Other branches of Gymbox in London:
Covent GardenGymbox reviews
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
Major problems with cancelling my gym membership. Took me 4 months to cancel my membership and in this period I was sent debt collection letters on fees I didn't owe. I tried to speak to the manager but she seemed to have no clue.
I would never go back, even if they paid me. The trainers were good but the fight classes are too packed and the reception staff were horrid!
by giuseppe, 09 Jul 2008
I would never go back, even if they paid me. The trainers were good but the fight classes are too packed and the reception staff were horrid!
by giuseppe, 09 Jul 2008
Been a member of Gymbox for 10 months. It's busy, dirty, there is broken equipment everywhere. The most unbelievable fact is that they have trainers working there independantly of the business who try to get you to sign up to there programmes for £40 an hour! So as a rower, I'll be sitting on the ergo doing a 5k peice and have some imbecilic kick boxing trainer trying to get me to sign up. Bearing in mind I am a former GB rower this is mildly irritating to say the least. If I wasn't tied in to a ridiculously inflexible 12 month contract I would happily never go back. Full of pretentious muscle bound show offs, and that's just the instructors.
by jamestaylor, 26 Jun 2008
by jamestaylor, 26 Jun 2008
Gymbox is a nice gym. However, I too have had great difficulties with cancelling my membership. Despite providing written notice TWICE, they continued to take my money and to chase 'debts' that don't exist. They also ignore all correspondence on the subject - instead passing your details to a debt collection agency. Steer well clear.
by pete_e, 23 Jun 2008
by pete_e, 23 Jun 2008
Amazing gym. Some of these reviews are ridiculous. Great classes, huge amounts of free weights, best boxing instructors. Been to loads of gyms and Gymbox is the best.
by kateo, 15 Jun 2008
by kateo, 15 Jun 2008
Do not go to Gymbox. I have been a member for almost a year and I have recently been very disappointed. They kept taking money from my account even though I had cancelled my membership. Very dishonest.
by Louiswenger, 28 May 2008
by Louiswenger, 28 May 2008
There are a few dumbbells which are missing their pair. What's the point of having one 40kg dumbbell? Few of them are broken, haven't been replaced for nearly a year now. Broken glass in the mirror has been there for what, over a year? The staff don't care, the manager doesn't care, so that obviously means the members don't give a toss if no one is replacing battered equipment that they're paying to use.
Dumbbells are so loose that some are one rep away from falling apart. Other gyms check the weights once a week. When boxing classes are on and 20 people are in the ring and around it the whole place smells like cheesy feet.
But seriously this isn't bobs gym on the corner in a suburb, it's a chain gym, is it too much to ask to replace the weights when they break within a year?
by rupert_c, 26 May 2008
Dumbbells are so loose that some are one rep away from falling apart. Other gyms check the weights once a week. When boxing classes are on and 20 people are in the ring and around it the whole place smells like cheesy feet.
But seriously this isn't bobs gym on the corner in a suburb, it's a chain gym, is it too much to ask to replace the weights when they break within a year?
by rupert_c, 26 May 2008
Gymbox is one of the best gyms I've been to. Tuesdays and Saturdays are the real deal for Muay Thai classes there - good coaching, vocal and technique, and a bloody good workout. I'm a regular.
by maccie, 17 May 2008
by maccie, 17 May 2008
Gym is fine, until you want to cancel your membership - then, BEWARE! I paid the additional month even though I didn't use the gym (£62), but they kept charging. Even after I cancelled the direct debit, they kept charging manually using my card details. I cancelled my card to avoid future charges. Due to my work I move around London and would have have joined again, but not after that.
by JohnSmith, 01 May 2008
by JohnSmith, 01 May 2008
I've just recently joined Gymbox Holborn and find it to be the best club I've ever been a member of. With regards To SSD's comments, I too was signed up by an employee named JP, although my experiences with him were very pleasant and he to this day occasionally recognises me in the gym. I think that you have to understand that these guys are talking to at least 20 to 30 new people every day and are trying their best.
Other than that, I've been doing the boxing classes (being a complete novice) and am really enjoying it. The classes are sometimes crowded, but there is the option of 1-to-1 sessions with trainers, which I do and am really benefiting from. For anyone wanting to get fit through boxing or Thai boxing, it is an amazing way to keep fit and beats running on a treadmill.
by dv, 01 Apr 2008
Other than that, I've been doing the boxing classes (being a complete novice) and am really enjoying it. The classes are sometimes crowded, but there is the option of 1-to-1 sessions with trainers, which I do and am really benefiting from. For anyone wanting to get fit through boxing or Thai boxing, it is an amazing way to keep fit and beats running on a treadmill.
by dv, 01 Apr 2008
I joined for the boxing/Muay Thai classes and overall I found this place to be disappointing. I was inducted by a guy called JP who was very friendly when I joined but then essentially found it too difficult to even say 'hello' when I was a member. The staff at reception actually seem to avoid talking to any members unless they are spoken to. This does not create the most welcoming atmosphere.
The two guys who generally took the Muay Thai classes, Alex and Phil, were both good and did their best, although it was hard for them as classes were so overcrowded that there was no scope for individual training. There is another guy who occasionally takes the classes and he behaves like some kind of prima donna, bullying those in his class, which hardly makes you want to return. I would advise avoiding this place. I am glad I only joined on a 1-month rolling membership.
by ssd, 03 Mar 2008
The two guys who generally took the Muay Thai classes, Alex and Phil, were both good and did their best, although it was hard for them as classes were so overcrowded that there was no scope for individual training. There is another guy who occasionally takes the classes and he behaves like some kind of prima donna, bullying those in his class, which hardly makes you want to return. I would advise avoiding this place. I am glad I only joined on a 1-month rolling membership.
by ssd, 03 Mar 2008
The Muay Thai instructor is good, but 20 people in the ring is ridiculous. They won't stop talking about how great their classes are, but when you actually get in, it's not at all like they say. Also, the weight equipment is not nearly as plentiful as they make it look. Members and staff are unfriendly and unwelcoming. Definitely not worth the money and hassle.
by jimrat, 19 Feb 2008
by jimrat, 19 Feb 2008
After looking all around London for a suitable gym, I was finally led to Gymbox in Holborn. After reading all the comments on this site, many would think that this is the worst gym in London. Rubbish. I checked it out and finally signed up to Gymbox for the following reasons:
1. Equipment and heaps of it. Agreed, some machines are out of order from time to time, but they have no time limits and what the hell do you expect from a central London gym?! Doesn't even compare to the terrible time limits and shocking state of machines at pretty much all Fitness First gyms that I've used in the past.
2. Prices. Ripped off? We've all had our fair share of being 'ripped off' by gyms, but it's as simple as asking! I asked about cancellation policy etc. One month cancellation policy. Easy. Not hard to work out, people! I know where I stand and it's very easy to follow. I am yet to cancel my membership, but I know what the score is and if the time comes to cancel I've asked about it and read the terms on the back. Covered.
Expensive? You are all joking. It's by far the cheapest central gym for what it has on offer. I'm on £52 a month and that's cheaper than the completely rubbish LA Fitness gym around the corner that I checked out. Maybe people should be doing more researching and less whingeing.
Frankly, we've all been pushed around by gyms in some way. But I'd way prefer to be a part of this gym and paying what I do, with awesome classes and really friendly staff, rather than paying £80 in a chain gym where you're just another number. Gymbox is by far the best in its class and great value for what it offers.
by John McDonald, 09 Feb 2008
1. Equipment and heaps of it. Agreed, some machines are out of order from time to time, but they have no time limits and what the hell do you expect from a central London gym?! Doesn't even compare to the terrible time limits and shocking state of machines at pretty much all Fitness First gyms that I've used in the past.
2. Prices. Ripped off? We've all had our fair share of being 'ripped off' by gyms, but it's as simple as asking! I asked about cancellation policy etc. One month cancellation policy. Easy. Not hard to work out, people! I know where I stand and it's very easy to follow. I am yet to cancel my membership, but I know what the score is and if the time comes to cancel I've asked about it and read the terms on the back. Covered.
Expensive? You are all joking. It's by far the cheapest central gym for what it has on offer. I'm on £52 a month and that's cheaper than the completely rubbish LA Fitness gym around the corner that I checked out. Maybe people should be doing more researching and less whingeing.
Frankly, we've all been pushed around by gyms in some way. But I'd way prefer to be a part of this gym and paying what I do, with awesome classes and really friendly staff, rather than paying £80 in a chain gym where you're just another number. Gymbox is by far the best in its class and great value for what it offers.
by John McDonald, 09 Feb 2008
Good gym with excellent training programs and personal trainers BUT AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE! They are classic membership swindlers who mislead you to sign up and then become very difficult to get away from and ask for extortionate fees to leave. Very rude management who deny any wrong-doing and will debit your bank account directly if you cancel your direct debit! BAD, BAD, BAD.
by Bigrob, 29 Jan 2008
by Bigrob, 29 Jan 2008
Gymbox in Holborn are a bunch of fraudulent rip-offs. After I cancelled my membership and also cancelled my direct debit with my bank, Gymbox then said I owed them £49. After challenging them about this, they took the money out of my account as a card payment without my knowledge. Because they have your bank details they seem to think they can use them as they like. Who knows what else they will do with your details... Suggest that you don’t join this gym, since they cannot be trusted.
by DEDADZ, 26 Jan 2008
by DEDADZ, 26 Jan 2008
Already a member of another gym, I was interested in the boxing vibe of Gymbox so went there to ask some questions. Here is my feedback:
First, the flyer they give out takes you for a fool. It claims that they give you stuff for free that you would already have for free: no joining fee, gloves + low rates. The 'low rates' are not low at all - almost triple what I get with my company.
Machines are alright, nothing impressive. Many cardio machines though.
Their cancellation policy doesn't surprise me - it's just the kind of rip-off attitude I hate. No referral schemes, no loyalty schemes, nothing.
At 3 times the price of a gym that has 20 gyms throughout London, I would expect top notch. But I was very, very disappointed. Many people, once they switched jobs, would be trapped because of Gymbox having just the 2 gyms.
What was I thinking?!? I'll definitely be sticking with my own gym.
by JonnyO, 16 Jan 2008
First, the flyer they give out takes you for a fool. It claims that they give you stuff for free that you would already have for free: no joining fee, gloves + low rates. The 'low rates' are not low at all - almost triple what I get with my company.
Machines are alright, nothing impressive. Many cardio machines though.
Their cancellation policy doesn't surprise me - it's just the kind of rip-off attitude I hate. No referral schemes, no loyalty schemes, nothing.
At 3 times the price of a gym that has 20 gyms throughout London, I would expect top notch. But I was very, very disappointed. Many people, once they switched jobs, would be trapped because of Gymbox having just the 2 gyms.
What was I thinking?!? I'll definitely be sticking with my own gym.
by JonnyO, 16 Jan 2008
BEWARE OF CANCELLATION POLICY! Gymbox requires '30 days notice before the first of the month to cancel'. You've got to be kidding me! In today's technologically advanced age it is a simply ridiculous idea that Gymbox would need between 30-59 days to process a member's cancellation request. It was obvious from this, and their unsympathetic attitude toward my moving situation, that the Gymbox cancellation policy is a naked attempt to milk its members out of every last pound possible.
Gymbox might want to rethink how it treats its customers. And a specific starting place would be how it handles customer cancellation requests. When I was moving to London I told the manager at my gym that I had to cancel my membership. He did it right then and refunded the unused portion of the membership fee to that day. It took about five minutes. The experience was so easy and pleasant that, now that I am moving back to that town, I will definitely go back and rejoin that gym.
The leaving experience at Gymbox, on the other hand, leaves me feeling angry and taken advantage of and has coloured my entire perception of the gym. If I ever move back to London I will not be returning to Gymbox but, instead, be joining another gym. And I will never recommend Gymbox to anyone.
Oh, and one last thing... charging a pound for a towel?! What a rip off!
by racerx1, 11 Sep 2007
Gymbox might want to rethink how it treats its customers. And a specific starting place would be how it handles customer cancellation requests. When I was moving to London I told the manager at my gym that I had to cancel my membership. He did it right then and refunded the unused portion of the membership fee to that day. It took about five minutes. The experience was so easy and pleasant that, now that I am moving back to that town, I will definitely go back and rejoin that gym.
The leaving experience at Gymbox, on the other hand, leaves me feeling angry and taken advantage of and has coloured my entire perception of the gym. If I ever move back to London I will not be returning to Gymbox but, instead, be joining another gym. And I will never recommend Gymbox to anyone.
Oh, and one last thing... charging a pound for a towel?! What a rip off!
by racerx1, 11 Sep 2007
I was a member of the Covent Garden one and have few complaints about it. I liked it less than the Holborn one but mainly only because it was so squeaky clean (the Holborn one is older and, for me at least, the rougher and more brightly-lit interior is preferable). Price-wise it seemed higher than the more generic, no-martial arts alternatives, but not outrageously so, as long as you join during a campaign when they drop charges and especially not if you use the martial arts classes.
As for doing Muay Thai barefoot: doing it with (not without) shoes on would be the health/safety hazard. It would also not be Muay Thai. And as for specialist padded footgear, it hampers training and really isn't necessary unless you are at competitive level and are planning to kick your opponent's head off! A sane instructor would simply not pair you up with someone like that. They wouldn't even be in the class. Ultimately, if the thought of bodily contact scares you, don't do martial arts! As for doing it in a boxing ring, again, having done kickboxing in the UK, Japan and Thailand, I'd agree with 'anon69' that that is the acid test of a genuine boxing gym. 20 in a ring would be a bit much, but if that is a common occurence I'd try the Covent Garden gym, it's much quieter.
In the end, I have to admit I left, but that was mainly because I lost my job and decided to save money. I was able to leave more easily than I have been from some other gyms though. I only gave them a few weeks' notice, not a month+, and while I did lie and say I was moving, doesn't everyone when they know there will be a sales pitch coming? Maybe they are just more chilled in Covent Garden...
by mobiledisco, 23 Aug 2007
As for doing Muay Thai barefoot: doing it with (not without) shoes on would be the health/safety hazard. It would also not be Muay Thai. And as for specialist padded footgear, it hampers training and really isn't necessary unless you are at competitive level and are planning to kick your opponent's head off! A sane instructor would simply not pair you up with someone like that. They wouldn't even be in the class. Ultimately, if the thought of bodily contact scares you, don't do martial arts! As for doing it in a boxing ring, again, having done kickboxing in the UK, Japan and Thailand, I'd agree with 'anon69' that that is the acid test of a genuine boxing gym. 20 in a ring would be a bit much, but if that is a common occurence I'd try the Covent Garden gym, it's much quieter.
In the end, I have to admit I left, but that was mainly because I lost my job and decided to save money. I was able to leave more easily than I have been from some other gyms though. I only gave them a few weeks' notice, not a month+, and while I did lie and say I was moving, doesn't everyone when they know there will be a sales pitch coming? Maybe they are just more chilled in Covent Garden...
by mobiledisco, 23 Aug 2007
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