South Woodford Library and Gym - (Near , UK)

1 /5 Fay C: Really nice staff. however place is way too expensive for the size/amount and quality of the gym. I tried both Woodford and South Woodford and they are both tiny and equipment is really old. I am paying all this money and I am not allowed to use the studio in order to do my stretching even when the gym is full and there are no classes planned. Library is tiny and from the 15-20 books I was looking I couldnt find any. Horrible ventilation and last time I visited Woodford branch they did not have water and only one tiny/dirty toilet to use. Finally I sent an email in order to cancel membership and not only they charged me an extra month, I had to pay fee for late payment without any notice. When I emailed them they said they did not get any emails even when I sent a screenshot as a proof. Never again. I am currently going to a bigger gym paying 30 pounds per month including all classes and modern facilities.

5 /5 Gary Jelks: Greatest library in South Woodford. Great selection of books. The gym is good value. Staff are friendly and helpful. Very good opening hours Car park expensive but close by Have been back many times. Rejoined the gym 8 years later and it is good to see that it is still popular. The equipment is the same, though a couple of new bits of kit have been added.

1 /5 Chloe Bernard: I have been going to this gym (in honesty due to convenience as it is local) from around 2015. Since then prices have raised significantly and facilities haven’t really improved. They have since added a leg press (thank god), added a smith machine and increased free weights to 30kg but the equipment is still lacking (no cable cross or barbells to add plates to other than one bar). However, equipment is constantly breaking down/ out of order, equipment not put back (not gym staff fault this one) and the gym is usually filthy. I mean cobwebs, dirt/ sticky floors and just general lack of hygiene. The worst issue however is the attitude of some of the reception staff and trainers (not all trainers - Paul and some others are friendly and good at what they do), which is constantly rude and dismissive. On weekends despite paying a higher price for this gym than some Central London ones (£47 a month) they will try and kick you out 10-15 minutes early despite the close time being 6pm. I have never been to a gym before or any place in honesty, that kiss their teeth, yell at you and turn off lights whilst people are working out stating the gym closes at saying people need to be out at least 5 minutes before closing time if not earlier rather than the actual closing time. If you want to close at 5.45 or 5.55 maybe state this on the opening hours. Also doesn’t feel great as a woman (although I can handle myself) to be stood over by a guy much bigger than you demanding you get out and having a go at you despite it still being 5 minutes until closing. Okay - rant over but in short I would advise going to another gym if you can. As there is cheaper, cleaner and better out there!

1 /5 Jo: Dont like to give libraries a poor review as they serve an important role in the community however this library is exceptionally poor. My experience with it has so far been to show up expecting it to be open (according to the specific information on the website for that day) but it was inexplicably closed and other people stood outside as well who had made the same mistake. I emailed to enquire why and where the accurate information can be found but didnt receive a response. I went back a few days later to get two specific books that the library catalogue said were both on the shelf. Neither of the books could be located so again the information published online is not fit for purpose.

5 /5 khattab: If you live in the area the library is free so i wont talk about it, it is a library so you will find all the expected facilities in a library. i just went there to view the gym tbh since theres nothing online that shows it enough. It is nice, However its quite expensive for what its offering. you will get a nice looking gym with an acceptable amount of machine to keep you fit. There was a group exercise room that i didnt take a picture of because there was a class happening, but its there fyr. Hope that was useful for anyone who was considering this gym