Fit for life - but with a bit of luxury on the side (Holmes Place (Chelsea))

Member Name: Zahooga

Product:	Holmes Place (Chelsea)
Date:	07/10/00 (257 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: luxury; lots of great equipment, free classes, fun

Disadvantages: refurbishment - but thats just at chelsea

See Update at end of review...

Holmes Place are the "top end" health club chain in the south east and London (though they are expanding north - nothing in Scotland yet though!!!). They have gyms throughout the area, and offer a high quality gym experience, with a focus on providing everything you could possibly need or want in a gym.

Joining fees can be high - but enquire about corporate membership (if your employer is listed you can usually knock about £100 off the joining fee). On a monthly basis they compare very favourably to other gyms, especially given that most of the clubs have pools and they provide all the towels, toiletries etc you need.

My local club is the Chelsea branch, which is currently undergoing a bit of refurbishment. Whilst this is a headache, it demonstrates Holmes Place's commitment to constantly being at the forefront of the leisure industry. Besides at the moment I can use Kensington Branch free of charge, whilst chelsea is being sorted out.

On your first visit, they give you an induction, generally on the cardio system, and will make up a programme for you. This takes into account your objectives, and you can get a new programme whenever you want, if you get bored with your current one.

Although it can be a bit busy on Monday and Tuesday night (weekend excess being worked off!), the rest of the week is fine, and I've never had to wait more than 2 minutes for a piece of equipment.

The pool, sauna, hydropool (a very posh jacuzzi!), and steam room are all great as well - just what you need after a hard week at work.

If classes are your thing, HP offer 120 classes a week, all of which are included in membership. I've only been to a couple, but they are very useful, and led by very positive friendly instructors.

In summary, if you are serious about getting fit, there are few better places to join than holmes place. Although I've only been a member
for a few weeks, i'm feeling fitter already, and am making full use of the facilities.

Only hassle (in chelsea) is the refurbishment, but i can see the long term benefits of that.

+++++++++Update as at 29th July 2001+++++++++

The refurbishment of Chelsea was completed in December, and we now have a fuly functioning gym. The facilities are just as promised, with underfloor heating in the changing rooms making the whole thing even more luxurious!

HP are also opening lot's more clubs - I'm glad to report they are even opening up in Edinburgh in Summer of next year!

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