Gyms and Recreation Centres

I first joined one of Laurie Potters' gym's in Perth when I was 18 (over 25 years ago). This chain was indulging in that despicable practice of selling hugely discounted memberships while struggling to stay solvent.  I purchased a "life membership" for around $250 and was lucky enough to enjoy it for around two and a half years before they went down the gurgler. I suppose what I didn't realise was that in this case, "life"conveniently meant the life of the club and not my lifetime.

A few years ago I joined an independent gym in Warwick and it was great value. Each summer evening, I would ride my bike up there and enjoy the decent enough weights area. However, during my last year there I noticed a drop in staff morale and equipment not being maintained/repaired. My past experience had made me very wary and despite the owner telling "all is sweet" I wasn't prompted by any of the staff to renew (the first time this did not happen) and I didn't.  Two months later the place closed its doors.

Now, after enjoying Town of Vincent's Beatty Park over the last two years, I this week joined City of Subiaco's Lords. Beatty Park was built for the 1962 British Empire games and despite being great value and having great staff, it does feel (in certain parts) not to have been refurbished since its inception.

Lords is slightly more expensive but far and away better equipped and with newer facilities. The gym is three times the size with a mezzanine floor of cardio equipment, there is a 25m indoor pool, free lockers and a sauna in the change rooms.  Today, I stress tested the showers and not only did my shower stay at a consistent temperature but when both taps were turned on fully, I was almost knocked off my feet.

I know some people who have joined Fitness First and walking through Subiaco I am often accosted by their promotions (sales) team. They have many promotions to drum up membership and are very well equipped but currently charge $100 per month and a $200 membership termination fee. Interestingly, all the reviews of the place that I have read recently are scathing: Not happy Jan!