FREE GYM #3 - LA Fitness - Day Three - Aloha means goodbye

Despite being told on the first trial day that I couldn't use the swimming pool because of "chemical problems", I thought I would brave it considering it was my last day. Plunging into a deserted pool for a few lengths, was definately the best way to cool down (and wake up) before work in the morning.

As the picture shows, I was lucky enough to stumble upon 'Hawaii Week' where LA Fitness staff attempt to perk up the atmosphere by wearing wreathes of flowers and puting up signs at the front door exclaiming; 'ALOHA' to cleverly create the illusion that you are entering a hot, sunny island state, instead of a cramped, windowless basement gym.

In Hawaiian, Aloha means both hello and goodbye. For me, and this particular LA Fitness, Aloha definately means goodbye. ALOHA!

FREE GYM #3 - LA Fitness - Wardorf

FREE three day pass and FREE towel :)

Housed in the Hilton, this gym is deceptively grand. The ornate entrance and images of the pillared pool area promise a gym fit for a Bond character. What actually brings to mind is mutton dressed as lamb. The bright lights, plastic coverings and colourful motivational images fail to distract from the tired equipment and cramped interior.

Although I haven't yet asked about membership prices at LA fitness, I can tell you, exclusively, that the diner above the male changing rooms (the Good Godfrey) wafts down a faint aroma of bacon as you shower. Mmmm, parfum de breafast buffet.

The weight of cost

For some, the act of paying for a gym makes them more likely to go. Although the cost of a membership remains the same, they know that the value of a gym membership decreases or increases depending on how often they use it. Yet gyms make millions each year from phantom members who resolutely sign a contract in January and disappear by February, prefering to forget that it is now their wallet that's losing the weight.

Is this member you?

FREE GYM #2 - Soho Gym - Waterloo

Cool, fresh and well provisioned are all adjectives I'd like to use when describing my fridge. Unfortunately, this is not the case. However, the description is very apt for Soho Gym - Waterloo, quirkily set under the brick arches of Waterloo East Railway Station, allowing you the novelty of working out while trains rumble overhead.

SOHO very kindly gave me a THREE DAY PASS...and a FREE towel on top. Check out the raised mezzanine area where you can leisurely stretch while looking down on the suited and booted as they rush their way to work.

I'll be back tomorrow.

GYM #1 - Fitness First (High Road - Tottenham)

Three years ago, I tell you, was the last time I had set foot in a gym. Despite paying the relatively cheap price of £100 for the pleasure of an annual University of Leeds gym membership, I only went twice making my average gym session a hefty £50 a pop. So now, as you can see, I need to re-coup my costs.

Free Gym Session #1 - The ubiquitous Fitness First in Tottenham, nearest train - Bruce Grove.
Conditions: Free day quest pass when accompanied by a member.

Convincing a mate, and self confessed gym fanatic, to take me along to his local gym proved to be a double edged sword. On one hand, he showed me the ropes (things like wiping sweat off equipment after use), but on the other, methodically and cruelly burning me out to the point of embarrasment. After a full (he says half) upper body workout, I couldn't even raise my water bottle without trembling hand movements.

At first, I had reservations about what seems at first to be yet another faceless Fitness First chain gym. But this one had a pleasant community feel. An old lady was sitting in the rest area, knitting to the beat while people chatted about trainers in the weights room.

Facilities are good, well ventilated, natural light, friendly staff, a sauna, powerful showers and free blackcurrant juice. What more could you want?

A pleasant return to the world of gym...and the start of something special. No expensive membership fees and no financial guilt about not attending the gym - just 100% Fitness First freeness!