New kids on the block:
Yeovil's Anytime Fitness opened 23rd April 2018
Me with some of the team!
As you can see from the previous post, I seem to have developed a chronic addiction to using my Anytime Fitness fob to get in to any and every club in the country I happen to be near. It's getting a bit out of hand, though, as I am now deliberately going out of my way to visit them!
When my friend and colleague - who is from Yeovil and has been enjoying coming to classes at my home club in Eastleigh - told me that Yeovil town centre is getting a brand-spanking-new Anytime Fitness, I set myself a date to go visit... the day after it opened! The official reason of course was to do a reconnaissance so that I could feed back to her whether it was worth going to, but let's face it, I just wanted an excuse for another field trip! It took a good hour and a half to drive there from Eastleigh, and I did break up the journey by stopping off at another favourite, Dorchester's Anytime Fitness, en route. (Well, they have non-powered treadmills! Nuff said!)
Below is my review for those who are considering joining or at least trying out this gym. Bear in mind that as it was freshly opened, the equipment was hardly used, there was stuff missing that hadn't arrived yet, the timetable was still a work in progress and the team were still fresh-faced and excitable, but all of this gave me confidence in what this place would inevitably become!
LOCATION:
The gym is deceptively large, spread over two floors and goes back a long way. Access is by electronic fob, which all members have, and this fob will get you into any of the 4000+ gyms worldwide at any time of day with no supplement to pay unlike some other gyms.
STAFF:
I was fortunate to visit during staffed hours. I had forewarned them of my coming and they knew I was likely to blog about it so maybe they were just being nice to me, but following their Facebook page, I think they are all genuinely lovely, helpful, excited people anyway! Colin, the manager, showed me around and let me join a class and the ever-so-amazing but super-crazy Shannon was a real delight to get to know after my workout.
I love you, Shannon!
CLASSES:
Classes are really my thing these days, and I was chuffed to be able to join AF Yeovil's very first HIIT Pilates lesson which I have never done before ever. Kate the personal trainer who took the class was great and very patient with me! The gym has a comprehensive timetable offering lots of instructor-led and video-led (virtual) classes. They range from Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Body Combat, Pump, Bootcamp, Vibe Cycle, Body Balance and so many more.
The gym is fortunate to have a wonderfully spacious studio area with lots of mats, spin bikes and equipment for the various classes. When there's nothing booked, members can go in and use the space as they wish.
EQUIPMENT:
Well this is an important one, of course. Most people come to the gym to use weights, resistance kit, cardio equipment and various other functional bits of apparatus. Yeovil has it all. Although at time of visit it looked overly large and spacious, that was because not everything had quite arrived yet, but the club has been so proactive at taking suggestions on board that when members say "Can you get us a..." the club deliver!!
Being a boxing fanatic, I was drawn to the freestanding punchbag (complete with gloves and pads for those not equipped) but I tried to make sure I gave most of the bits of kit a good go. All obviously working fine, some even being installed during my visit (!), but I can tell the team here will care for their equipment even when it's been well-used and loved.
Here are some shots of the gym. Downstairs is the cardio equipment (treadmills, rowers, cross-trainers, stair climber) and the free weights. Upstairs is the studio, resistance equipment and functional training area.
FACILITIES:
Let's talk about the other stuff the gym offers. It's not just equipment and classes. They have lots of individual changing rooms, toilets and showers (including disabled access) and on both floors. There are also hairdryers and since my visit they've installed storage areas and lockers. There's a pretty nifty water machine with bottle sensor, and a spout for a quick drink. Both floors also have sofas for chillout areas and they were due to get a vending machine when I came.
I hope you can see from these pictures and my experience that I think very highly of this place and look forward to coming back. I've said I will make a return trip in six months when I expect it will have gone from strength to strength.
The team here are amazing. You have to chat to them! The classes look fabulous and the equipment and facilities are brilliant. Anything missing or not to your satisfaction - tell them! They are there to support you. All Anytime staff are there to take a personal interest in your fitness journey as an individual.
And on top of all this the club is affiliated with lots of local companies where you can get an Anytime Fitness discount. And merchanise - yup, they have a lot of that too! Socials, yes, they do those. Offers, competitions and a fun and friendly atmosphere. This is not just a gym, this is your fitness family. Yeovil, you are very privileged to have Anytime Fitness move in here!
Finished my visit with a good old Running Man pose!
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