LA Fitness Southgate

Cleanliness was a major problem. When I was swimming, there was a childrens' class going on. Parents around the pool side who were observing were all wearing shoes without plastic covers and repeatedly walking in and out from the changing area to the pool, which includes going THROUGH THE SHOWER AREA. When I reported this to the MANAGER (she was a joke) she told me in an irritated manner that they had ordered more plastic covers but they hadn't come yet. I said fine, but why has nobody put up a sign to say they've run out and for the sake of hygiene could all shoes be removed before going through the showers and going to the pool side. She reacted as if I was being unreasonable and told me there wasn't a problem. I pointed out that I personally didn't want to shower there after my swim, because the floor showed evidence of significant dirt from the shoes of parents. She said the cleaner was not due for another 2 hours. So she expected me and other customers to walk in our bare feet where many parents had walked in their dirty shoes. Nothing was done to amend the situation, the manager 'Susanne' did not thank me for bringing the problem to her attention or attempt any error correction, as a manager should.
Secondly, I noticed a parent eating by the pool and another parent feeding her son biscuits. I asked the manager if eating was allowed and she said 'yeah its not a problem, depends what you're talking about'- I had to stop myself from laughing at her as I reminded her there was an LA Fitness notice by the pool that said 'no eating or drinking.' I mean really, it's as if I was unknowingly on a comedy show.

This attitude problem of the staff of Southgate is reflected in the gym, the machines that dispense wipes to clean the machinery are always empty and wipes are found on the floor about the place- they are not picked up for hours as I notice when I spend a particularly lengthy session at the gym.

I was paying £48 pound a month and LA Fitness market themselves as a luxury, high-brand gym chain. So why was the manager shrugging off complaints of dirty showers and purposefully ignoring the breaking of pool-side rules?

Do not bother with this branch- go to the Southgate Leisure Centre next door. Cheaper and with staff who actually have their heads screwed on.