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“Excellent gym, but not "Uncle Franks Friendly Fitness"”

written by on 17/11/2012

I feel it would be important to stress that most of the more critical views on the site seem have focused on the staff members at Bannatyne's failing to be more accommodating about stressful personal situations. While it can definitely be viewed as rather impersonal, we are talking about a a large corporate club, and in my experience I have not encountered a gym of a similar ilk (Fitness First, LA Fitness, Virgin Active, etc) that hasn't responded in exactly the same way. If your main concern is being able to cancel your subscription easily, I would recommended that potential members look elsewhere.

To focus on the actual gym itself, it is excellent, with an abundance of cardiovascular equipment, resistance machines and free weights, such that an ultra marathon runner and bodybuilder could be accommodated alike. The atmosphere is friendly, and very much gives of the vibe of a "health club" rather than a gym, and the pool facilities, including sauna and steam room are equally impressive. They also have a bar/lounge, where a good selection of healthy meals are available, either pre or post workout, and provide an excellent selection of group classes.

If you are serious about integrating health into your lifestyle, Bannatynes is a good option in Norwich. For those that are concerned about being able to readily cancel their contract, there are plenty of gyms (often with less facilities) that have rolling contracts, which can be cancelled within a months notice. To expect a faceless corporate body to care about personal circumstances, as depressing as it is, I feel is a little naive.