The Fitness Boutique 666

Looked into rejoining recently; new equipment still not present, even though repeatedly promised. Staff say it’s not likely that the jacuzzi will ever be working again. Still no shower curtains so no privacy when showering.

The spa was not relaxing previously as it was very cold. This is not helped by the fact that, due to the lights not being waterproof and being affected by the steam, the two doors are propped open, allowing any accumulated heat to escape. The showers STILL do not offer privacy as there are no shower curtains or doors. Myself and many other members have been asking about this for over a year and nothing happens. I would have thought this was a basic level requirement, for privacy and dignity.

The text and email that everyone received months ago saying that the gym now has a ski erg machine (think that’s the right name) was not true as this has not materialised in the gym. The same text said “All New Showers!” but that didn’t include shower curtains….And there are actually less showers since the ‘refurbishment’. And there are now tiny steps in the sauna and steam room which were not present previously , thereby making it rather hazardous when entering if you’re not aware they are there.

There is only one working hairdryer currently, there others are broken. This is particularly unfortunate in a women’s gym.

The equipment is adequate, but not outstanding, and definitely could benefit from upgrading and some basic attention to upkeep. One of the treadmills is currently extremely noisy (not usual), and a cross trainer is broken.

There is no air conditioning/heating so it’s boiling in summer (they bring out a huge fan!) and absolutely freezing in winter. To be fair, it’s always been this way, even when it was known as Unicorn. I saw a woman wearing a jumper in the gym the other day, until she warmed up!

There is a water dispenser that has been out of action for a couple of year, but never removed. There is nowhere to fill your water bottle in the gym except the taps in the toilets.

Unless the spa is properly fixed, I won’t renew my membership as part of my membership is paid for that facility. It used to be quite relaxing in there.

To reiterate, the staff are always pleasant and helpful when they are able to be.

I don’t even know where to start with how many problems there currently are at this gym.

Firstly, myself and pretty much every single member received the same text message about a new machine being introduced to the gym. Like the previous reviews have stated, this machine is non-existent.

Secondly, one of the treadmills are almost always out of order and take ages to be fixed. There are currently two working treadmills and this seems to be the most common machine for people to use so it honestly is a waiting game if you want to jump on a treadmill.

I’m quite confused about the owner’s reply to the water dispenser being available to use because it doesn’t work? When enquired about this, I was advised to get water from the bathroom taps?? I was desperate for water so I filled my bottle with the bathroom water and it was undrinkable.

The machines here are not cleaned all the time. I do see the staff clean the machines from time to time but I don’t think that this should only be down to the staff. I know that if wipes were placed around the gym, members would have no problem in cleaning the machines before and after use and this is much more sanitary.

The opening times are a joke, especially during holiday times. For example, it is completely fine to open later than usual on a bank holiday. However, what is unacceptable is deciding to open 45 minutes after the usual opening time without telling your members in advance. Some of us travel from further places such as Oldham to get to this gym purely due to the convenience of it being a women’s only gym. I was waiting for 50 minutes for the doors to open and I would have gone home if there wasn’t a group of other members also waiting for the doors to open. I could not even go home and come back purely due to my travelling time. Opening times can easily be updated on social media, in which you have an Instagram account that I regularly check for updates. Also, I think it’s crazy to be closing the gym at 2pm on a Saturday. I know that myself and many members have asked if the 2pm close can be pushed back a little later for those of us who work during the week and want to have a lie in on the weekend before coming to gym, to which the response we received from the owner was a blunt no just because the gym is yours? You have many members who feel the same way so surely if you are receiving multiple requests you would try and cater to your members?

The staff here are generally very nice and polite and help members as much as they can. The problem seems to be management who don’t really take their member’s opinions and advice on board to try and improve the gym. If you speak to most of the members, they are all in agreement of how rude the owner of this facility is. The only reason most of us come here is purely due to it being a women’s only gym. The owner’s response to it being a “£1 a day gym” is completely ridiculous. Most of us don’t even use the spa or shower facilities and come only for the gym section. So what are we paying for? Machines that don’t work? False advertisement of new machines?

Before the owner decides to reply, please make sure that you are replying to every single section of my review and not just the ones you like to turn to favour yourself like you have done in your previous replies. Your gym can be improved massively if you actually listen to what your members want and are not just motivated by the “£1 a day facilities”. If you truly believe that your facility is £1 a day, then allow people to actually pay £1 a day every time they come into the gym because no one in their right minds are paying £31 a month to come to this gym every single day of their lives, especially with facilities such as these.

I hope that this review motivates you to improve your facilities and make this gym a lot better than what it currently is. I have just left and I hope that you cater to your members and start to improve this gym

I absolutely love this gym! It is the most inclusive, welcoming and friendly place. You are not just a number here, you are treated as a friend.
There is always help for you to use any equipment, advice on classes and induction plans for everyone.
Classes are superb! Nobody feels out of place as instructors and members welcome everyone and will help you when needed. There is also a great atmosphere of encouragement for each other so it’s nice to go and feel part of something.
The gym is continually being cleaned to the highest standards as is the spa. The staff are hard working and friendly, and they will do anything they can to help.
Special mentions to Katy, the owner, who listens to any issues and wants to keep members happy, and will set time aside to help you on your fitness journey. Sarah who is always there in the daytime to help with your memberships, equipment and crèche and all round superstar Amy who seems to be able to do anything. Love it!!