5 /5 Rich Sutton: I joined PureGym Ealing about 18 months ago - not knowing the difference between a dumbbell and a dinner bell - but I now go every day. It’s huge, the equipment is well-kept and it never seems overly busy.
The main draw for me, however, is the classes and the staff. I do around eight a week, ranging from a Saturday morning spin beasting with the formidable Deimante, to a park run with the motivational Denzil, a Hyrox session with the hilarious Misheck, or a circuit class with Pete the Punisher or the brilliant Anthony.
The manager, Letitia, is super professional, highly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. I honestly can’t fault any of them. They motivate, push and encourage me at every session, and they constantly strive to keep the classes fresh and varied to keep us challenged - especially Coral and Snezhana, who often ask at the end of their sessions how they can improve the class to better meet our needs. A sign of their dedication and genuine need to be better at their jobs.
There are vending machines, large changing areas, showers, an ample number of lockers, a women-only section, and it’s situated right in the centre of Ealing’s busy shopping centre - all for less than the price of a daily cup of coffee. The whole place has been a gamechanger for me, my fitness and my mental health.
I suppose I should offer some constructive criticism, but I’m genuinely struggling. Maybe the music isn’t always to my taste, but I’m sure if they started playing cheesy 80s power ballads to keep me happy, there would be uproar from the other members!
In short, it’s more than a gym to me – it’s an escape from work, a social hub, a centre of excellence in fitness knowledge, and a place where I’ve made new friends. The only thing that would get me going more often is if they opened a bar - Pure Gin?
If the thought of seeing a flabby, middle-aged man sweating in saggy Lycra doesn’t make you feel ill, I might see you there.
Rich.
