their "Safety First" campaign.
In a sample of 100 children aged 8-14 83% of them answered "fitness" rather than "safety" when asked what came first. These dillution of the message is directly attribitable to 97% of all acidents that children have.
Perhaps we'll find the world a safer place to be with these inconsiderate oafs closed down.
Adrian XX
says...
12:57pm Tue 4 Dec 12
I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.
elvisimo
says...
1:09pm Tue 4 Dec 12
Adrian XX wrote:missed the boat I suspect. Already have Easygym who are opening soon plus Pure Gym plus The Gym.
I am a member of FF and I can't say it is fantastic. Many changes have occurred since it opened when it was a good gym. As someone has said, they scrapped the bar and made the gyms more open plan - this is a mistake - the atmosphere is pretty bad now. They also introduced FF dance and rap TV - the station that pipes all the incredibly annoying music and advertising into the place. How about going back to the 6CD changer you used to have? - there was always better music in those days. I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.
loosehead
says...
1:11pm Tue 4 Dec 12
Adrian XX wrote:Adrian I paid extra to take out a discount for when ever I took up membership I went abroad to live for a year came back tried getting the discount on my membership & got no where.
I am a member of FF and I can't say it is fantastic. Many changes have occurred since it opened when it was a good gym. As someone has said, they scrapped the bar and made the gyms more open plan - this is a mistake - the atmosphere is pretty bad now. They also introduced FF dance and rap TV - the station that pipes all the incredibly annoying music and advertising into the place. How about going back to the 6CD changer you used to have? - there was always better music in those days.
I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.
I remember the bar area/tea,coffee area when it was separated by a wall ( stud) There were comfortable sofas & chairs in there then along came a refurbishment out went the wall out went the sofas in came open planning.
the bar went food went. we had staff assisting you & keeping an eye on safety they went & in came the rule of the personal trainers.
I was told it was Marina that insisted on the bar going don't know if that's true?
The standard of the personal trainers can be questioned.
I remember Chris as manager & I can remember the woman who took over as she's the reason I left Fitness First.
It could/was a good club run very badly & catered more for personal trainers than users
loosehead
says...
1:12pm Tue 4 Dec 12
elvisimo wrote:where are these gyms please?
Adrian XX wrote:missed the boat I suspect. Already have Easygym who are opening soon plus Pure Gym plus The Gym.
I am a member of FF and I can't say it is fantastic. Many changes have occurred since it opened when it was a good gym. As someone has said, they scrapped the bar and made the gyms more open plan - this is a mistake - the atmosphere is pretty bad now. They also introduced FF dance and rap TV - the station that pipes all the incredibly annoying music and advertising into the place. How about going back to the 6CD changer you used to have? - there was always better music in those days. I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.
saint61
says...
1:13pm Tue 4 Dec 12
-stiv-
says...
1:18pm Tue 4 Dec 12
Driving to a gym to do exercise is madness.
loosehead
says...
1:21pm Tue 4 Dec 12
saint61 wrote:Don't know about all prices at LA fitness but I was quoted £26 a month?
does anyone know how much LA FITNESS and DAVID LLOYD charge for their peak membership?
Was a member at David LLoyds & had restricted hours ( day time) & that was £55 a month I think full membership is about £100. I hope that helps?
loosehead
says...
1:23pm Tue 4 Dec 12
-stiv- wrote:only if your using the post office or you could be in trouble
At least we'll be able to park at the post office now.
Driving to a gym to do exercise is madness.
elvisimo
says...
1:23pm Tue 4 Dec 12
loosehead wrote:The Gym are in the old TK Maxx space( high Street), Pure Gym and in Bitterne and i think another one to open shortly, Easygym - just know they have signed up to a site (maybe this one?)
elvisimo wrote:where are these gyms please?Adrian XX wrote: I am a member of FF and I can't say it is fantastic. Many changes have occurred since it opened when it was a good gym. As someone has said, they scrapped the bar and made the gyms more open plan - this is a mistake - the atmosphere is pretty bad now. They also introduced FF dance and rap TV - the station that pipes all the incredibly annoying music and advertising into the place. How about going back to the 6CD changer you used to have? - there was always better music in those days. I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.missed the boat I suspect. Already have Easygym who are opening soon plus Pure Gym plus The Gym.
No contracts and all about £15.99 a month plus new fit out and new kit.
loosehead
says...
1:25pm Tue 4 Dec 12
elvisimo wrote:I was looking at the one in town but I live in Lordshill & to use that gym I would have to drive or get a bus.
loosehead wrote:The Gym are in the old TK Maxx space( high Street), Pure Gym and in Bitterne and i think another one to open shortly, Easygym - just know they have signed up to a site (maybe this one?)
elvisimo wrote:where are these gyms please?Adrian XX wrote: I am a member of FF and I can't say it is fantastic. Many changes have occurred since it opened when it was a good gym. As someone has said, they scrapped the bar and made the gyms more open plan - this is a mistake - the atmosphere is pretty bad now. They also introduced FF dance and rap TV - the station that pipes all the incredibly annoying music and advertising into the place. How about going back to the 6CD changer you used to have? - there was always better music in those days. I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.missed the boat I suspect. Already have Easygym who are opening soon plus Pure Gym plus The Gym.
No contracts and all about £15.99 a month plus new fit out and new kit.
this would make it dearer that David lloyds & I can't afford that.
if they have parking I would happily join that gym
-stiv-
says...
1:28pm Tue 4 Dec 12
fantasanta wrote:Stop putting spaces before punctuation !
another business that cant operate within a budget , never mind them ,who is the £671m owed to ? they are the victims .
folding a company is not without consequences further down the food chain ,you can bet the lot will go in short succession and take a lot of suppliers with them , its irresponsible to trade with that level of debt and should be regulated , customer service counts for nothing if the management cant control the finances.
at what point do you decide that your level of debt is so high that you just dump it and disown your responsibility ?
bigfella777
says...
1:51pm Tue 4 Dec 12
loosehead wrote:Get a bicycle, same old thing, people driving to gym's , it defeats thy whole object.
elvisimo wrote:I was looking at the one in town but I live in Lordshill & to use that gym I would have to drive or get a bus.
loosehead wrote:The Gym are in the old TK Maxx space( high Street), Pure Gym and in Bitterne and i think another one to open shortly, Easygym - just know they have signed up to a site (maybe this one?)
elvisimo wrote:where are these gyms please?Adrian XX wrote: I am a member of FF and I can't say it is fantastic. Many changes have occurred since it opened when it was a good gym. As someone has said, they scrapped the bar and made the gyms more open plan - this is a mistake - the atmosphere is pretty bad now. They also introduced FF dance and rap TV - the station that pipes all the incredibly annoying music and advertising into the place. How about going back to the 6CD changer you used to have? - there was always better music in those days. I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.missed the boat I suspect. Already have Easygym who are opening soon plus Pure Gym plus The Gym.
No contracts and all about £15.99 a month plus new fit out and new kit.
this would make it dearer that David lloyds & I can't afford that.
if they have parking I would happily join that gym
Over the Edge
says...
1:54pm Tue 4 Dec 12
bigfella777 wrote:I bet you and your right hand got all hot and bothered on that sad occasion.
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once.
It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
High Treason
says...
2:24pm Tue 4 Dec 12
10:14am Tue 4 Dec 12
"I had sex in the jacuzzi once"
That in itself is enough to guarantee I never visited the club. Pity the poor souls who used the jacuzzi after you. YUK!
Subject48
says...
2:27pm Tue 4 Dec 12
The gym is not only for doing cardio. Yeh course you can run outside and ride a bike but you cant lift weights. Unless you have a very heavy bike you can bench.... At gym you can do cardio+lifting programs.
If all someones after is just to loose weight then gyms not necceasary. Bike and run will work much better then cardio in gym. wind resistance, traction etc.
Subject48 said:
people who gym it up and exercise regulary should get tax discounts.
Discuss.
BarrHumbug
says...
2:37pm Tue 4 Dec 12
Cheapshot
says...
3:21pm Tue 4 Dec 12
I feel sorry for those losing their jobs this close to Xmas though...that's gotta suck!!
Peoples Choice
says...
3:30pm Tue 4 Dec 12
gazdance wrote:Its ' things' not 'thisgs'
Sad news that the club is closing down. I've been a member for nearly seven years and enjoy it. The facilities are good and there was a good range of motivational classes. There has been talk for quite some time that this branch was, at the very least, being sold to another operator so it is surprising that its just closing with no replacement gym chain apparently willing to step in a take over. I wouldn't be surprised if it reopens but whether that's short term will be quite frustrating to not know, for some. Typical for some readers to be sniping though - don't you understand that a lot of people these days just enjoy going to a gym to keep fit and socialise? It's not vain or a replacement for walking or healthy eating but a supplement to those thisgs. Fingers crossed it reopens soon. It's the easiest gym for me to get to by far and I'd rather not have to join the likes of LA Fitness.
loosehead
says...
3:45pm Tue 4 Dec 12
bigfella777 wrote:when I go to a gym I spend 60mins on treadmill,45mins on cross trainer 30 mins on cycle then I do weights.
loosehead wrote:Get a bicycle, same old thing, people driving to gym's , it defeats thy whole object.
elvisimo wrote:I was looking at the one in town but I live in Lordshill & to use that gym I would have to drive or get a bus.
loosehead wrote:The Gym are in the old TK Maxx space( high Street), Pure Gym and in Bitterne and i think another one to open shortly, Easygym - just know they have signed up to a site (maybe this one?)
elvisimo wrote:where are these gyms please?Adrian XX wrote: I am a member of FF and I can't say it is fantastic. Many changes have occurred since it opened when it was a good gym. As someone has said, they scrapped the bar and made the gyms more open plan - this is a mistake - the atmosphere is pretty bad now. They also introduced FF dance and rap TV - the station that pipes all the incredibly annoying music and advertising into the place. How about going back to the 6CD changer you used to have? - there was always better music in those days. I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.missed the boat I suspect. Already have Easygym who are opening soon plus Pure Gym plus The Gym.
No contracts and all about £15.99 a month plus new fit out and new kit.
this would make it dearer that David lloyds & I can't afford that.
if they have parking I would happily join that gym
riding a bike to town with out adequate places to store it would be crazy.
I use to walk from Lordshill to FF & work out then do shopping & walk back.
I use to ride into BAT every night & home again plus go to Rugby training twice a week & play on Saturday.
So besides finding a cheap tart as surely that's the only type of woman who'd have sex in a public place or a rent boy exactly what did you do in the gym BIGFELLA?
Hdg end mo
says...
3:53pm Tue 4 Dec 12
Cheapshot
says...
3:59pm Tue 4 Dec 12
Hdg end mo wrote:Sausage and bean pastie?
I'd prefer giving my cash to greggs fitness is so last year staying in is the new going out!!! :-)
Breakfast of champions!
HannahPT@Accolade
says...
4:56pm Tue 4 Dec 12
For more information call:
02380 233988
or visit our website/ official facebook page! -Hope to see you soon :)
http://accoladefitne
ss.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.
com/pages/Accolade-H
ealth-and-Fitness/15
6749927674884
elvisimo
says...
5:03pm Tue 4 Dec 12
loosehead wrote:apparently this unit is actually being taken by Easygym.
bigfella777 wrote:when I go to a gym I spend 60mins on treadmill,45mins on cross trainer 30 mins on cycle then I do weights. riding a bike to town with out adequate places to store it would be crazy. I use to walk from Lordshill to FF & work out then do shopping & walk back. I use to ride into BAT every night & home again plus go to Rugby training twice a week & play on Saturday. So besides finding a cheap tart as surely that's the only type of woman who'd have sex in a public place or a rent boy exactly what did you do in the gym BIGFELLA?loosehead wrote:Get a bicycle, same old thing, people driving to gym's , it defeats thy whole object.elvisimo wrote:I was looking at the one in town but I live in Lordshill & to use that gym I would have to drive or get a bus. this would make it dearer that David lloyds & I can't afford that. if they have parking I would happily join that gymloosehead wrote:The Gym are in the old TK Maxx space( high Street), Pure Gym and in Bitterne and i think another one to open shortly, Easygym - just know they have signed up to a site (maybe this one?) No contracts and all about £15.99 a month plus new fit out and new kit.elvisimo wrote:where are these gyms please?Adrian XX wrote: I am a member of FF and I can't say it is fantastic. Many changes have occurred since it opened when it was a good gym. As someone has said, they scrapped the bar and made the gyms more open plan - this is a mistake - the atmosphere is pretty bad now. They also introduced FF dance and rap TV - the station that pipes all the incredibly annoying music and advertising into the place. How about going back to the 6CD changer you used to have? - there was always better music in those days. I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.missed the boat I suspect. Already have Easygym who are opening soon plus Pure Gym plus The Gym.
loosehead
says...
5:49pm Tue 4 Dec 12
elvisimo wrote:How much do they charge?
loosehead wrote:apparently this unit is actually being taken by Easygym.
bigfella777 wrote:when I go to a gym I spend 60mins on treadmill,45mins on cross trainer 30 mins on cycle then I do weights. riding a bike to town with out adequate places to store it would be crazy. I use to walk from Lordshill to FF & work out then do shopping & walk back. I use to ride into BAT every night & home again plus go to Rugby training twice a week & play on Saturday. So besides finding a cheap tart as surely that's the only type of woman who'd have sex in a public place or a rent boy exactly what did you do in the gym BIGFELLA?loosehead wrote:Get a bicycle, same old thing, people driving to gym's , it defeats thy whole object.elvisimo wrote:I was looking at the one in town but I live in Lordshill & to use that gym I would have to drive or get a bus. this would make it dearer that David lloyds & I can't afford that. if they have parking I would happily join that gymloosehead wrote:The Gym are in the old TK Maxx space( high Street), Pure Gym and in Bitterne and i think another one to open shortly, Easygym - just know they have signed up to a site (maybe this one?) No contracts and all about £15.99 a month plus new fit out and new kit.elvisimo wrote:where are these gyms please?Adrian XX wrote: I am a member of FF and I can't say it is fantastic. Many changes have occurred since it opened when it was a good gym. As someone has said, they scrapped the bar and made the gyms more open plan - this is a mistake - the atmosphere is pretty bad now. They also introduced FF dance and rap TV - the station that pipes all the incredibly annoying music and advertising into the place. How about going back to the 6CD changer you used to have? - there was always better music in those days. I think FF has to go one of two ways - it can either become the ryanair of gyms: ditch all TVs, music, classes and personal trainers and charge £9.99 per month or go more upmarket - refit the bars in a cosy separate room and serve simple food too.missed the boat I suspect. Already have Easygym who are opening soon plus Pure Gym plus The Gym.
Izeze
says...
7:58pm Tue 4 Dec 12
fantasanta wrote:Obviously a (complete) member!
loosehead wrote:i think he might have been on his own !
bigfella777 wrote:So your the idiot that lost us the jacuzzi then?
Its was never going to survive when the other big gyms are only £15.99 a month now, it was a good gym back in the day, I had sex in the jacuzzi once.
It always makes me laugh that people will sit queued up in traffic jams to go and ride a stationery bicycle, get on a real bike and feel the rush.
coster1960
says...
11:41pm Tue 4 Dec 12
I would just like to say a big thanks to the studio instructors in particular Eddie, Sarah, Dianne, Paul and Marina whose professionalism, enthusiasm and friendly approach have made it great fun and I owe them for getting me fit, keeping me fit for 6 years and keeping the club going which has been deteriorating since the day I joined. (mmm...doesn't sound too good that)
Thanks also to all the regular members who come in all shapes, sizes, ages and quirks! It has been a very friendly place to train. There has been lots of good humour and many laughs and I have loved every minute of it. The closure is a great loss to us all.
It is the people that make a club and FF lost touch with that long ago. They do not deserve to survive.
So to the faceless management who have never listened to any customer feedback, and have never been seen let alone engage with the members I say get lost.
Lets hope that the site re opens with a new operator that values its members and we can continue at Shirley.
jeebuscripes
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7:32am Wed 5 Dec 12
Greedy b*****ds.
MaxxieO
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11:27am Wed 5 Dec 12
All the cardio machines were replaced last year so perhaps another gym operator will take it over. For me, it is quite handy as I wanted to move to one of the cheaper gyms in the city centre so I don't have to worry now about breaking any contracts. I was paying over £30 a month at FF and those new gyms are half the price.
However...I was told that no less than SEVEN interested parties offered to take it over but the landlord was uncooperative and apparently wants to use the building for other purposes. Perhaps he will evict the sorting office below, demolish the building and build some more wooden prefab flats like the ones currently going up next door on the former Hendy's garage site.
loosehead
says...
11:41am Wed 5 Dec 12
MaxxieO wrote:Has anyone told the Post Office that?
As a member of FF for two years, it is a shame that it is closing, as it's a good gym and the staff are usually good. I feel very sorry for them, as they were only given two weeks' notice and losing your job just before Christmas is not good.
All the cardio machines were replaced last year so perhaps another gym operator will take it over. For me, it is quite handy as I wanted to move to one of the cheaper gyms in the city centre so I don't have to worry now about breaking any contracts. I was paying over £30 a month at FF and those new gyms are half the price.
However...I was told that no less than SEVEN interested parties offered to take it over but the landlord was uncooperative and apparently wants to use the building for other purposes. Perhaps he will evict the sorting office below, demolish the building and build some more wooden prefab flats like the ones currently going up next door on the former Hendy's garage site.
I was quoted less a month at LAFitness but it took a friend of mine 3years to stop them taking money from his account so I'm very wary of them.
David LLoyds is far to dear & City Gym when I went there never had proper changing rooms & antiquated machinery I tried the Millbrook school gym but again no real changing rooms & old machinery.
looked at the gym in town but as I'm not willing to walk to town & back after working out I need free parking or that works out as dear as David LLoyds.
FF didn't ask the members about the rest area(tea/coffee bar) but said the refurbishment was in line with other of their gyms.
We had idiots having sex with tarts & some silly woman fully clothed in her gym kit in the jacuzzi so that's why they said it had to go.
the showers were always going hot & cold.
in the beginning it had great staff & was a great place to go but they lost that but I can't see why they went bust?
New Forest Health and Leisure
says...
2:50pm Thu 6 Dec 12
sure
loosehead
says...
8:35pm Thu 6 Dec 12
New Forest Health and Leisure wrote:exactly where's that?
Hi all. Have you considered Totton Health and Leisure? It really is worth a look. Recently refurbed gym, new changing facilities, 45 group exercise classes a week, sauna, steam, PT, 25m pool and more. If you don't want to commit that's fine as you can pay as you go but memberships start from £20 a month student, £37 corporate, £33 off peak, £44 peak. FREE 7 day passes are up for grabs - just pop in with your FF membership card. newforest.gov.uk/lei
sure
has it got a large car park?
New Forest Health and Leisure
says...
11:47am Fri 7 Dec 12
Bowmore
says...
4:26pm Mon 10 Dec 12
loosehead
says...
6:14pm Mon 10 Dec 12
Bowmore wrote:You had a receptionist who was also suppose to run the tea/coffee bar you had a sales manager who sat on their bum in the office you had a new members manager sat on bum you had sales team plus a manager you had a Polish lady as a cleaner.
If the membership of the Southampton gym is typical then to make a to eliminate the losses made in the last year profit the would have to be charging almost £100 a month. For a company of this size and nature to make a loss of £671.5 million in one year would seem to indicate some very poor management at the board level.
You had no one working out in the gym ensuring peoples safety.
you had personal trainers who thought they ran the place.
they had people coming in & running classes.
you had a martial arts school hiring the gym.
so 2,500 members paying £35-45 a month so either those office workers were on a heck of a pay day some one has been syphoning off the funds some where
saint61 says...
5:27am Tue 4 Dec 12