I attended the OCL Active gym at Oldham sports centre for approximately 6months while I was still attending college in the area and having been to previous gyms since, I have to say its the best one I've been a member of!
The first time you wish to visit the gym you have to make an appointment at reception with an instructor who basically walks you round the gym showing you where all the machines are, how to use them and what areas they will work out. You are encouraged to try out all the equipment during this session so they can answer any questions you may have about it.
The gym itself has a great range of equipment from treadmills, cross trainers, step machines and rowing machines. They also have an extensive range machines to tone and build muscles. They also have a good sized mat area complete with ab flexes and other equipment.
As a student at the time; membership cost me £15 a month off peak. (I was able to use the gym from 9am till 4pm; the last entry to the gym is 4pm on this membership). I thought this was exceptional value as otherwise it would have been £4.50 (I think) a session and I would visit the gym approx 4 times a week so this was really good value.
When you do sign up for membership you are given an OCL Active membership card which you have to have with you every time you visit the gym for you to be swiped in and for you to receive tokens for the lockers ( as you are then able to use them for free!!)
On entering the gym you have to sign in and then sign out when you leave, they provide paper towels, for you and to use when wiping down machines after use, they also have a water fountain (which is great if you forget a water bottle).
They also have 4 TVs around the gym, which mainly play music channels (makes a refreshing change to most gyms that play sky sports!!) And the instructors are great, if you ask they will tailor an exercise program for you, to suit your requirements and it is filed for you so you can use it every time you visit.
I would highly recommend this gym, I used to really enjoy going and I think its really good value with excellent facilities and really helpful staff!!