Other branches of Gymbox in London:
Covent GardenGymbox reviews
I can't believe some of the reviews on here, but I suppose everyone is entitled to their opinion...
Firstly, the cancellation process is pretty clear. I expect that the people writing about that signed for 12 months and then found they couldn't fulfill it.
Secondly, the extra £15-20 you pay at Gymbox compared to other 'commercial' gyms isn't just for a better atmosphere. At Fitness First when I was there they had 26 classes a week, whereas Gymbox has over 80. It's great to spice things up and the free weights and cardio equipment stands head and shoulders above what I have come across before.
Lastly, the guy that signed me up was very nice and didn't hard sell (the gym sells itself really), unlike FF where they literally won't let you leave. The reception staff always have a laugh and joke with me whenever I go in. I suppose you have to be a certain kind of person... who knows. All I can say is, Gymbox is my 3rd gym in London and the one I have visited the most regularly by far. Which says what?
by Gym_Veteran, 17 Dec 2008
Firstly, the cancellation process is pretty clear. I expect that the people writing about that signed for 12 months and then found they couldn't fulfill it.
Secondly, the extra £15-20 you pay at Gymbox compared to other 'commercial' gyms isn't just for a better atmosphere. At Fitness First when I was there they had 26 classes a week, whereas Gymbox has over 80. It's great to spice things up and the free weights and cardio equipment stands head and shoulders above what I have come across before.
Lastly, the guy that signed me up was very nice and didn't hard sell (the gym sells itself really), unlike FF where they literally won't let you leave. The reception staff always have a laugh and joke with me whenever I go in. I suppose you have to be a certain kind of person... who knows. All I can say is, Gymbox is my 3rd gym in London and the one I have visited the most regularly by far. Which says what?
by Gym_Veteran, 17 Dec 2008
I have no idea why Gymbox has got such bad reviews as, in my experience, it is by far the best gym in London. I would recommend it to any serious gym bunnies or people who are bored of normal mundane health clubs. I only hope my job is safe and I don't get moved away from Holborn. Keep up the good work Gymbox and ignore the Playa Haters.
by anonngym, 16 Dec 2008
by anonngym, 16 Dec 2008
I am a 28-year-old female member of Gymbox in Holborn, and I love the vibe of the gym! As I'm quite small I wanted to learn how to take care of myself, and have recently signed up with one of the female trainers to learn how to kickbox. Since being there my confidence has grown, I have lost weight and toned up immensely, and made a lot of friends. I'm not looking to cancel any time soon so can't really comment on that, but I've had a quick read through my contract after seeing these comments and it seems pretty straightforward. Just read before you sign...
by hoobacious, 14 Dec 2008
by hoobacious, 14 Dec 2008
I joined Gymbox a few weeks ago on the basis my membership should start on the 1st Dec. I attended my induction a few days after my membership started and was deeply disappointed. Reception staff were rude, I was left waiting 15 minutes for my appointment and they had to ask several times who I was and what I was there for, the ladies' changing room was dirty – mud and rubbish everywhere, and certain male members of staff were extremely intimidating whilst I was waiting for my appointment. I voiced my concerns that afternoon via email and was told I cannot cancel my membership even due to an unsatisfactory service and being intimidated by staff.
Having been a member of several central London gyms before, I can honestly say Gymbox is by far the worst in terms of customer service. And what’s the £1 per towel about?!
by anonclub, 11 Dec 2008
Having been a member of several central London gyms before, I can honestly say Gymbox is by far the worst in terms of customer service. And what’s the £1 per towel about?!
by anonclub, 11 Dec 2008
Gymbox Bank! My recommendation would not be to join. I signed up for a £40 fee after being pressurised by their sales tactic. Understandable. Anyway, I decided against joining on the 1st Dec and cancelled, giving more than two weeks' notice. I have started getting missed payment emails and they tried to bully me into getting someone else to take up my membership when the membership hadn't commenced. Stay away from them.
by scorpi, 06 Dec 2008
by scorpi, 06 Dec 2008
I was a member at Gymbox. Some of the equipment is good, but they've got these 'techno gym' crap machines, which are not the cheapest but one of the cheapest. They've got a horrible cancellation policy. They wanted me to pay for the full year, even though I only used the gym for three months. In the end I paid for another 3 months even after I had cancelled - i.e. they robbed me of around £170. 90% of the trainers and members are not in shape, the attitude from the receptionists is terrible, there's no atmosphere when you train and it's not a very friendly gym.
by mfit (2 reviews), 02 Dec 2008
by mfit (2 reviews), 02 Dec 2008
God, there are some whingers on here! I joined the new Bank gym in September '08 when it opened and have to say I'm very impressed with the place. I'm going in a couple of times a week and it has top-notch gym equipment and excellent boxing/martial arts bags. I've always found the instructors very friendly, to be honest, and not pushy at all in trying to sell training sessions.
One of the instructors told me last week they've had a lot of people sign up in September who have still not been in the gym yet! One assumes that includes some of those who've been reviewing the place on here. The question is, what do some of these whingers want from a gym? Somebody to do the training for you?!
All gyms try to have a leaving notice policy. David Lloyd Leisure are the same for sure, and have a 3-month notice period. Anyway, just read the contract before you sign and note that you need to give them a month's notice before leaving. It's very clear!
by Trev9999, 20 Nov 2008
One of the instructors told me last week they've had a lot of people sign up in September who have still not been in the gym yet! One assumes that includes some of those who've been reviewing the place on here. The question is, what do some of these whingers want from a gym? Somebody to do the training for you?!
All gyms try to have a leaving notice policy. David Lloyd Leisure are the same for sure, and have a 3-month notice period. Anyway, just read the contract before you sign and note that you need to give them a month's notice before leaving. It's very clear!
by Trev9999, 20 Nov 2008
What can I say? I've tried Gymbox in Holborn and Covent Garden. First point: what kind of gym makes you pay £10 for a trial? Outrageous. However, if you paid your £10 you would have saved yourself a lot of trouble. This is the worst, biggest waste of overpriced space in London. The weights are poop, the boxing ring is unused. I basically think it should be shut down. Even the free gloves you get when you sign up are plastic. Hey you guys, don't do it!!
by t_derrig, 19 Nov 2008
by t_derrig, 19 Nov 2008
I think Gymbox is great. Read terms and conditions before you join, people - it is not their fault if you sign up to something and then change your mind. If you don't want to commit, then don't join on a long-term membership - they have a pay-as-you-go option.
by stripe121 (2 reviews), 19 Nov 2008
by stripe121 (2 reviews), 19 Nov 2008
Yeah, I would have to agree with a lot of the negative reviews. I was a member and when I tried to cancel because I was going abroad, they kept on debiting my account on the sly.
The gym itself is good, with a full range of equipment for every kind of work out; the classes are what you can expect for a commercial city gym - a good level, with decent intructors. However, like many other people I picked up on the negative attitude of a lot of the people who work there, especially the people working in admin and the guys working on the floor. The boxing trainers though are sound and know their stuff.
Conclusion: it looks good, and in many ways is okay... but just beware of the hidden can of worms.
by j.lo, 13 Nov 2008
The gym itself is good, with a full range of equipment for every kind of work out; the classes are what you can expect for a commercial city gym - a good level, with decent intructors. However, like many other people I picked up on the negative attitude of a lot of the people who work there, especially the people working in admin and the guys working on the floor. The boxing trainers though are sound and know their stuff.
Conclusion: it looks good, and in many ways is okay... but just beware of the hidden can of worms.
by j.lo, 13 Nov 2008
Wow! What a lot of bad reviews. I've gone down to Gymbox on the basis of signing up. Was seriously considering signing up on Monday but after reading below think I'll pass.
They didn't try the hard sell like some gyms I've been to, but they were very sketchy on leaving policy. There was only one trainer in the ring, with about 20 people in there boxing. The £175 joining fee is a joke! Thought they were meant to leave the beating up to the ring, not before you're even in it!!
As I've not signed up I'm not going to give it a 1, as it would be unfair. Thanks for this service and advice. Enjoy.
by laurence.bray, 07 Nov 2008
They didn't try the hard sell like some gyms I've been to, but they were very sketchy on leaving policy. There was only one trainer in the ring, with about 20 people in there boxing. The £175 joining fee is a joke! Thought they were meant to leave the beating up to the ring, not before you're even in it!!
As I've not signed up I'm not going to give it a 1, as it would be unfair. Thanks for this service and advice. Enjoy.
by laurence.bray, 07 Nov 2008
BEWARE! They say you can cancel if you have a medical issue and a doctor's letter before you sign... but of course, once you have you can't cancel.
The gym is like a gay club before the party has started and the classes are oversubscribed - not because they are full, but because of a lack of equipment. Honestly, worst mistake I have made this year.
Oh, and if you like your iPod when exercising, forget it because the 'resident DJ' has the music so loud you can't listen to your own (clearly practising for his weekend at some dodgy club in Leicester Square).
Don't expect to be able to have a drink. Just 2 water fountains grace the club and there is none in the weights areas. Also, don't expect any of the niceties such as an iron for your creased shirt post-workout.
Expect big attitude staff. They clearly don't want to be there. Still, neither do a lot of the members so what can you expect?!
by Annon24 (2 reviews), 06 Oct 2008
The gym is like a gay club before the party has started and the classes are oversubscribed - not because they are full, but because of a lack of equipment. Honestly, worst mistake I have made this year.
Oh, and if you like your iPod when exercising, forget it because the 'resident DJ' has the music so loud you can't listen to your own (clearly practising for his weekend at some dodgy club in Leicester Square).
Don't expect to be able to have a drink. Just 2 water fountains grace the club and there is none in the weights areas. Also, don't expect any of the niceties such as an iron for your creased shirt post-workout.
Expect big attitude staff. They clearly don't want to be there. Still, neither do a lot of the members so what can you expect?!
by Annon24 (2 reviews), 06 Oct 2008
Unfortunately, Gymbox Bank is too new to have its own webpage, but all I can say is it doesn't even deserve a star and I'm hoping to save others some money!
I was really looking forward to joining up, taking part in loads of varied classes and enjoying the enthusiastic and fun atmosphere descibed on the website and various reviews. But it's been a disaster since I first picked up the phone to join. After signing up (which took three calls and two trips to the 'office') I have since had to chase the managers repeatedly for information about my joining date, membership card and to get some general information beyond the limited website. Customer service is obviously not a priority, as no one ever got back to me via telephone or email over a 6 week period and in the end I just turned up one day hoping for the best.
On the first day I arrived ready for my new regime, I was somewhat disappointed that on top of the £72 per month membership fee I had to pay for towels and a locker. My mistake perhaps, but again would have been nice to know in advance. Hey-ho, I thought I would do a couple of classes and use some of the aerobic equipment if I still had it in me. No mention of a token system meant I had to leave the class and go back to reception to get one so I could join - after they started. The Asset Management Class was fine but despite promises of a great workout I wasn't overly pushed. Then I went to the dullest spin class during which I didn't even break a sweat. The instructor was more interested in their reflection and I was completely bored by the end. This is so disappointing as I love spin and give it my all, but sitting in the bike song after song isn't inspiring.
I've been back several times but it's just disappointment after disappointment at this place. There is no atmosphere - where's the DJ? No staff to point you in the right direction (struggled to find my way around to the classes). Any staff available are completely unapproachable as they sit and gossip in the corner. The reception staff have been very curt on arrival and trying to find out about classes is painful.
The only reason they deserve a star is because I feel sorry for a couple of the instructors who work there and are actually fun.
I am sorry to say it but this has to be a waste of money. I will be leaving as soon as possible and going back to a 'boring' classic gym, where I might actually do some proper exercise. That is, of course, if my letter is accepted on the first day of the month when there is a full moon and the stars are in alignment with Pluto etc etc. As you can tell, the struggle to join doesn't give me much hope of getting out anytime soon.
by monkeybusiness887, 03 Oct 2008
I was really looking forward to joining up, taking part in loads of varied classes and enjoying the enthusiastic and fun atmosphere descibed on the website and various reviews. But it's been a disaster since I first picked up the phone to join. After signing up (which took three calls and two trips to the 'office') I have since had to chase the managers repeatedly for information about my joining date, membership card and to get some general information beyond the limited website. Customer service is obviously not a priority, as no one ever got back to me via telephone or email over a 6 week period and in the end I just turned up one day hoping for the best.
On the first day I arrived ready for my new regime, I was somewhat disappointed that on top of the £72 per month membership fee I had to pay for towels and a locker. My mistake perhaps, but again would have been nice to know in advance. Hey-ho, I thought I would do a couple of classes and use some of the aerobic equipment if I still had it in me. No mention of a token system meant I had to leave the class and go back to reception to get one so I could join - after they started. The Asset Management Class was fine but despite promises of a great workout I wasn't overly pushed. Then I went to the dullest spin class during which I didn't even break a sweat. The instructor was more interested in their reflection and I was completely bored by the end. This is so disappointing as I love spin and give it my all, but sitting in the bike song after song isn't inspiring.
I've been back several times but it's just disappointment after disappointment at this place. There is no atmosphere - where's the DJ? No staff to point you in the right direction (struggled to find my way around to the classes). Any staff available are completely unapproachable as they sit and gossip in the corner. The reception staff have been very curt on arrival and trying to find out about classes is painful.
The only reason they deserve a star is because I feel sorry for a couple of the instructors who work there and are actually fun.
I am sorry to say it but this has to be a waste of money. I will be leaving as soon as possible and going back to a 'boring' classic gym, where I might actually do some proper exercise. That is, of course, if my letter is accepted on the first day of the month when there is a full moon and the stars are in alignment with Pluto etc etc. As you can tell, the struggle to join doesn't give me much hope of getting out anytime soon.
by monkeybusiness887, 03 Oct 2008
BEWARE, BEWARE, BEWARE, having read the reviews I just wish I had read them before I joined, but as with others, it was a very hard SELL SELL SELL, I was given the confidence to join because I was told I could cancel if I changed my mind within a certain time period, I have since been told that was never the case and I am committed for 1 year.
Now I know why they take the £40 admin fee when you sign, it's to get hold of your Debit card details so if you do have a row over ending the membership they can still take money from you.
If you do join DO NOT PAY ANYTHING WITH YOUR DEBIT CARD, even your bank will be reluctant to block a Debit card request unless you claim it is stolen.
Also the concept sounds nice but unless you are a woman gagging for it, it is full of men, and of course the wonderful membership consultants who are outrageous flirts. You might get 5 minutes of fun with them but after that you'll be left feeling cheap as they move onto the next one. Avoid like the plague if you have any integrity.
Also I wouldn't trust the sources who gave positive ratings.
by Brian Cadell, 30 Sep 2008
Now I know why they take the £40 admin fee when you sign, it's to get hold of your Debit card details so if you do have a row over ending the membership they can still take money from you.
If you do join DO NOT PAY ANYTHING WITH YOUR DEBIT CARD, even your bank will be reluctant to block a Debit card request unless you claim it is stolen.
Also the concept sounds nice but unless you are a woman gagging for it, it is full of men, and of course the wonderful membership consultants who are outrageous flirts. You might get 5 minutes of fun with them but after that you'll be left feeling cheap as they move onto the next one. Avoid like the plague if you have any integrity.
Also I wouldn't trust the sources who gave positive ratings.
by Brian Cadell, 30 Sep 2008
I am a 25-year-old girl that joined Gymbox Holborn over 10 months ago after reviewing most of the gyms in the centre of London. I did not pay the £75 joining fee (you can always bargain at any gym!) but paid £40 admin fee and about £56 per month (I have a year contract). I love Gymbox, I really do. The people are great and fun, the machines are in good shape and the weights section is one of the largest you'll find. No pool/spa, which is sad but to be honest I don't like swimming too much anyway. The live DJ plays great music and the disco-cycling room is a blast! I recommend Gymbox to all of my friends - some have even joined me!
by karenpatrizia, 26 Aug 2008
by karenpatrizia, 26 Aug 2008
I joined Gymbox in Holborn a little over a year ago and love the club. I've been a member of a lot of different fitness clubs and have lost interest easily.
The great thing about Gymbox is their classes and the fun they put into the experience you have in the club. I go to lots of different classes and have kept it up all year. I don't earn a lot but this club is worth the money.
I'm leaving the area soon and will be moving to their new one in Bank... hope it's as good!
by stripe12, 27 Jul 2008
The great thing about Gymbox is their classes and the fun they put into the experience you have in the club. I go to lots of different classes and have kept it up all year. I don't earn a lot but this club is worth the money.
I'm leaving the area soon and will be moving to their new one in Bank... hope it's as good!
by stripe12, 27 Jul 2008
I went into Gymbox this week, as I am looking for a new gym. I have the price list here in front of me:
Pay-as-you-go £68 per month, £58 off-peak; normal monthly contract £58; joining fee £175!! (the guy showing me around did say that if I joined 'there and then', he would knock £100 off this... but still VERY expensive).
Ultimately I don't think it would be worth it. The gym is very industrial-looking (the machinery doesn't look like gym equipment, more like power tools) and I'm not sure it would suit women as when I went there was just loads of burly men pumping iron. No pool. And I just didn't like the whole 'boxing' thing they kept promoting.
The bloke was REALLY trying hard to sell! sell! sell!, which also put me off. Really, for the same price (or more than likely less) you could find a much nicer venue, I'm sure.
by honestopinion, 25 Jul 2008
Pay-as-you-go £68 per month, £58 off-peak; normal monthly contract £58; joining fee £175!! (the guy showing me around did say that if I joined 'there and then', he would knock £100 off this... but still VERY expensive).
Ultimately I don't think it would be worth it. The gym is very industrial-looking (the machinery doesn't look like gym equipment, more like power tools) and I'm not sure it would suit women as when I went there was just loads of burly men pumping iron. No pool. And I just didn't like the whole 'boxing' thing they kept promoting.
The bloke was REALLY trying hard to sell! sell! sell!, which also put me off. Really, for the same price (or more than likely less) you could find a much nicer venue, I'm sure.
by honestopinion, 25 Jul 2008
Great gym, great vibe, great people. Anyone who disagrees, you're a bunch of idiots. Go across the road to Fitness First where you belong, paying a few quid less and getting nothing for it except a box-like room and a handful of machines. Wake up, read your contract when you sign, and if you want to see hard selling look for the carsalesman-like staff at almost every other club. I went through 4 memberships until I found GB - and what a find. A loyal Holborn member.
by steve11, 24 Jul 2008
by steve11, 24 Jul 2008
Went to look around the gym. Decent enough, but definitely doesn't warrant the ridiculous asking price though. The people that show you around will try to SELL SELL SELL and come across pretty desperate. It is overpriced and offers nothing different from LA Fitness except a better atmosphere. I'm not paying £30 a month extra because there's a better vibe in the gym. Price isn't negotiable. No wonder they can't afford to paint the walls or get a ceiling that isn't hanging off. If they lowered their price, they might get some members.
by s.beckitt, 17 Jul 2008
by s.beckitt, 17 Jul 2008
First of all, I would like to say that Gymbox is by far the best gym I have been to. It is not 'overpriced' or terrible as the other reviewers have said. The way I see it, you sign a contract and ANY good business has a standard contract which takes 30 days to cancel. Get over it, YOU SIGNED THE CONTRACT!!
Anyway, the staff have been amazing since I joined up, and always say 'hi' and 'bye' when I leave and I feel that I matter when I have questions. I left my wallet at reception the other day by accident and got a call about 10 minutes later from one of the very friendly reception ladies to say that it was there.
by G Smith, 10 Jul 2008
Anyway, the staff have been amazing since I joined up, and always say 'hi' and 'bye' when I leave and I feel that I matter when I have questions. I left my wallet at reception the other day by accident and got a call about 10 minutes later from one of the very friendly reception ladies to say that it was there.
by G Smith, 10 Jul 2008
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