Crunch Fitness Premier - Temple Bar

Just a quick review on Crunch(Temple Bar) where I've been a member for about a year. I can't fault the amount of cardio machines. I go at lunch times most days and have never seen the running machines anything like full, same on the few evenings I have been. Probably around 30 running machines, 20 bikes, 10 cross trainers and a couple of steppers. The machine weights are fine although if one breaks it normally takes a couple of weeks before it is fixed which is frustrating. Even at lunch I'll normally be stood waiting for a machine or joining in sets with someone else, but it does not really disrupt my training. Free weights; there are loads of dumbells up to 36kg (I think) which is enough for most people but could do with some heavier. There are also plenty of benches and it's rare to have to wait for one. They also have a seperate ladies area with dumbells and benches. There is only one olympic bench though to bench press and one smith machine which is really not good enough. I have given up waiting for either. It's hard to share sets on the bench with the messing around changing weights and the smith machine is used mainly for squats and it's a hassle pushing a bench in and out. Classes seem to be varied, but I don't do them so can't really comment. The changing rooms are on the basement level and stink of sweat. Why put a carpet down in a chinging room? It's also pretty dark and in the summer months I am usually sweating more getting changed than when I was doing proper excercis. The showers are fine and again not usually a need to wait. The swimming pool is only small (10m?) and not really worth doing lengths in. The steam room smells awful most days and the sauna furniture is falling apart. Overall I am happy enough as it suits my need. It's close to work and as I can get there easily I train often. I have to alter my programme to suit the availability of machines (eg. I'm having to do more machine chest presses than bench presses). It could be better and have more free weight facilities, but I would imagine that due to space limitations they are appealing to the largest range of people. The sales staff aren't great. After being shown the female area and then having the main weights are being referred to as 'the mens area' my wife decided not to join. She also wasn't keen on having to walk down through the main entrance to the changing rooms in her swimming togs to use the pool.

Date Posted: 06/09/2009 09:04:31