Shapers

I joined Gymophobics June 2013. So far I am very impressed. During my induction I had assessment and given tailored exercise plan. I can use the gym in my own convenience.

I find the staff always polite, culturally and religiously competent and accommodating to meet every ones needs. I feel confident to have instructors who are skilled and have expert knowledge to advice and assist me.

I’m already making great progress in improving my fitness level and have no regrets joining Gymophobics.

I would recommend this gym to any woman who wants to improve her health & fitness level.

I completely agree with the previous statement. After just 5 days I had been unable to get an appointment for an induction and then attempted every day to go to the gym but could never park after being reassured that spaces were always available. I emailed my concerns and after 4 weeks without a reply cancelled my membership to which I immediatly received threatening text messages and emails regarding cancellation charges and debt collection. I am horrified by the treatment I received. There is simply no wiggle room they just want your money and don't care about your well being.

I was also quite surprised by the comments about Gymophobics in Sydenham. Really friendly staff, quite committed considering they probably don't earn much money. When I was there as a member I met loads of women who really enjoyed it and said they had lost loads of weight. I think they offered quite a lot for £29 a month - is that really more than other gyms - I used to pay £50 a month and although they had a pool, there was nowhere near the support I got at Gymophobics. Would like them to have a jacuzzi though :)

Name: Steph
Location: Lewisham

I'm absolutely shocked at the above comments.I've been a member of Sydenham Gymophobics for about 2yrs on + off(I have several medical probs that have stopped me going for a while,they were more than happy to put my monthly DD on hold)and have found them much better than other gyms.The staff are always cheery and actually remember your name.
Like one of the other reviewers I've also had a stomach op but can't understand that she's not loosing weight...If you're doing regular exercise + eating properly you HAVE to.If not there's something seriously wrong with you.I have mobility probs and chronic pain so the gym is about the only exercise I can do.I was given a set of exercises suited specifically to me - it's so good that the walk there + home is more painfull than the circut!I go 3 times per week(sometimes going around twice!) and am loosing a steady 1kg per week 7 months after my operation.
Finally,in response to the other comments you can target specific muscle groups to work on but you can't choose where you loose the weight from.The owner has just opened another gym in Croydon so I can't see this one closing any time soon.My last yearly membership was just £213 which I think is very reasonable.I don't find it too small + as it's a circut you never have to wait long to start.

I joined Gymophobics in April this year. After having abdominal surgery I wanted to improve my stomach area. During the time I was there I made no improvements in this area, nor did I lose anyway weight like they claim to be able to do for you!
In October I moved and was no longer able to go to the Gym as I was too far away, I tried to cancel my membership but all the owner harped on about was how unfair it was to other users. Somehow I don't see why.
It says in the same print it is down to the managers discretion to cancel, including stopping you paying the fee. However it is very clear that they are only in it for the money! Why do they need Finance for the Gym, everyone pays monthly.
It's far too small and has no air conditioning.

I went to along because of a free week trial they offered and on the back of that before I even had the chance to do my trail on the induction day I was pressured and duped into signing a 12 month contract.

Reasons not to join:

Only one in London

They are closing down all over the country – badly treating customers

Gymophobics is a franchise, and each one operates differently membership rules – with the exception of Bracknell Branch – who don’t appear to be blood suckers, who have reasonable membership policy nor use the debt collection agency to collect your money – while the rest are vultures specially the Sydenham branch

They use debt collection company to collect your membership fees ‘Debit Finance Collections plc’ Milten Keynes, so they are in good position to hound you.

They use high-pressured sales techniques with the aim of getting you to sign. Soon as you show any interest, they will continuously hound you – they did that to one of my friends.

They are more sales driven than about customer services – they are only interested in getting you to sign the dotted line.

You are told that the instructors are trained and experienced - that is not the case - that is far from it

They staff hover over you, always in your face. But never there when you need them.

The gym is so small, after awhile you feel claustrophobic in there.

They are more expensive than your average gym, you make an initial payment of £70 and on top of that you have to pay £29 a month for 12 months.

They close for every occasion and early only open till 2PM weekends and 8.30PM on the weekend – while close 10PM.

I’ve just started looking locally there are so many gym’s out there – with better facilities, who are cheaper and without the hassle of being tied down for 12 months

I wanted to let anyone considering joining them – don’t do it!

Don’t get fooled like I did!!!!!!