Changing Rooms : David Lloyd

I have a confession to make. I have never had gym membership, and I really mean EVER. This year I have changed my attitude to getting healthier and life in general somewhat, if I’m honest.  I’ve written a little about it on the blog, as I have been trying to change the way I live in small ways over the last 6 months.  I visited a dietitian, started using my bike more and meal planning, even increased how much I was walking each day.  Even though I was incredibly nervous, I thought it was about time I cranked it up a little and joined a gym.

We are really lucky to have a great (and recently refurbished) gym close by, part of the David Lloyd chain.  Over the final 6 months of 2016, I will be pledging to do a few more new things, and I will be blogging about them as they happen. I think by doing it this way, and blogging how we are getting on as a family using David Lloyd, it will be an incentive to keep going, especially as this is something new to all of us.

I wanted to join David Lloyd for more than health reasons though.  I needed it to be something that the whole family could get on board with and enjoy, so in turn we could get to spend more time together.  Both of my daughters love being active, Nia (13) is part of a competitive cheerleading team, and trains three times a week.  She has been talking about trying other sports and physical activities for a long time, and having access to a gym is one of those things.  Miss A (7) can’t swim confidently yet, and we have been trying to arrange her practising more for some time.

With summer now here, having this membership will mean we can spend the afternoon after school there, as well as time together as a family at the weekend.  Once the summer holidays start we can visit any time we’d like to.  Also, as I work from home, I can visit at any time in the week, even take advantage of the adult lounge to work/blog, then finishing off the day with a studio class or a swim.

The girls and I got to have a visit last week to test out the facilities, and we had such a good time. Nia had a personal training session as well as a private tennis lesson, she also joined me at the TRX training zone which was great fun! She had a really good work out during the day (well several) and was bursting to tell all of her friends about the experience.

Its going to be a steep learning curve for me, as exercise like this isn’t something I’m used to, but I’m so ready to make the change and give it a go. One thing I tried that I absolutely loved at the trial was a yoga lesson, I’ll definitely be doing that again.

The children also got chance to have a swim in the pool, this below is the children’s one.  I was surprised that even though it was half term, it wasn’t that busy. So I think we will definitely be able to take the youngest here to help with her swimming. I believe you can also have swimming lessons for a small additional fee.

We also saw a Aqua aerobics session in the main pool, which looked like something I would love to do. I’m thinking this would also be a good way of me exercising and not putting as much weight or strain on my feet with my Plantar fasciitis.

Off the cafe there was a softplay area (you can see above) and also seating for the children with tablets for them to play on.  Outside was an outdoor pool, a park and a general play area. So areas they can play with friends and family, and it all feel very safe and secure.  The DL kids programme is pretty extensive, so they can be occupied whilst you are doing a class, gym session or swim, if that’s what you need.

Now with the summer holidays just around the corner I was also interested to find out if they did holiday clubs. Which is exactly what Miss A attended.  Holiday Active is a programme that is adapted to a childs age, and encompasses Get Active, Multi Sports, Make and Create and outdoor play, as well as food throughout the session. You do need to book, but you can have as many or little as you need. With a full week costing £120, and a single day £30.

On top of the ongoing activities and the kids clubs, there are also events that take place too.  I picked up a few leaflets that were about upcoming Junior Masterchef, a Euro 2016 Party and a Movie night for the children. Sounds great fun!

My overall impression was that it wasn’t as intimidating a place as I thought it would be.  Granted I looked at the gym, and thought, I have absolutely no clue what to do, but the staff are on hand to help and give you an induction if you book in. It was also really clean and well cared for, something that I knew was important to me even though it’s a smaller detail.

The staff are excellent, and answered my MANY questions.  Once I got home I poured over the timetables to see if  there would be enough to keep us all occupied. I think it definitely has enough to interest all of us as a family, and a great place for us to share a meal, coffee and relax as well as get active at.  Both the girls, myself and the Tall Fella are really excited to get started now.

Do you go to a gym? What would you recommend I try as a complete rookie, and what do you do to keep motivated? I’d love to hear any advice you have to offer…