Hell may have frozen over... I joined a gym. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against gyms, it is just that I have worked for universities where I could use their gyms for free... alas that is no longer the case. In an attempt to get in shape ahead of my first rowing session since 2012, I decided it was time to cave in and pay to use a gym. I noticed Simply Gym on my way to work one day after having stopped at Tesco for petrol. So I looked it up. I went in for a visit and it is a lot larger than I anticipated. Not sure what I had expected, but perhaps since you cannot see all of the building from the front, it doesn't look like much. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare during peak times, which is unfortunately when I go. There are signs on the fence that tell people not to park there, but they do and it can make getting in and out a problem. And don't bother on days when Chesterfield are playing a home match. They have a salon and spa as part of the gym, which is nice, but I never see anyone in the salon. They also have a computer mounted on the wall, so if you pop in like me, and decide you like what you hear and want to sign up on the spot, you can do so. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable... for example I posed a question about Mr. Snarky and I joining together so we could get a discount. While they were honest and said they do not have joint accounts, they did mention a referral scheme where one of us could join, and refer the other for a discount. Not quite the discount I was hoping for, but Simply Gym is meant to be a stripped down version of other gyms, making it a bit less expensive. Classes are included in your membership and with the exception of two very popular classes, you can just turn up on the night. The asked if I wanted to book an induction, so I said yes. When I came back for the induction, it was with another new member and with one of their trainers. He showed us the different areas of the gym, but also gave us a taster training session. Of course, like the out-of-shape donut I am, I started to feel a bit faint, so he took me over to the lounge area and another staff member made me a sugary tea. They were really good about making sure that I was ok... even though I was probably more embarrassed than anything. There is a gym only for women, but it is quite limited and the space is very small. When you are the only one there, it is fine, but during peak hours it is crowded. The rowing machine in the women's gym could do with some maintenance to the chain as it jerks and catches making a smooth row a bit difficult sometimes. And depending on what day you go, you'll probably hear the spinning instructor yelling through the walls. Even though I know how to use the machines in the main gym, these massive guys taking up space, telling rude jokes, and throwing weights on the floor (even though you're not supposed to do it) doesn't make for a very nice environment. It would be nice to see an expansion of the women's gym, although I don't think that is likely to happen. It isn't a bad gym, but I think once I get rowing, I'll probably cancel my membership. read more