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Covent GardenGymbox reviews
I've been at Gymbox for over a year and a half now and the classes are good fun, which is the main point and saving grace of this gym. They don't run that many late classes though, which is a shame and a problem with a lot of places that supposedly cater for city workers.
The price is also very steep (over £70 per month - similar to Virgin) and isn't amazing value for money. Most cheaper gyms (LA Fitness etc) have swimming pools and a relaxation area; here is kind of like a weird fusion between those warehouse boxing places and a normal gym, but ten times the price. It would be better if the gym was a bit more polished to justify the membership price, or if they reduced it to a more reasonable level for the value you get in return, as it is pretty gimmicky. I bought a year upfront membership so it's a bit cheaper, but I don't have a discount - Gymbox refused to give any corporate discount unless a specific number of my colleagues also joined. It isn't a member of Gymflex either, which my company subscribes to, so it's a vicious circle.
The changing room facilities are not as good as places like Fitness First (or Virgin, which is the same price bracket). I'd say people seem quite nice here and the only reason I come is because of the classes, which are slightly more interesting than other gyms. In terms of rating, I'd give the facilities a 2-3 star but the classes a 4.5 star, which, as I said, is the only reason Gymbox saves itself.
by Kirsty83, 24 Jan 2012
The price is also very steep (over £70 per month - similar to Virgin) and isn't amazing value for money. Most cheaper gyms (LA Fitness etc) have swimming pools and a relaxation area; here is kind of like a weird fusion between those warehouse boxing places and a normal gym, but ten times the price. It would be better if the gym was a bit more polished to justify the membership price, or if they reduced it to a more reasonable level for the value you get in return, as it is pretty gimmicky. I bought a year upfront membership so it's a bit cheaper, but I don't have a discount - Gymbox refused to give any corporate discount unless a specific number of my colleagues also joined. It isn't a member of Gymflex either, which my company subscribes to, so it's a vicious circle.
The changing room facilities are not as good as places like Fitness First (or Virgin, which is the same price bracket). I'd say people seem quite nice here and the only reason I come is because of the classes, which are slightly more interesting than other gyms. In terms of rating, I'd give the facilities a 2-3 star but the classes a 4.5 star, which, as I said, is the only reason Gymbox saves itself.
by Kirsty83, 24 Jan 2012
Just joined and have to say I've never been to a gym like this before. I love the classes. Tried rave, which was mad. Got a PT session booked in. Can't wait. Going to do a session on the frame they have. Not sure what the comments are about below, as all good for me so far.
by rachele21, 05 Dec 2011
by rachele21, 05 Dec 2011
I read all these bad reviews before I joined and was a little wary, but it was the best decision I've made in a long time! Ok so Gymbox Holborn was a little smelly, but they have got this all sorted now! And they're having a massive refurb in November, which is going to make it even better! All that said, they couldn't make the classes any better if they tried, or the gym floor facilites. It really is an awesome gym! And the DJ on Tuesday makes working out feel like a night out (minus the tequilla!).
by gingerbean19, 27 Oct 2011
by gingerbean19, 27 Oct 2011
Do not fall for the marketing! This place appears to spend so much money on gimmicky advertising that they are unwilling to spend any on repairing broken equipment (treadmills, weighing scales) quickly, totally ineffective air-conditioning, shower rooms that smell because the drains are blocked (and have been for many weeks) and - worst of all, in my opinion - a web-based class booking system that is badly designed and has unreliable, flaky behaviour which can mean (and has meant, for me) that classes are inaccessible.
I suppose this business model makes sense: spend your budget on constantly striving to get more and more members in, which generates revenue, rather than making things pleasant for those who are already signed up, which doesn't carry much benefit for the management.
It's not all negative (hence two stars rather than one) though, as the equipment is rather good (when it's not so crowded that you can't get near it) and some of the classes are excellent (when the website allows you to book them). Just be wary of the many things wrong with the place.
by jamesmatthews, 11 Oct 2011
I suppose this business model makes sense: spend your budget on constantly striving to get more and more members in, which generates revenue, rather than making things pleasant for those who are already signed up, which doesn't carry much benefit for the management.
It's not all negative (hence two stars rather than one) though, as the equipment is rather good (when it's not so crowded that you can't get near it) and some of the classes are excellent (when the website allows you to book them). Just be wary of the many things wrong with the place.
by jamesmatthews, 11 Oct 2011
Joined the gym last week. I read some reviews and thought I'd check it out for myself. Really impressed. So different to the usual boring gym experience. Set up a corporate membership for my staff as well. All good so far!
by billywhiterall, 20 Sep 2011
by billywhiterall, 20 Sep 2011
I was wary when joining Gymbox due to bad reviews, but after speaking with the sales guy at Holborn he put my mind at rest. Just find out the T&Cs and you're fine. Brilliant gym, loads of variety and cool people. They even host parties.
by michaelmcg1981, 07 Sep 2011
by michaelmcg1981, 07 Sep 2011
I recently joined Holborn and it is the MOST AMAZING gym in London. Reception team are really cool and the equipment down there is unreal. Cross fit frame and full size boxing ring. Can't wait to drag my friends along with me, as this smashes Virgin Active and Fitness First all over the place. Do yourself a favour and get in there!
by rustar1, 06 Sep 2011
by rustar1, 06 Sep 2011
First good gym I've found in London. Being American, I'm used to good gyms. Gymbox is the only gym in London that matches those in the USA. Amazing classes, cool looking gym and great personal trainers. Highly recommend trying if you're looking for a gym.
by Sallyanneit, 02 Sep 2011
by Sallyanneit, 02 Sep 2011
Use all of the gyms, as travel around London. All really good but Westfield is amazing. Mainly do classes as they are so different to anywhere else. Live DJs as well! Definitely worth checking out.
by paulpeters1978, 31 Aug 2011
by paulpeters1978, 31 Aug 2011
Been in Holborn club for a month now. Loving it! Staff really friendly and classes amazing. Bring on the party in September!
by stevier26, 26 Aug 2011
by stevier26, 26 Aug 2011
Have just got back into my training after a lengthy injury and, after looking around a bit, decided to give Gymbox a go. They have a great level of expertise amongst the personal trainers, who really took my injury rehabilitation into consideration. Loads of classes to choose from, which keeps it interesting. Personally, I really enjoy the classes on their cross fitness frames they have there. Couldn't find many other places that had those kind of facilities.
Overall, a good gym that offers a broad variety of training styles.
by mattc_8404, 25 Aug 2011
Overall, a good gym that offers a broad variety of training styles.
by mattc_8404, 25 Aug 2011
Recently joined Bank, and loving it. Looks like a club, great classes, and I'm even learning to box. Recpetionists are great looking. I'm a happy man.
by richardstill1, 17 Aug 2011
by richardstill1, 17 Aug 2011
I really loved Gymbox. Wish I could have stayed for more than 3 months, but unfortunately I've had to move! The facilities are so good and the few classes that I tried out were brilliant. All the team are so friendly and really knowledgeable about the whole field!
It was the first time I've signed up with a gym and would definitely recommend it to anyone to get you motivated and start to love working out. I used to get really excited about going - shocking for a gym! The cost of membership is quite high but so worth it, especially if you're going to take advantage of the classes and everything they have to offer.
by tilly19, 10 Aug 2011
It was the first time I've signed up with a gym and would definitely recommend it to anyone to get you motivated and start to love working out. I used to get really excited about going - shocking for a gym! The cost of membership is quite high but so worth it, especially if you're going to take advantage of the classes and everything they have to offer.
by tilly19, 10 Aug 2011
Massive gym that offers so much more than boxing. I finally joined, after being put off by reviews that it only focused on boxing (has anyone seen the timetable?). Best gym I've been to.
by jennyblake, 04 Aug 2011
by jennyblake, 04 Aug 2011
I never had any issues with Gymbox. I was a member when I lived in London and I really miss the place. Very innovative approach to gym training. No issues cancelling when I left either.
by Burningme, 03 Aug 2011
by Burningme, 03 Aug 2011
Joined Gymbox in Holborn and I am loving it! Friendliest gym I have ever been to, and loving the classes. Even started boxing with a personal trainer. Never worked out so hard in my life! Love it!
by mrmotivated, 27 Jul 2011
by mrmotivated, 27 Jul 2011
I have just tried to cancel with Gymbox as well - I entirely agree with the reviews about them being like criminals. I have tried to cancel 3-4 times, and keep getting the runaround to call back, email the manager, etc. They are now charging me for all those extra months they have been putting me off - what a great way to make money off your customers. The facility looks great, but many classes weren't that great, and the company policies lack integrity.
by lybiaed, 20 Jun 2011
by lybiaed, 20 Jun 2011
Am a new member at Gymbox Holborn, only read the reviews once I'd joined so now quite worried. A few observations, my sales rep didn't provide as much info about classes, opening times etc. Depending on who's on reception you might get a hello, this also depends on how good looking you are which you can judge in how long she leaves you standing there while she assists everyone but you, so far the classes I have managed to get to are really good and one of the trainers was lovely enough to make me think I will give it a chance. Today the music was so loud I went home, sack the unnecessary DJ and invest in better facilities.
by Yogabunny, 23 Mar 2011
by Yogabunny, 23 Mar 2011
CRIMBOX?? Quite frankly, these guys are criminals! They keep taking money well after the membership has been cancelled, EVEN WHEN YOU CANCEL ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT.
They won't refund the money STOLEN, and if you manage to get it back through lodging a dispute with the bank, they will continue to aggressively demand payment, threatening County Court and using debt collectors.
If you are looking for a gym in London, Gymbox is not worth a look in!
by the_proximity (2 reviews), 28 Jan 2011
They won't refund the money STOLEN, and if you manage to get it back through lodging a dispute with the bank, they will continue to aggressively demand payment, threatening County Court and using debt collectors.
If you are looking for a gym in London, Gymbox is not worth a look in!
by the_proximity (2 reviews), 28 Jan 2011
Gymbox is not a bad gym, particularly if you want to do boxing training. But the complaints are justified - it's better to join using cash, to prevent them getting your bank details. Oh sorry I forgot, you can't.
by madeup-person, 06 Jan 2011
by madeup-person, 06 Jan 2011
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