Whilst I realise this is a review for a big chain, I really think this one needs to be shouted…read moreabout! Context: I am a fat girl. I don't want to be a fat girl any more. I have been a member of a number of gyms in the past, and for many many reasons hated it and quit. I was determined this time to find one that would work for me. Enter Bannatyne's Brindley Place: The bizarre decor immediately appealed. The pool is dimly lit, so I don't feel super self conscious about my bits being on show, and the gym itself is never rammed full of people so I never feel I'm being looked at. The muscly oiled men keep to themselves in a separate area with free weights which also helps me feel less anxious about visiting. But the real reason this place is awesome is because of two very specific people: 1) Steve Northam - he inducted me into the gym, he puts up with my whinging and my craziness over any kind of exertion, and at times he can be a little bit strange too (he does competitive fencing! Amazing, right?!) but above all he encourages me to keep at it. And it seems to be working. 2) Lee - a personal trainer who runs the spinning class on Thursday mornings and Sunday evenings. He warms us up to COUNTING CROWS (yes, I know, it shouldn't make sense but IT DOES!) and continues the sessions mixing Lady Gaga and Alanis Morrissette and Pearl Jam and Kings of Leon and on the rare occasion we manage to twist his arm to turn on the disco lights, it's like doing a bike ride at Snobs. And I've discovered I LOVE it. So. Indie / metal spinning, and crazy helpful instructors? On that note I'm IN. (ahhh cheesy ending, I know, but I couldn't resist :)

I booked this spa day through the wanada site which included use of all the health club facilities…read morea facial and a free take home product! A great way to spend a Saturday with a friend :-) Arriving at 10:30 I was determined to make use of all the facilities, and that's exactly what we did. My friend and I were shown around the health club - free water machine,changing rooms, swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi and sauna. We spent spent our time relaxing on the loungers reading magazines and generally just chillaxing using the jacuzzi and steam and sauna rooms. The changing room facilities are great complete with the usual showers, toliets, lockers (don't forget a £1 coin!) drier for swimming costumes and hairdryers. You can also bring in your own hair straighteners to plug in. We each had a facial in the spa whereby they used a range of Elemis products on our skin which resulted in super soft skin. The spa staff were friendly and professional and I must say I felt very relaxed after my treatment as it included a head massage too. I will defintely returning for another spa day.

This is a really stylish club at Holiday Inn Birmingham. Well equipped gym, great leisure pool and…read moreif you want classes there a great dance studio. I recommend this club!

Vibro is the only gym I've ever stuck to. Results in a matter of weeks and a friendly place to work…read moreout. Massages are fantastic too.

Once in a while everyone needs a break, and at the end of a particularly stressful week of work i…read moretook Friday afternoon off for some me time. Having had Vibro suite recommended to me by a friend I decided to check out the spa and am very glad I did. They have a fantastic range of treatments and are able to accommodate you if you want a 30 minute lunch time treat or like me an entire afternoon of relaxation. In an attempt to relax I opted for a "Deep Tissue Massage" and a "Bespoke You Facial" both were 1 hour treatments. The welcome was fantastic and I immediately felt at ease and was offered a range of drinks, the initial massage was carried out very well and actually did work to release some of the tension I felt. This was followed by a 10 minute break where I was allowed to sit relax and offered another drink. The Facial consisted of a 15 minute consultation asking about my skin type and normal routine. This was followed by a full 1 hour facial which I think was done very well. Unlike many other spas I wasn't pressured into buying any products or booking a follow up, the staff were fantastic and both treatments were great value for money. I would definitely recommend Vibro Suite.

Located on the North Campus of Birmingham City University this health and fitness facility named…read moreafter the Aston Villa stalwart has plenty to offer any fitness fanatics reading. This sports centre comprises of a fitness suite, sports hall, workout studios and an all weather pitch The fitness suite has a variety of equipment for cardiovascular and resistance training and there is a free weights area. The 8 court Sports Hall has a semi-sprung wood floor and is marked out for; Badminton, Netball, Basketball, 5-a-side football,Cricket and Volleyball If classes are more you style the following classes are available Aerobics, Body Combat, Body Pump, Circuits, Core Stability, Step, Studio Cycle and Legs, Bums and Tums Its not just open to students although there are special deals available for students and staff members the price for the general public ranges from £24.99 a month direct debit up to £250 for 12 months . The Doug Ellis Sports Centre also hosts sports matches and events and as I am more of a spectator than a participant my first visit here involved watching an inter league roller derby bout between the Bad Apples and the Disco Beaters in the Sports Hall. We got front row seats so we were pretty close to the action and there were electronic scoreboards to keep track of the progress of the jams. I would probably make a return visit here as it looks modern and clean and has nice relaxed atmosphere and it's even welcoming as you walk up to the buildings as there are paths and plants which are well maintained and it well lit so you'd feel at ease visiting early in the morning or at night.

A really fantastic building, it boasts an array of different sports facilities from gym, weights…read morearea, free weight room, squash/ tennis courts. 2 large halls, various studios and a swimming pool. The site is a huge I'm sure there's more to add to the list of facilities but that's all I've seen and used so far. The staff are polite and friendly. Gets busy in the week at usual peak times and on the weekend its pretty quiet. There's a carpark next door which is handy. The sport centre sells a carpark voucher for £10 a year that allows you to use all day over weekends and weekdays after 4.30pm only.

I have been using this gym for a couple of months now, and the staff are really friendly and…read moreaccommodating. I tried a number of places around the region before settling for this one. I coach athletes and introduced some of them to this gym. Both male and female of varying ages and abilities and none of them are intimidated by the body builders that go. The clients are mixed, those who want to get BIG and those who want to be slimmer. check it out. Coach

Having trained with these guys for around 18 months now I can say they are the absolute smashing it…read morewhen it comes to training, their extensive knowledge and strong work ethic are second to none. Whatever your goals are, if you're serious about achieving them then these are the guys to go to At one point in my life i hate exercise, but now I'm a complete addict. They have made me want to look and feel better about myself. They offer a no frills approach by 2 dedicated yet unpretentious pair of best friends that provide a fitness package that caters to the individual i am always encouraged and persuaded to continue my fitness routine by constant reassurance, guidance, praise, nutritional advice and also a phone call on no shows! Give it a go you never know! the place is really easy to get to and they have ample parking. This place always has great psootive vibes and you leave your troubles outside and enjoy your workout. A fast paced environment, an intimate setting with a close knit group of members I now regard as friends.....more a support network really ....best for me is the online nutrition advice ....24 hr support by the trainers and peers alike!

I have made the mistake not once, but twice of asking for directions to the Gmac centre, and I have…read morethe learnt the hard way that people are far more familiar with the Alexander stadium than the more modern Gymnastics and Martial Arts Centre. That said, once I had located the place I was pleased by what I found. The centre was modern, with plenty of parking space and top notch facilities. Inside the changing rooms were clean and modern and there were plenty of lockers for valuables. The practice room itself was large and well lit, ample room for everyone that had attended, the only fault was the fact that noisy step aerobics class was situated in the neighbouring room which proved to be an interruption to the more tranquil class that I was attending. All in the Gmac is a great facility and it's great that a such a modern facility has been built purely for the disciplines of Gymnastics and Martial Arts.