The Factory Fitness and Dance Centre - (Near , UK)

1 /5 Lucile Cha: I had a voucher worth over £150 specifically for pole dance classes. At no point was I informed that this gym no longer offers pole dance, and despite multiple follow-ups, they have neither refunded me nor even transferred the voucher to cover the regular gym services. This is unacceptable. Keeping money for a service that doesn’t exist is essentially theft. I would strongly advise anyone to think twice before trusting this place with their money.

1 /5 Thea Not Tia: The equipment is damaged and dirty, with junk scattered everywhere. The yoga mats are the lowest quality I have ever encountered, and they are all unclean! The mirrors are smeared, and the floors are covered in dust. Be ready to get paint on yourself if you lean against certain walls. 0 out 10 would be my rating.

4 /5 Sim Simma: I did pole fitness here for 6 weeks and it was so much fun!! Especially Angies classes, I highly recommend her classes because she is very attentive, fun and knowledgeable. She makes you feel like you’ve gained something from the class in such a positive way. I had my last class with Tatiana and I must say, I didn’t enjoy it at all, although she’s very good at what she does I didn’t feel like I gained much from it and couldn’t wait to leave. Nevertheless the staff at The Factory Fitness and Dance Centre are always lovely and kind at reception!

5 /5 Mads: I have been going to dance classes at this studio for the past few months and really enjoy it every single time. As someone with very limited prior dance experience, I was nervous to start new classes but Rowan makes everyone feel welcome no matter what level theyre at. His contemporary, ballet and jazz classes are fun but challenging and I have seen so much improvement in my skills already. The studio itself is great and all members of staff are friendly and helpful.

1 /5 Cody: The Factory seems great on paper, but I regret signing up and wish I’d just gone to somewhere like PureGym for a very similar cost, where I believe there would be more flexibility, better equipment and better customer service. I joined because there was a great deal (~£35 per month for gym access, monthly PT session and unlimited classes) if you signed up for a year in advance, but I soon realised that it was a little too good to be true. It is obvious that money is not reinvested into the gym. The equipment is outdated and there is not a good variety of machines, for example, there is only one leg machine. I understand this is a smaller gym, but one leg machine does seem a bit measly. Moreover, some of the machines are not in good condition, nor is some of the other equipment e.g. big, deep rips in benches. I don’t think there is enough equipment for the amount of users e.g. there’s only one set of dumbbells so at busy periods, you may not be able to get the weight you need. There are other forms of weights, e.g. kettle bells, but that may not be appropriate for the exercise you were planning to do. I understand it’s a small gym so won’t have as much equipment as bigger gyms, but this should be reflected in the number of members they allow to sign up. Also when it’s busy, it can feel cramped in the main gym area and I have often struggled to get a mat to complete my own routine, which suggests there are too many members. Furthermore, the gym does not look or feel clean. For example, black dust/mould covers the windows and there is dirt on the machines. Moreover, there is a cup holder on a treadmill where the same brown dirt has been present for at least 3 weeks. There are some great class instructors but the gym packs in too many people for the classes and space is tight. On some occasions, there hasn’t been enough equipment for those in the class to use. I would be especially annoyed if I had paid separately for these classes. What most shocks me is that The Factory advertises itself a business which takes “a personal approach with every member, the ambition being to deliver a quality service in a relaxed, fun and enjoyable atmosphere” but I think this is incredibly misleading. I got stuck abroad as my Grandad contracted Covid-19 and had to be hospitalised and I had to stay and help care for him. As a result, I missed out on my monthly PT session and when I explained the situation to the gym (with proof) and asked for a session in lieu, they said this wasn’t possible. The lack of compassion, professionalism and care for their members was disappointing and frustrating. I joined as I wanted to support a local business and be part of a gym that was community-focused, with a genuine care for individual members, but this seems to be solely a marketing tool rather than something the gym cares about and delivers on. I wish I could leave but unfortunately they already have my money until October as I paid for a year up front. I can’t help but think they are taking advantage of this situation. I think if I hadn’t had the issue with not being granted the PT session in lieu, I could have put some of the other issues to the back of my mind but I was truly shocked at how my individual situation was handled. I do not feel valued as a member and wanted to warn others about the above issues before joining. The instructors are great, but the equipment is inadequate and the customer service team have little concern for their members’ personal circumstances. It is clear The Factory put profit over people as it does not reinvest money to improve the gym and therefore members’ experience and lacks any compassion for those who have been through traumatic experiences. I would advise others to look elsewhere and not be tempted by what seems like a good deal! UPDATE: The owner emailed me the day after to inform me that my membership had been terminated with immediate effect - no discussion was offered. I provided constructive feedback and was punished for doing so. This is an unprofessional, extreme and petty reaction.