Not been to the Gym for many years and I wanted to get back into shape. I'm not a fan of the big…read moreglossy gyms and wanted something a bit more down to earth. Found this on the web and it's only a 5 minute walk from Hitchin Station, so I go to the gym in the morning or evening after commuting to work. Really nice team and I've had lots of help and advice.

Great place for a swim. The only downside is the lack of parking and it gets busy by 10 AM…read moreespecially during Summer.

I am only reviewing the INDOORS section of the Hitchin pool. There is a large outdoor pool, which…read moremy cousins, who are resident Hitchin-ians, assure me is fabulous in sunny weather. Sadly, the outdoor pool is open only for limited months. I had watched the Olympics, and was freshly inspired by Michael Phelps and Co. to get in the pool and swim some laps. The Hitchin Swimming Centre is only a 10 minute walk from where I was living in Hitchin, so I was excited to check out the facility. I had e-mailed a gent that worked there about the different swimming activities, and was thrilled to learn that they had masters swimming AND water polo! YES! Upon arrival at the pool, I was totally ignored by the staff. Maybe it was the sweep of the gold medals by the Phelps and friends, maybe it was my CLEARLY gorgeous American beauty that through them off- I stood there like a bump on a log while the front desk lady talked on the phone. When I finally was granted permission to see the pool, I was horrified. I could feel the heat coming from the in-door lap lanes upon entering the locker room. I seriously do not know how anyone could do a workout in that water. When I burst out onto the pool deck, I realized I had also burst into a sweat. It must have been over 90 degrees- it was like an Arizona summer! I was immediately told I could not wear my flip flops on the pool deck- awesome, I would have a take home prize of foot fungus! I then called the master's coach several times, trying to coordinate a time to come and swim with the program. He called me back once, then silence. It was so "He's just not that into you." I will have to return in the summer, in disguise, and check out the outdoor pool- maybe I can wear socks on the deck....

Review Update - 19-11-08 I've decided to give this gym…read moreanother chance & can confirm that the issue with the hot water has been successfuly resolved, although the upgrage could have included replacing the shower heads, which are fixed & remind me of those found at public swimming pools. The membership cost is very reasonable, & I have found is also negotiable. Cancellation of membership is now only 2 months. The membership numbers are still low, which means equipment is freely available. Further to my comments regarding parking difficulties, the pay & display car park opposite is free after 6pm. Unfortunately, cleanliness in the gym area is not fantastic, the changing rooms & toilets have a cool feel, the water fountain has very poor pressure & some of the equipment is looking tired (worn out hand grips). There are other maintenance issues throughout, which in the two weeks since I've returned don't appear to have been acted upon. My primary reasons for re-joining are price & location to my workplace, coupled with the fact that when I use the gym early mornings I can easily get a free parking space on Windmill Hill. _________________________________________________ Original review posted Oct 2008 I joined this gym as it's located very close to where I work, & the only things it has going for it is that it's never busy, & that it's priced very well (circa £30 pcm). There's no parking close by (unless you use the pay & display car park opposite, or are lucky enough to find a space on the road around the corner). Beware - I cancelled my membership here because they were having problems with the hot water, which meant I couldn't always take a 'comfortable' shower after training, which caused me problems as I was training before starting work in the morning. Hopefully they've managed to sort this probelm out, but for the few months I was there it continued to be an ongoing problem.