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Welcome to the new blog site.
Please write to us and let us know how we're doing
All issues and questions posted are monitored and answered in the FAQ page.
Name: mikey
E-mail: Private
Date posted: January 03, 2009 - 04:38 pm
Message: The showers are a bit cold at times... it's suprising how many of the hot/cold adjustment taps are broken and locked into position and can't be altered.
Name: dan
E-mail: Private
Date posted: January 03, 2009 - 10:02 am
Message: the showers are just too cold.
Name: Raal
E-mail: Private
Date posted: January 02, 2009 - 01:09 pm
Message: Agree with many here I'm afraid, the new changing areas represent style over substance and are a nightmare in ergonomics, lockers that close on you the fiddling about with one pound coins and just not enough bench space I really don't see how it's going to work in January when there will be another recruitment drive.
Asking for a pound for the locker token after all the disruption the members have had to put up with for six months is outrageous. Just doesn't seem to have been thought through at all. I'll be looking at alternatives, and if you're thinking of joining I wouldn't.
Name: mikey
E-mail: Private
Date posted: December 06, 2008 - 03:19 pm
Message: I agree about the smell from the toilets being awful. There needs to be a door between them and the changing rooms. It was especially bad on Wednesday afternoon...e rghh!
Name: andre
E-mail: Private
Date posted: December 06, 2008 - 12:54 pm
Message: I'm very disappointed about the new changing rooms. The lack of privacy brought by the new benches, the lack of space to get changed, and the continuos smell in the toilets that spread everywhere is awful.
I am looking to find a new gym to use, and as I am, also another 3 friends of mine are.
Name: mikey
E-mail: Private
Date posted: December 04, 2008 - 09:30 am
Message: the benches are certainly too small but the lockers and general environment is far better and feels much less claustrophobic....
Name: craig
E-mail: Private
Date posted: November 27, 2008 - 03:38 pm
Message: whilst the changing rooms look good, have to say I haven't been overly impressed, as a previous poster mentioned there is one area that got so over crowded that i had to move away just to get changed. the over bench hanger are not high enough, when you put your winter coat on the are left dangling on the bench, whilst not the end of the world does mean they get in the way. also ahd the same problem with the showers, they seem to go off before you even get wet.
Luckily im a member of the LFn so can go elsewhere,and just hope you are able to sort out all the teething troubles.
Name: Ian
E-mail: Private
Date posted: November 24, 2008 - 01:15 pm
Message: I have to say i HATE the new changing rooms, with over 50 lockers for one tiny bench that doesnt even fit 4 grown men. A clock would also be nice in the changing room. The traffic flow is also very badly designed, as are the shower facilities ( no constant hot water from the timed showers that turn off automatically after less than 60 seconde ) . After one week, i too am looking at going elsewhere ( which is a shame as i had been at the Y for over 10 years ).
Name: David
E-mail: Private
Date posted: November 09, 2008 - 05:05 pm
Message: I notice there is meant to be a "family" changing area. What exactly is going into this area? Will it have a kids shower for example? On the plans it looks very small.
Name: Simon
E-mail: Private
Date posted: November 06, 2008 - 12:13 am
Message: I'm not convinced much consultation has gone on with a lot of the changes. I, too, have enjoyed the gym or pool followed by a sauna, but as this is going I need to look elsewhere. A shame.
Name: Dave
E-mail: Private
Date posted: October 04, 2008 - 09:01 am
Message: I have to say the new video showing the plans have sold it for me - totally transforms the place, and I really like the new mezzanine cardio area - didn't realise it was going in, it just didn't stand out on the floor plans. It looks fantastic - here's hoping the upper floors get a lick of paint as they will look a bit shabby in comparison. The shower cubicles have low doors as well, so you get a bit of privacy but it doesn't lose the whole community spirit thing.
Name: Michelle
E-mail: michellemattinson@hotmail.com
Date posted: October 02, 2008 - 11:07 am
Message: Hey guys!
New gym plans look really good! A friend and I were watching the video on the new construction it kinda needs some music as it runs for quiet a while!
Looks great though!
Name: DXP
E-mail: Private
Date posted: August 31, 2008 - 12:29 pm
Message: I was wondering what this will all look like at the end - are there any "impressions" around of how the changing rooms will appear, what sort of floors the new exercise studios will have etc.?
Name: Brian
E-mail: Private
Date posted: August 12, 2008 - 11:39 am
Message: To be fair, both the planned lift and I believe the one already installed in the Main Sports Hall are intended primarily for use by the disabled -- for whom climbing stairs is indeed an effort or even an impossibility.
Name: Nick
E-mail: evans.nick2@googlemail.com
Date posted: August 08, 2008 - 01:30 pm
Message: Agree completely with the comments below regarding the loss of the sauna which is a real shame. It's one of the main reasons I used this gym (that and the swimming pool). The sauna was a perfect way to unwind after a workout. I can't understand either why it should be replaced by a lift in a gym of all places - becuase climbing some stairs requires effort?! All the other changes being made in the renovation sound like welcome improvements, but the loss of the sauna cancels all these out for me. If the sauna is not replaced I will also likely be looking to move on.
Name: DXP
E-mail: Private
Date posted: August 06, 2008 - 05:06 pm
Message: I was never a big user of the sauna, but it does seem odd for a fitness centre not to have one - especially the Y, which claims to specialise in therapy and rehabilitation. I have always thought our club was a "step above" the likes of the LA Fitnesses, Fitness Firsts and Virgin clubs of this world, but the sauna decision seems to have been foisted on members in a way that you would expect from the chains. I notice that the UV beds will still be well catered for - I think we know which would have been the healthier option to keep.
Name: daniel
E-mail: seligsohn@btopenworld.com
Date posted: August 04, 2008 - 02:00 pm
Message: the loss of the sauna is a huge disappointment. most large health clubs incorporate a sauna. having been a member almost 10 years this is enough to make me consider moving on. the sauna was so important for all ages of people and in great regular use. i have read your reasons, but really feel you have acted without proper consideration in removing it. There MUST be other possibilities.
Name: daniel
E-mail: seligsohn@btopenworld.com
Date posted: August 04, 2008 - 01:59 pm
Message: the loss of the sauna is a huge disappointment. most large health clubs incorporate a sauna. having been a member almost 10 years this is enough to make me consider moving on. the sauna was so important for all ages of people and in great regular use. i have read your reasons, but really feel you have acted without proper consideration in removing it. There MUST be other possibilities.
Name: Rosi
E-mail: rosi@ymca.co.uk
Date posted: August 03, 2008 - 07:45 pm
Message: The information re the RSS feeds is a bit complicated. Is it possible to run an example of how to log into these?
Name: Tim
E-mail: Private
Date posted: August 02, 2008 - 03:39 pm
Message: Choice...Conclusions.
Having initiated the debate, the response shows that there is no desire by the men to change their showering arrangements. My suggestion of a say 50/50 split of communal and private showers would allow individuals to make their own choice rather than have it dictated to them, and therefore both Chris and Dave are equally served.
We look forward to your response in FAQs.
Name: Kevin
E-mail: Private
Date posted: July 30, 2008 - 10:56 pm
Message: Returned to the Y today after a 3 month break due to illness only to discover that the sauna has been taken away and will not be replaced. As this is the only facility I will be able to use during my recuperation I am now looking for a gym that provides a full range of facilities.
This is such a short-sighted move - and blaming it on VAT just a cowardly excuse - taking out such a popular facility without consultation is a shocking abuse of our trust. As a member for more than 15 years I am very disappointed in the current management of a club I have loved and (previously) widely recommended.
Name: name
E-mail: eqhnwapq@qfnnbvnz.com
Date posted: July 19, 2008 - 02:32 pm
Message: best of the best it is,
Name: mikey
E-mail: Private
Date posted: July 19, 2008 - 01:28 pm
Message: The loss of the sauna is a disappointment. Improved locker rooms and aircon in the changing rooms is a big plus... showers well communial or individual i'm not fussed either way. A general smartening up is to be welcomed.
Name: Chris B
E-mail: Private
Date posted: July 13, 2008 - 04:19 pm
Message: I left the YMCA because of dissatisfaction with the changing and shower facilities, so I will certainly consider returning once these changes have been completed. One thing I am not clear about: will the showers have soap dispensers? It really was annoying to have to keep buying soap (and on more than one occasion I forgot to bring any). Every other gym has soap dispensers, so I think the YMCA must move into the 21st century and get some. For me that's far more important than 'private' shower cubicles, which I consider to be a waste of space and money. (I agree with Tim on that).
It will be a pity if the sauna goes, but that would not stop me returning.
Name: David Markham
E-mail: Private
Date posted: July 02, 2008 - 06:23 pm
Message: Like other members I welcome those changes which will enhance facilities and atmosphere at Central Y, but like them I'm dismayed by the threatened loss of the sauna, which I use after every swim. The Revenue must be persuaded that a sauna is not a taxable luxury but is a natural component of any health club structure. Keep fighting for it, and if the issue is still unresolved with the Revenue, at least allocate space for it in case clearance is granted later.
Name: DXP
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 13, 2008 - 01:05 pm
Message: At least with new changing rooms and showers there is a chance to avoid the frustrating bottle-necks that exist with the current ones. You can hardly even get through the entrance without colliding with other members, and for the guys, getting to the toilets is near impossible if someone is using the hand-dryer that half -blocks the doorway. All this plus the constant pong, and the place being so humid it's pointless showering.. Will be glad to say bye-bye to all that!
Name: Simon D
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 12, 2008 - 02:32 pm
Message: My main concern about these proposals is that it is going to make it even harder to find a free locker in the evenings. I know that there will be an increase in the number of lockers (30?) but I think that will be more than cancelled out by the change to coin in slot operation. At present most people only use one locker. With coin operation I think the temptation to use an extra locker (for wet coat and umbrella, cycle gear, shopping, whatever) will be overwhelming and posters telling people to only use one locker will be as effective as the ones saying "Do not dry off here".
Name: Dave
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 10, 2008 - 05:38 pm
Message: Sorry Tim, I am not going to miss the communal showers at all. Call it "Victorian" or whatever but I'm glad we are getting a bit of privacy.
Name: mary whittle
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 10, 2008 - 09:17 am
Message: Two things. first on the sauna; its important to many members and should be in the new plan. if you really mean to listen to us, facilitate it. secondly, on a current matter please ask people not to use deodorant sprays in the changing rooms - i'm tired of breathing them in
Name: chris lam
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 08, 2008 - 06:57 pm
Message: I also cannot believe that the sauna is not going to be replaced. I recently renewed my membership. I had no knowledge that there was an issue with the inland revenue regarding the sauna. Like the other comments a sauna is an essential part of what any modern gym has to offer all members, if anything they should put in a new sauna or steam room. If I had known I would probably not have renewed my membership its a s simple as that. Once the lift goes in I cannot think where they might put a new sauna should they win the case with the tax man. It's a shame there will in effect be one less service that this gym has to offer that all the other gyms have and that is a steam room and a sauna. For me it is not a health and fitness centre if it does not have one or the other or both.
Name: Graham
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 08, 2008 - 04:21 pm
Message: Hello
I do hope that the refurbishment includes better surface on the stairs leading to the pool. Very dangerous. I slipped badly a few weeks ago luckly I was holding on to railing.
Name: erny
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 07, 2008 - 09:26 pm
Message: i understand that replacement is not intended due to tricky VAT issue. i think that YMCA could interest in medical & health specialist to prove that sauna is integral part for health programmes offered within YMCA. and memebers, including wide range of community groups with special health conditions, find it important to be able to use sauna in conjunction with other services. sauna is not just an addedd value for YMCA commercial services - it is essential part of maintaining health and wellbeing of everyone.
i wonder what YMCA plan to do when VAT issue will be cleared. there will be no place near showers on GL3. smarterwould be to plan a place but not put sauna till issue with VAT is solved. and it is possible to solve issue in favour of YMCA and its users
Name: jeremy
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 07, 2008 - 03:07 pm
Message: i cant believe the saunas not being replaced it really is an essential part of any fitness centre or gym already concidering joining other gym this convinces me even more .....SAVE THE SAUNA PLEEEEASE
Name: Jonathan Dyson
E-mail: j.dyson@london.com
Date posted: June 04, 2008 - 04:57 pm
Message: Save the sauna. The reasons for getting rid of the sauna are not convincing. A sauna/steam room facility is a basic requirement of any gym. In fact such facilities should be expanded, as they have been at virtually every other gym in the country over the past couple of years. I will not renew my membership if there are no plans for a replacement.
Name: John
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 03, 2008 - 05:22 pm
Message: SAVE our SAUNA. It is crazy to close the sauna. For many members this is a key facility. The reasons given for closure are: 1. Fitting disabled access lift to pool. 2. There may be a VAT issue on membership fees for clubs with saunas. On1: it is easily possible to fit in a suitable lift in addition to same or similar sized sauna. Even refitting sauna completely is only a fraction of the cost of adding lift. On 2: this issue may well be a problem and is faced by many similar clubs. There must be possibility of appeal or workaround involving nominal VAT-able sauna supplementary charge etc. In any case the sauna should NOT be trashed before all avenues exhausted. Fitting sun-beds in place of a sauna is a cosmetic hotel style feature which adds nothing much to the gym.
Name: Marcin
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 03, 2008 - 12:48 pm
Message: Save The Sauna! It's nonsense to remove a vital part of every modern gym. It's way healthier that sun beds that found their place in new scheme. Please reconsider this,not only in my opinion, v. bad idea!
Name: Brian
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 03, 2008 - 10:14 am
Message: It is ironic that you choose the slogan 'More than just a Gym' for what is yet anothe diminution in the range of facilities you offer - a range that did indeed once make the Y stand out from other gyms.
I'm afraid that if the Y ends up as a clone of Virgin Active then I will vote with my feet and join the real thing.
Name: 191591
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 02, 2008 - 09:55 pm
Message: Has there been any proper member research or consultation (beyond that gimmicky and unrepresentative machine on the stairwell)?
Did it not occur to any of you to have the "exhibition" open to those who visit the gym before noon?
Please advise the date of the closure of the sauna. I shall be terminating my membership from that date.
Name: anja
E-mail: Private
Date posted: May 31, 2008 - 01:41 pm
Message: sauna?
Name: Tim
E-mail: Private
Date posted: May 31, 2008 - 01:14 am
Message: Would it be possilbe to continue to encourage some sense of community by retaining some of the team (communal) showers for the men. The "victorian" isolationist individual cubicles with doors proposed only perpetuate shame of the human body- prudish, and very unYMCA!!
Name: Rumi
E-mail: rumik@blueyonder.co.uk
Date posted: May 29, 2008 - 04:38 pm
Message: Could we have a squat frame in the new free-weights studio, please?
Name: craig
E-mail: Private
Date posted: May 27, 2008 - 05:50 pm
Message: Save The Sauna, you must have enough space to fit a little on in each of the changing rooms at least! who has ever heard of a modern gym with no sauna facilities! Its a shame no space can be found! lets the whole project down. ;-(
Name: paul
E-mail: Private
Date posted: May 27, 2008 - 05:01 pm
Message: is it true the sauna is going?that would be such a loss to the club, and I for one would consider terminating my membership on that alone.
Name: Steven Clarke
E-mail: steven.clarke@gardiner.com
Date posted: May 27, 2008 - 04:26 pm
Message: I understand that the Sauna is being done away with as part of the refurbishment. It would have made sense to have distributed a 'tick in the box' leaflet to guage the feedback from users to the prospect of losing this tremendously popular facility. The Sauna was one of the attractions of membership to me, and I'm very dissapointed that not only is it to be removed, but that it will not be replaced with a similar facility i.e steam room, etc.
Name: John
E-mail: Private
Date posted: May 23, 2008 - 12:33 am
Message: I am really exited about this. I cannot wait to see the results!
Name: WetFeet
E-mail: Private
Date posted: May 22, 2008 - 12:41 pm
Message: Please can yu make sure you put up signs to/from the pool asking people to take TOWELS WITH THEM so they can dry off BEFORE coming back into the change rooms! Surrently there are only signs from the showers, and very inconsiderate people come in dripping wet from the pool and make the change room floor sodden! I was told off once for not showering before using the pool (as I did not appear wet when I arrived at the pool side, even though I had showered!). Maybe staff should be more attentive to people who turn up at the pool without any towels!!
Name: Andrew
E-mail: Private
Date posted: May 22, 2008 - 10:40 am
Message: Save Our Sauna -- SOS: Please, please, please don't remove the sauna - this is always busy and that shows that member’s appreciate this facility...
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