IT’S THAT TIME of the year and gyms are inundated with new members as we look to make a positive change in our life. However, many of us will fall into the trap of spending an inordinate amount of money on a membership we will rarely use and doesn’t meet our needs.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a brief look at three different options in each of Dublin, Galway and Cork.
Dublin
Who? West Wood Gym
Where are they? Leopardstown, Clontarf Road and Sandymount.
How much is membership? West Wood don’t quote prices on their website but say plans start at €0.83 per day, although you need to contact their membership team for a full price.
What’s so good about it? Well, there’s a swimming pool (50M), spa, climbing wall, tennis and 5-a-side football pitch (at Leopardstown), free parking and on Clontarf Road there’s an O’Brien’s sandwich bar downstairs.
Anything else we should know? The FREE 4-day pass is a pretty decent deal! (Perfect for those visiting the capital for a long weekend!) Oh, and you can access all three West Wood gyms on the same membership package.
More information here.
Who? FlyeFit
Where are they? Swords, Ranelagh, George’s St, Macken St, Baggott St.
How much is membership? Monthly roaming packages which allow you visit all five gyms cost €32 a month plus the €25 joining fee, though this has often been waived. An annual roaming package is €299 while a day pass is just €9. Monthly and annual membership in just one of the five centres is €29 and €259 respectively.
What’s so good about it? The RealRyder spinning bikes are high-quality (and no matter how good they are, some will always break/be broken) so just accept it. The gym, unlike many, has ample floor space in the free weights section (in Ranelagh and Macken St) and the best equipment.
Plus the newly opened George’s St venue is extremely modern and spacious while they have also announced new locations to be opened throughout 2016.
Anything else? They’re open 24 hours (and fully staffed throughout) and there’s a ‘no contract’ offer which allows you to cancel membership at any time.
More information here.
Who? RAW Condition
Where are they? Portobello (beside the Bernard Shaw) and Sandyford.
How much is membership? Prices vary between gyms but a monthly pass at the Portobello facility costs €44 and annually is €396. To access the classes only you have the option of paying €30 monthly. Student rates here are €39 and €349 (monthly/annually).
In Sandyford, prices differ slightly, with a monthly rate from €49 and an annual rate of €369. Access to classes only (35 a week) is €42 monthly.
What’s so good about it? The new location (just opened on 4 January) in Sandyford boasts the largest free weights section in Ireland and the equipment is first class in both places.
Anything else? The classes are many – with a big emphasis on free weights and body weight exercises. Plenty TRX and Kettlebell classes to help get 2016 off to the best start.
More information here.
Galway
Who? Active Fitness
Where are they? Dublin Road, Renmore
How much is membership? There’s a single annual membership option of €495 or a direct debit option of €588 a year (€49 per month). Another idea is the dual-membership of €880 up front or €85 a month via direct debit.
The off-peak membership (single annual) is €420 or a direct debit of €40 per month. Another good offer is a dual off-peak annual payment of €720 or €65 a month (direct debit).
What’s so good about it? It’s Galway’s first 24 hour gym (not including the 20m pool), free parking and all fitness classes are included, some of which include ‘tabata’, heated yoga, karate, shredded HIIT and boxer-size.
Anything else? Your first month is free, provided you pay up front while in the holistic treatment there are a range of alternative treatments like Indian head massages, reflexology and reiki.
More information here.
Who? NRG Fitness
Where are they? Bohermore and Knocknacarra
How much is membership? €495 for single membership or a monthly direct debit of €49. The latter comes with a joining fee of €25. Shorter term options include a 6-month deal for €325 up front or a 3-month option €225. Members can ‘roam’ between both facilities.
What’s so good about it? The outdoor Jacuzzi is a big hit in Knocknacarra, as are the pools in Bohermore. Both have watt bikes, free classes to members while there’s ample car parking in both places.
More information here.
Who? The Warehouse Gym
Where are they? Monivea Road
How much is membership? 12 month option is €395 or €36.95 a month by direct debit. The 6-month offer is €245 or €45.75 a month while until the end of this week only a 4-month offer is by far the best deal at €99.
What’s so good about it? It’s open from 6am to midnight, it’s always sparking clean and the staff are super friendly.
Anything else? Loads of floor space and its competitively priced.
More information here.
Cork
Who? Fitnessworx
Where are they? Nyhan Industrial Estate, Tramore Road
How much is membership? Single annual membership is €470 or €44 a month direct debit. A couples package is €750 (or €68 a month) while students can get it from as low as €320 and secondary school students even lower at €250. Six month and three-month offers are €280 and €190 respectively.
What’s so good about it? The staff are motivated, friendly and enthusiastic, parking is plentiful (and free), the classes are wide-ranging and there are a number of treatment rooms for massage.
Anything else? They offer a free assessment with every new membership as well as pay-as-you go visits while there’s the option (new for 2016) of unlimited classes.
More information here.
Who? Mardyke Arena
Where are they? Western Road
How much is membership? €640 annually for single membership, or €56 a month by direct debit. A couple’s rate is €1,070 or €92 a month.
A student can get 12-month membership for €290, while 6 and 3-month offers come in at €345 and €200, respectively.
There are a range of offers at the moment so best check the website for the one that best suits your requirements.
What’s so good about it? The gym is huge and has all you could possibly need, even an indoor sprint track if you feel so inclined. For something different, there’s a bouldering wall, an overhang wall and a vertical wall while the fitness rooms, pools and squash courts make it the busiest in the city.
Anything else? Three sports halls can be rented while outside there are GAA pitches, a running track and synthetic hockey pitch.
More information here.
Who? River’s Edge Fitness
Where are they? Sullivan’s Quay
How much is membership? €199 for the year but with unlimited classes included this is bumbed up to €269. For six months you can expect to pay €189 with classes included.
What’s so good about it? Calling themselves Cork’s best-value gym it’s hard to argue with as their annual membership starts at €199. There’s free onsite parking, unlimited access as well as unlimited classes for members while the flywheel spinning classes are arguably it’s unique swelling point.
Anything else? Pilates, TRX, spinning and kettlebells are the most popular classes and there’s a completely separate women’s gym from the functional fitness and unisex exercise rooms.
More information here.
Which gym are you a member of and would you recommend it? Comment on the best gyms in Ireland below.
