Written on: 10/05/2013 by EmmaJac (2 reviews written)
when you pay 70 per month you dont want to see algae like fungus on the edge of the pool. You do at ilford esporta. Discusting look and feel. padlock for the lockers, the place is soo hot and humid when you step out of the shwer your sweating again. wanted to cancel my membership they said I was out of the contract (member for 17 months) but I have to give a 3 month notice. OKKKKKK... where is the sense in that im not in contract any more still gota way a quarter of the year to leave.... (read more)
Written on: 14/04/2013
DO NOT JOIN! Was a member when it was the Brighton Health And Raquet club. The place now unrecognisable. Since virgin have taken over the decline all round has been simply unbelievable. The machines are ALWAYS out of order the changing rooms and showers are filthy. The toilets are disgusting with overflowing sanitary bins. The showers are clogged with hair and the floors unwashed. The staffing has been dramatically reduced and it shows. Management are clearly not managing. Im a nurse and i... (read more)
Written on: 17/01/2013
Virgin Active Brighton: Smelly facilities,dirty changing rooms and shower areas, faulty equipment.......target driven and aggressive management style, some very inept, fairly rude and unapologetic new staff - the list goes on, the company running this club now is in the wrong industry! (read more)
Written on: 08/11/2012 by JohnHarvey
I am a member of Virgin Active at Hunts Ground, Bristol and so far, I've found nothing to complain about. Okay, the membership is a bit on the expensive side for me, but I live less than a mile away and the place is open from 6.30 a.m. until late at night. I've honestly got no excuse not to train there nearly every day, even though I have a busy working schedule. I strive to get my money's worth and take full advantage of the facilities and free classes. Let's face it, ANY health club... (read more)
Written on: 30/10/2012 by Kevone007
Terrible condition in sauna which is cold and changing rooms terrible state, showers cold no liquid soap which is watered down. It's really gone down hill. I would not recommend it. (read more)
Written on: 12/05/2012
I had joined my local Esporta gym (Humberston Country Club) as I was told and states in the contract I signed that I could use any of the other gyms owned by Esporta around the country. As I'm a contractor who works all over the country I thought this was a fantastic addition to have. I used the gym for several years until it was bought out by Virgin, who told me I could now only use my own gym, the one I joined in the first place. I told them that it was in my contract I could use all other... (read more)
Written on: 15/04/2012 by user.one (1 review written)
I was mis-sold membership, the gym isn't in fact as it looks so don't be fooled, when you join you find that you don't get treated well and they're not interested in your enquiries, you'll be lucky to get to the classes, the program was rubbish. They lied to me and they lied about their own terms and conditions and they told me stuff that was not in their terms and when I spoken to them they started to threat me with stuff that wasn't in their terms and conditions. It was absolutely... (read more)
Written on: 24/06/2012
I signed up to Esporta, which seemed like a nice family oriented club. They were taken over by Virgin Active and the club changed beyond recognition. It became dirty and incredibly crowded. I gave notice to my 12 months contract, but they are now chasing me for month number 13 - threatening with giving my alleged debt over to a debt recovery sharks. My advise for anyone buying a gym membership - give notice the day you sign the contract and demand a written confirmation of the date of the last and final direct debit.
Written on: 29/03/2012
the sevrice is poor from start to finish firstly pool heating is always broken down they always say is be fix. the cleaning in the is very poor standard what we pay in chiswick park for.. the staff are sleeping on duty sitting there not cleaning pool area and giving attitude to customer. the jacuzzi is never cleaned when you ask staff there rely is the cleaning products havnt arrived. changing room are never cleaned propely. i have left message for a manager to call me seem they are not... (read more)
Written on: 18/03/2012 by Jpl60 (3 reviews written)
I enjoyed using this club and have been a member on and off since it first opened. However since I re-joined last year they have tried to take monthly direct debits from my bank account several times even though I paid up front a full one year subscription. My card was blocked when I still had two months membership to run and was finally after three weeks unblocked only to find it blocked yet again four days later! Every time I spoke to reception they would let me in and agree nothing was... (read more)
Written on: 02/07/2012
I have read and heard many reviews of Esporta Bristol being bullish and use unsavoury sign up tactics! Now they are virgin they are little better, but the customer care infrastructure should be better. It's a shame that there isn't a decent gym in the area because I'm sure esporta/virgin would have to sort out their act if there was!
Written on: 23/09/2012
Ref- Savvygymuser : Have you tried Riverside Leisure Club I am a member there and it is a great alternative although little known, staff are always friendly and is great value for money and there is always only a one month cancellation period as my wife left the club and thought it would be difficult to get out of but found it easy
Written on: 17/03/2012
Its taken me 3 years to voice my opinions about this company but nows the time to provide my humble opinion. I worked for this shoddy outfit at a senior level for their flagship club, Chiswick Riverside, following a £30 million insurance rebuild. I'm sure they paid somebody to torch it. They spent over £50k in recruitmnent fees alone to bring in professional people that could help them relaunch and run the club to the high standard it required. What a great bunch of people they were i... (read more)
Written on: 03/11/2011 by AlistairRennie
This place is a joke, been a member for 6 years and the only way you can speak to someone is if you pretend to be someone who wants to sign up for new membership. If you're an existing member, forget it - Helen, the person responsible for existing memebers NEVER answers the phone (actually she did once, just once mind you), NEVER returns calls and even tried to keep my membership running while i recovered from surgery. After 6 years, they want 3 months notice before terminating my... (read more)
Written on: 18/10/2011
The good - location The bad - customer service from all departments, integrity of sales team Mis-selling I joined Esporta Riverside Chiswick to play tennis, specifically before work. I was assured that I would be able to have lessons as soon as the club opened so that I could get to work on time. All sounded great! Then reality struck once my signing fee and direct debit had all been taken. The receptionist laughted at my request to book a tennis lesson so early saying none of the... (read more)
Written on: 09/10/2011 by jennysouter (1 review written)
I was highly disappointed this afternoon when i took my 2 children swimming to the kingston branch of the Esporta clubs. The receptionist reminded me that my kids were not members of this club - as for as i was aware for the last two years of my membership "kids go for free". I reiterated this thought to him and he told me that the rules has been changed. Since Virgin Active has taken over this Esporta club earlier this year they have recently introduced a children swimming charge at this... (read more)
Written on: 02/09/2011 by Cyberman
Been with them for over 2 years and now want to cancel my membership. I thought that the cancellation period was 1 month only and the person who I spoke to at the gym by phone confirmed this. However upon going to the gym to fill out a cancellation form I was told that usually the cancellation period is 1 month but head office has to confirm this. Received a phone call 3 days later from my Esporta gym telling me that Head Office has said that my cancellation will be 3 months. I was not... (read more)
Written on: 13/08/2011
I AM TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH ESPORTA IN HUNTS GROUND ROAD IN BRISTOL AND THEY CONTINUE TO IGNORE COMPLAINTS. I joined in Sept 2010 and was very active and mainly swam and did combat and the gym. i became pregnant in Dec/ Jan 2011 and due to complications and advice from my GP was advised initially not to exercise. I made contact with Esporta and spoke to 2 x managers over a few months to ask them to at least reduce my £55.99 membership fees as i wasn’t able to access the gym and would... (read more)
Written on: 31/08/2011
That's terrible but not surprising! I have had my fingers burnt by Esporta and I don't really think the Virgin active buy out will change anything - it will still be the same snidey, rude Staff and personal trainers.
I hope that you find a decent, reputable gym in Bristol!
Written on: 10/08/2011 by ducktail (1 review written)
Very poorly maintained equipment, extremely poor customer service, and a rip-off 3 month notice period to cancel contract. They market themselves as a high-end club. This is bargain basement standard at premium prices. I thought Fitness First was bad until I joined Esporta. At least Fitness First are honest about their status in the market and charge a fee that is inline with the standard of equipment and customer service. 1.99% of staff are clearly not trained in appropriate levels of... (read more)
Written on: 06/08/2011
Me and my girlfriend both joined as a couple and neither of us were aware of the 3 month notice for cancealtion. So it's not a 12 mont contract it's a 15 month contracvt. Additionally she broke her ankle and couldn't train. We ask them to suspend the membership and they said they would if we have a doctor certificate. I took it down and they would only suspend it from that day and not the date of the note which meant we had to pay another month even though the Dr's note showed she could... (read more)
Written on: 10/07/2011 by energiedj
I am so disappointed and surprised by how businesses can become so cruel and just after money. I have a serious breathing condition that put my heart at risk. I had an operation lately and had to cancel my membership. They would not allow me to do this and demand me to pay the 3 months of notice. Horrendous and ruthless people. When I first signed up they have literally bombarded me with txt as they wanted my girlfriend and my family to sign up too. The monthly price is absolutely... (read more)
Written on: 01/07/2011
The gym was always in an appalling state, it stunk of urine and once even found a sanitary towel lying in the dressing rooms. Changing room lights were unchanged and the shower curtains had so much muck and mildew on them you would probably leave the shower dirtier then you went in. Gave my three mioneths notice but they carried on taking money for 4 months AFTER that. The staff are rude and useless and always act like they're better than you. So much for friendly service. I'd rather jump... (read more)
Written on: 02/08/2011
"Gave my three mioneths notice but they carried on taking money for 4 months AFTER that."
During those four months, did it not occur to you to cancel your direct debit?
Written on: 31/08/2011
It never ceases to amaze me how people just don't read their contracts. Also, I check my bank balance on a regular basis - I would KNOW if there was still £50+ coming from my account.
When all is said and done, and for all their faults, they can't really be blamed for other peoples stupidity!
Written on: 24/06/2011
Takrn my 12 yr old son several times to gym during junior sessions, in past been told he can use CV equipment, weight machines but not free weights. which l agreed and have complied with, l supervise him at all times. I have tried and failed to find a specific kids policy on gym use on there web site but there is not one. On recent visit had a run in with a certain gym instructor, who in past,has displayed a self important unfriendly attitude, a view shared by several other members. Upon... (read more)
Written on: 12/07/2011
Im no fan of Esporta, but your son should not be using weights until he is atleast 14. This could damage growing bones etc!
Written on: 20/06/2011
Esporta Swiss Cottage is an excellent gym. They have a great range of facilities and I loved the classes. However, I moved home and it was not practical to attended Esporta Swiss Cottage. Getting out of the contract was an absolute nightmare. I gave my 3 months notice as requested in the contract. This was not enough for them and they requested an extra 2 months of payment, even though I couldn't attend anymore. When I objected to their demands they sent my account to creditors. I had to pay... (read more)
Written on: 05/06/2011
Their only aim is to get you to sign a contract that you can not get out of for 12 months ! .. they want their money and nothing else .. you never know what would happen to your circumstances and therefore you should be allowed to cancel, especially bearing in mind the price !! .. Do your health a favour and avoid the stress of joining this money extracting factory !!! (read more)
Written on: 19/05/2011
I am a member of Southampton Esporta.My only complaint is the high cost of membership.The staff are extremely friendly and always greet you by your name.The gym facilities have recently been upgraded and are top class.They is a huge choice of classes most of which are free.There is a comprehensive tennis program including leagues.The changing facilities have also been recently upgraded.There are anumber of clubs within the club eg walking club,photography club. (read more)
Written on: 18/05/2011
Bad maintained facilities, smelly gym and class rooms, not the cleanest place, don't really care about any complaints or giving solutions to existing problems, and full of Esporta lies concerning the membership rights and benefits. (read more)
Written on: 02/05/2011
This is about Esporta Plymouth (Devonshire) If you have a child then do NOT bother - an absolute waste of money. The pool is oversubscribed with aqua classes and children are not allowed in between 12-2pm which completely cuts most of the time available to swim with your child! There is an outdoor pool but not suitable for a baby although i am frequesntly told to go and swim in there. It seems you pay your monthly membership but have NO access to the pool should you wish to tae your child... (read more)
Written on: 27/04/2011
I find the staff lazy, unresponsive and smug. The facilities are frequently dirty and smell of urine. Esporta are also money grabbing scum. Better to fnd a gym with a trial membership period than sign a contrct with these people.
After being fed up with the pool being oversubscribed I decided to quit my membership but they hve a weasel clause in the small print that stops you and now I'm stuck being a member of a gym I hate.
Might as well be a public pool with a Wetherspoons pub bolted...
(read more)
Written on: 25/04/2011 by bb8899 (1 review written)
Been a member of Esporta Warwickshire for 3 years.Clean and well maintained gym.I visit 4 times a week so get more than my monies worth.There should be more free social functions for members.Not sure why there are so many people complaining about the contract as you are made aware of there terms and conditions when you join.My tip would be to join towards the end of the month when all sorts of extra gifts will be thrown upon you as they must have monthly targets to hit (read more)
Written on: 21/04/2011
I am a member of the Oxford branch of ESporta and the facisilties are nice.however the staff are awful,rude,and generally a bunch if bullies.I tried to change to normal membership from rackets,as they wanted £15 from me to book a court with a non member!!!my local gym round the corner is £3!!!!this is crazy!I then had to go in almost everyday to speak to someone and they were so rude and then overcharged me for 3 months!now I cancelled my direct debit after a years membership and probably... (read more)
Written on: 08/04/2011
Plan to cancel my membership of Esporta Riverside (Chiswick). Used to be OK but feels like a posh Army Camp now. Something's gone badly wrong there.
Anyone else noticed?
(read more)
Written on: 08/04/2011
Hi
joined esporta lichfield 12 months ago and what a mistake.
The pool & changing rooms a very very dirty.
the manager JO WARD is so so rude, and even her own staff dont like her.
very very over priced.
moved to seedy mill ok smaller but much much better
(read more)
Written on: 31/05/2011
Jo has a difficult job to do within a cut throat climate, give her a break.
Written on: 07/04/2011 by doctflipper (3 reviews written)
why oh why must i give this company a star? surely no stars must be an option!
i took a membership, used it probably not enough, despite problems such as the pool heating failing, the cr8p showers, and the tv audio never working.
having had enough, i gave my 3 months notice to cancel along with my partner. they managed to cancel my partners account but not mine. i am now fighting the company to get back the money they took from me, i've lost count of the amount of times customer...
(read more)
Written on: 31/03/2011
This is by far the worst customer service and management I have ever experienced. Not only was the manager rude to me and decided not to help because 'he'd been working 12 hours and was tired' but I was told to leave all because I enquired about their free gym membership pass. Too expensive for terrible service. Go elsewhere. (read more)
Written on: 26/03/2011
I was a member of Ilford esporta but left because machines were always being repaired or not,locker rooms were not cleaned and smelled,and staff were not helpful also very expensive.PLEASE DON`T JOIN ESPORTA and save money by going for a swim or a fast walk in your local park. (read more)
Written on: 21/03/2011
The Bradford club looks great (especially the pool) but there are a few problems;
1. Stuff never really seems to work (sauna out of order again).
2. Silly lockers requiring a padlock (make sure you check what size as I bought two that didn't fit. Oh and for some reason they don't sell them!)
3. Abysmal customer service. Prepare yourself to be ignored, lied to, pestered by sales people and generally made to feel awful by the staff.
4. Factor the above in and it's pretty expensive with a very...
(read more)
Written on: 20/03/2011
I'm member at the Ilford Esporta, Esporta is after money and thats all they care, agree with all the other reviews here. There are atleast 40-50 males using the facility at the same time but their sauna can seat only TWO, and Steam only FOUR healthy adults and filthiest changing rooms you can ever find, the councul funded leisure centre maintains a better quality of facilities. (read more)
Written on: 18/03/2011 by cchallam (3 reviews written)
Many other reviews have already detailed ther services of Esporta, and I was a member of both Wimbledon and Oxford clubs. Neither were worth the money to be fair and below the standard of other gyms in most ways, but I was locked in once signed up. My reason for this post (and this is only time I have ever done this) is NEVER, EVER join as the stress and hassle they cause when you try and terminate a membership is unlike anything you will ever experience. I have file an inch thick of letters... (read more)
Written on: 18/03/2011 by Michael1352 (1 review written)
I initially joined my stepson and myself to the Brighton Esporta sports club with high expectations after being warmly welcomed by the Brighton marketing manager who convinced me that Esporta was a warm and friendly up market establishment and one where members would enjoy a wide array of facilities and enjoy a friendly relaxed atmosphere. I joined up on the spot and even paid for extra guest vouchers, but very quickly doubts set in.
Once I had joined the friendly welcome quickly...
(read more)
Written on: 15/03/2011
esporta Gloucester, is a very nice and well presented health spa club . it caters for everyone of the family and has good facilities. the one querey i would ask is for my 13 year old daughter is not allowed to teen gym and finds the teen studio (10-13) very boring and imature and not what she wants to go to the gym for. they just played many games, which as a teenager doesn't sound the best of ideas when she could be on the rowing machine like she has been in other clubs. but overall good... (read more)
Written on: 15/03/2011
I'm a member of Esporta Wandasworth... joining there was the a HUGE mistake:
- When I went for a tour of the club prior to joining the sales lady was lovely, very welcoming and charming. I signed up to a 12 month contract at £86.50 per month. Ever since I signed that contract she blanks me even after saying hello on several occasions - nothing. So rude, they just want your money and as soon as you get it customer service goes out of the window.
- The receptionists are RUDE. The other day I...
(read more)
Written on: 11/03/2011 by abstract1 (1 review written)
A nicely kitted out gym, but a slack approach to the care of gym members.
I've just fired this off to Esporta, as they are 'after' me for the 3 month notice period payment.
Dear Sir/Madam
Further to our telephone conversation today, I am writing to confirm that I no longer wish to be a member of Esporta, in XXXXXX. As such, I have cancelled my direct debit to you.
I wrote a letter to you last week, however, XXXXX XXXXXXX, who continues to be a member at the club, forgot to hand deliver...
(read more)
Written on: 01/03/2011
DO not pay the 3 months notice!
1: You will receive calls from their member relations team up until 1 month overdue fes.
2: They will threaten and then send you to ARC a collectino company.
3: Ignore all calls from collection company as they are contracted for 3 months.
4: After 3 months the debt goes back to Esporta who will write it off.
If you can put up with the annoying calls for 3 months it will cost you nothing!! Esporta have never taken anyone to court they do not have the resource...
(read more)
Written on: 28/02/2011
I AM TOTALLY DISGUSTED AT THE TREATMENT WHICH MYSELF AND MY CHILD EXPERIENCED AT THE HANDS OF THE CRECHE STAFF AT THE ZONE CRECHE INSIDE ESPORTA ROMFORD, ESSEX. I EXPERIENCED TWO MEMBERS OF THE STAFF ACTUALLY RAISING THEIR VOICES IN FRONT OF MY DAUGHTER AND ARGUING WITH ME SIMPLY BECAUSE I ASKED THEM WHAT QUALIFICATIONS THEY HAVE AND WHAT ARE THEIR RATIOS. I WITNESSED THE SUPERVISOR SHOUT AT A CHILD WHO SHE NANNIES FOR ON THE PREMISES AND AT HOME, I ALSO WITNESSED A MEMBER OF STAFF SHOUTING... (read more)
Written on: 24/02/2011
i had such a bad time with Esporta hemel that I will never ever join this Club. In fact at least 10 of my friends who are the members at the same club will be quitting soon.Staff at Esporta hemel are not helpful and rude.
When I joined I was told i could cancel anytime. When I tried to cancel after 6 months I was told that I have to pay till contract ends (1 year).
Even after the contract ends!! They are now telling me to give 3 months notice.
I would rather hire a legal team or throw my...
(read more)
Written on: 21/02/2011
I was a member of the Southampton gym and decided not to renew my membership due to the lack of cleanliness and maintenance issues. My first visit was for the 'talk' to lure me in and show me the faclities. Despite there being 3 ladies at reception, it was over 5 minutes before I was even acknowledged..should have walked away then!! My next visit as a fully signed up member, I went up to a gym instructor and explained it was my first visit and what would he suggest I start on. He said, 'you... (read more)
Written on: 19/02/2011
Me and my partner joined Esporta Gym back in March Last year. I was pregnant at the time and said this would be short term but they talked us into a 12 month contract and that if anything where to happen to just bring in a letter. We stayed with the Gym for two months, I had a miscariage and didn't want to join the gym anymore, I sent a letter and also my hospital letter where it stated my scan and information regarding the miscarry. A week later my boyfreind got made redundant and also sent... (read more)
Written on: 16/02/2011
Nightmare! Contract is the most unreasonable I have ever seen and they are not prepared to let it go easily If you are made redundant.
The company I work for closed and I was in the middle of a personal life crisis with someone sick in the family in another country. I had to fly back home and spend 65 days away and had no work. I pleaded a million times sending them my P45, my flight ticket, mentioning I had no idea of when I would be able to return and they never accepted negotiation,...
(read more)
Written on: 10/02/2011
Bully you into signing up a 12month contract and once you have signed they couldnt care less.
Getting out of the contract due to relocation is close to impossible.
Consider another gym!!!
(read more)
Written on: 07/02/2011
I joined Esporta in Guildford and was expecting good things for the very high premium I was paying. Unfortunately Esporta have disappointed me thoroughly. The gym is quite small and does not have enuogh facilities, the staff are salesmen, not fitness experts and the customer service is really quite poor. You end up paying far too much. I would definitley reccommend that people go elsewhere.
It is no surprise that Esporta's average rating is as low as it is.
(read more)
Written on: 02/02/2011
Stafford is without a doubt an amazing club, fantastic welcoming feel, beautiful pool and spa area. Tranquillity @ Esporta is stafford's best kept secret for 'me' time! Perfect! Would highly reccomend to anybody wanting a healthy & sociable lifestyle! well worth the fee.
(read more)
Written on: 01/02/2011
Today i went the esporta bradfors to use it for the first time.I joined on sunday,only a couple of days ago.
I immediatly found the lockers didnt have locks on the doors.at all.
you had to provide,or basicaly buy your own padlock ,to be able to use the so called lockers.I stood there in the changing room in disbelive! i the had to leave the club,simply beacuse i couldnt get changed,all because they didnt have working lockers!!isnt that a basic requirement for a gym ,or health club,to...
(read more)
Written on: 10/02/2011
All major health clubs - Esporta, LA Fitness, Virgin Active, Bannatyne's, David Lloyd - use the padlock system.
<br/>
<br/>What a ridiculous comment to make.
As rated by real users
"Awful Gym - Don't Waste Your m..." Read More
"Robbing and disgusting " Read More
"Fantastic staff at Nottingham ..." Read More
"Disgraceful management and cus..." Read More
"Energie Fitness for Women Cann..." Read More
Mimizan's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
Since this club has been taken over by virgin it has hit rock bottem. The machines are always out of order and the toilets and changing rooms are filthy. Horrendous value for money. I have made numerous complaints and many others have also whilst i have been standing there at reception!.
I am a nurse and the standards of hygiene concern me greatly. I have decided after 10yrs to leave this disgusting, dirty, broken and hugely expensive club.