Soho Gyms - Waterloo

Soho Gyms Waterloo
11-15 Brad Street
London
SE1 8TG
020 7793 4238

Date of visit: August 2010

I called the gym at 1pm and was greeted by an enthusiastic sales rep. He started to explain the club and then told me to go over and have a trial session. I was in the gym by 3pm on the same day. The Soho people were a massive contrast to the used car salesman like Graham of 37Degrees. The warm and relaxed Khan from New Zealand showed me the gym and gave me the options.

I was offered a number of deals, which included pay as you go direct debit. There is a £50 deposit, which you lose if you cancel before the end of your term. There are also some cash deals, e.g. at the moment they have and £89 for 6 weeks deal.

The gym is 15,000 sq. feet and has free weights, lots of cardiovascular equipment, two rooms for classes and a boxing ring. They seemed to use a mix of suppliers. I saw a lot of stuff from Technogym and Escape. They also have some cross trainers by PRECOR.

Architecturally it has to be the nicest gym that I've seen in London. It's built in 3 arches, which sit under a train track running to Waterloo Station. If you like architecture or interior design, please have a look at this place. It is a piece of art. There is also so much natural light flooding through the enormous windows.

GOOD STUFF: I went at about 3pm, but there were still people training and the atmosphere was good, there are mirrors everywhere (10/10); The venue is outstanding and the finish is to a very high standard. They had mats and rubber flooring everywhere - none of this laminate floor.

BAD STUFF: The only thing I noted was that it was male dominated. I don't think that there was one girl training. I am told that the girls do more classes and that 30% of their members are girls.

CHANGING: Lots of locker (you need a padlock), 14 showers and a sauna in the changing rooms, which seemed clean.

OTHER STUFF: Khan says that they have about 2,000 members and retention is high (looking at the kind of people in there, I believe this). Once a member you can use all of the gyms in London. They give £3 off per month, if you don't use their towels.

Final Note: I have been to all Soho Gyms in London and they do not all come up to this standard. Look out on my blog for more reviews coming soon.