So after a recent dabble in the world of gymming thanks to some LA Fitness Groupon vouchers, I decided I'd join a gym. My choices were pretty limited given that I don't drive and Mr MacDoo's working hours are such that I have to be at home looking after the Mini MacDoo's in the evening, so after ummiing and ahhing about affordability and would I stick to it, I took the plunge and joined the VirginActive gym on Kirkstall Rd. I've been a couple of times now and I'm pretty impressed. I went for an off-peak membership and so far I've only been on a weeknight quite late (9pm-11pm) so I can't really comment at the mo on how crowded it gets at other times. The ladies changing room is clean and spacious, and the lockers are huge. The gym's cardio equipment is great with either little things that you can plug your headphones into and listen in to the various different channels being shown on the TVs around the room, or some even have TVs built in, so you can run/step/cycle along while watching Eastenders/news/the footy which is great. The weights machines all seem good too, with fancy high-tech displays that show you how smoothly you are working out which helps with technnique. The pool is fabulous, if a little cold! At the times I've been, the pool has been practically deserted and I've been able to swim lengths in peace. The pool is lit beautifully as well, which makes for a lovely night swimming experience. There's also a kids pool which looks a lot of fun, although I haven't brought the Mini MacDoos down here for a splash just yet. For me, the crowning glory is the spa room. Bubbles and jets of water everywhere in a pool that's as warm as a relaxing bath. Wooden recliners around the lovely dim relaxing room. A steam room and sauna are included too. A total haven of relaxation after your workout and swim. 'Well, Rosey...' you must be thinking 'why only 4 stars and not 5 then?' Good question. The only thing that lets this place down is the price. Not so much of the membership - that's expensive but, to be fair, pretty par for the course at any big chain gym of this standard - what I think really disappoints for me is the cost of taking my family along. There is a creche available but it would cost me a chuffing fortune to make use of it. And if I wanted to to take Mr MacDoo and the Mini MacDoos along one afternoon for a swim, that would cost us £20! So come on Virgin, sort it out! If they made bringing the family along cheaper, I reckon we'd have a nice afternoon down there a couple of times a month (especially as winter sets in and we're looking for more indoor things to do) And who know, if he liked the look of it enough, Mr MacDoo might even join! But at current prices, it'll just be once in a blue moon I think. read more

Pros - Modern, Clean, lots of Machines, Swimming pool.... Cons - can be very very busy But overall best gym in Leeds by far! read more

This is a good sized gym with a swimming pool. The staff can be a bit pushy when you join up however, which is a bit cheeky since it's not even free to join up. Like, I missed a session because I was ill and they called me 3 times, left me 2 voicemail and texted methat's a bit much, don't you think!? Anyway, it's not the easiest gym to get to, we have a car, but even so, Kirkstall road is very busy and it can be hard to get there. Parking is free though. The gym is quite expensive - which I think is unjustified, as there are cheaper gyms in the city centre, with pools (and extras like towel service). Personally I wouldn't go back here due to the fact it was costing me & fiance £70 a month and it gets really busy as they let the people from the virgin gym in Leeds centre go there on the weekend as the city gym doesn't have a pool and is closed at weekends. There are so many gyms in the area and this isn't really even in the top 5. read more

This is a 2015 review of the virgin active kirkstall gym, I have to say since not been at the gym for maybe 2 months in happy to say it's changed for the best, it's had a whole new refurbishment and the layout has completely changed. I felt like I was entering a different gym. The running machines are more modernised the exercise equipment has been updated amongst other things its awesome. The hand weights are still the same so I'm going to give it an awesome 4.5 I would recommend all who is wanting a nice clean gym to give it a try. read more

This is a great gym if you are a young professional as that's the main crowd that you find here. The gym is really well kitted out with the technogym equipment and you get issued with a really handy key fob, loaded with your own personal workout, so you don't even have to remember what you need to do. The pool is great, always really clean, as is the spa area. Lane swimming is easy here as there aren't usually that many little ones swimming and splashing about, perfect if you just want to slog up and down. There is a bit of a clique here though with some of the staff and the regular muscle bound attendees, but if you can see past it you should enjoy your membership. Restaurant downstairs and internet cafe, as well as a small beauty salon. It's over £50 for a membership but I think this gym is good value for money if you're a regular fitness freak. read more

Well I've been a member for 18 months and didn't had any problems until recently when the club became overcrowded. Hygiene became a huge problem as last time when went to sauna (my fav) it was a nasty smell and couldn't stay there for more than 2 min. Few days later ... surprise ... a verruca despite the fact that I've wear flip flops all the time in the club. Went to cancel my membership but I was told that I have to pay an extra month cause of T&C cancellation policy. Told them about my problem and even went to GP to get a document to support my case. Useless. Told them is not fair for they're customers for me to show up at sauna or pool with this medical condition. They told me they can't do nothing about this and they can't cancel my membership straight away. I'm still a member for a month and will go to sauna and pool without flip flops for a month. If you want verruca join me at Virgin Active Kirkstall, Leeds. read more

I have tried quite a few gyms over the years and this is by far the best. If it's a stylish, dynamic and truly spacious exercise environment you're after then this is the place for you. Virgin Active Health gym is home to some of the most advanced exercise offerings in the world. It has state-of-the-art facilities include all of the latest technology equipment, cardio and resistance trainers, weights and free weights sections, 'ladies-only' zones, functional training zones, flexibility and core stability zones, plus countless other specialist exercise areas to give you the workout of your lifetime. I'm really into the new powerplate machines they offer the effects of a usual 60mins gym workout in just 10 mins, They run classes to demonstate how to use to them. They offer a wide range of fun and exciting classes too for all levels. The pool and spa area is amazing, there's the pool itself then a childrens pool fun of floats to keep the little ones amused then there a relaxing spa area with warm hydro pool, steam room and sauna sometimes it nice to skip the workout and head straight for the spa. There's V club for the kids and a creche too. Also internet access in the coffee shop and you can buy Virgin Vie goodies from the shop too. They offer a wide range of membership options so you don't have to sign up for a tied in for a whole year like some places read more

Virgin is a mixed bag - some great equipment and lovely staff - notably Oliver, one of the personal trainers - his sessions realy put you through your paces. Great stuff! And the spa- i love it! Downside- they are refurbishing at the moment - not good :( read more