Fitness By Design

I don't even know where to begin with this place. My partner and I signed up because we were new to Gillingham and there weren't many options for gyms, but not only are the facilities dated, dirty and out of order half the time, what I was taken aback by was the complete lack of human compassion. The owner, Colin, acts like you've just joined as a member of the 'family' when you sign up, then barely looks your way or says "hello" once he's tied you into a contract. I pleaded with him to let me cancel or at lease freeze my membership as my partner had fallen unexpectedly pregnant and I was working away for next 6 months. We weren't going to be using this gym at all, and we simply couldn't afford the outrageously overpriced might I add £94.00 a month membership. I expressed to him my severe concern of my financial situation which was forcing me to work away from home temporarily and the cost of having another baby. However, his sympathy was nonexistent and he simply forwarded my contact details to the finance company that handle the 'contracts'. You rarely see a gym these days that doesn't let you cancel with 30 days notice, so this is another dated aspect of the gym's business model. I'm sure it's highly effective at duping vulnerable elderly people into expensive contracts though; a large portion of the members are elderly, most of them slightly younger than the gym's equipment. After much debate and having to provide evidence of my partner's pregnancy with the finance company, they finally agreed to cancel her share of the membership but completely refused to cancel mine. In the end I had no choice but to pay £53.00 a month for a gym I did not set foot in for 6 months. Thank you, 'Fitness by Design' you took over £300.00 away from us when we truly needed it for our baby daughter. In the long run it has hurt you though, because despite it not being the best gym in the world, if you'd let us cancel we would have signed up again and remained members for however long we live in Gillingham which is likely to be for the rest of our lives. But as you can probably guess, we'll never be coming near your facility again. I hope people read this and avoid you like the plague.

I've been going to the gym for over 6 years now - and to many more before this one. It is without doubt the best I've been to. The trainers are always on hand to give help and advice and the equipment is well maintained and cared for. It also has a great sauna! The gym is certainly not shoddy in any way and I was very clear about my contract from the start - which was in line with any other gym I've joined. Keep up the good work FBD!

I've been going for two years, just signed up for another two. I feel so much fitter, my joints don't ache, I have noticed a difference all over really. The staff are incredible, such a great group of ladies. It has worked for me, give it a go.

I have been a member for over five years .The warmth and professionalism of their instructors has been a constant. A house move will mean that my involvement will soon end. I would urge new members to join a group session as this adds to the positive experience and keeps you going.

I love this gym. Very friendly place and the instructors are very good and knowledgeable. I enjoy my group training sessions and I feel I am doing better than on myself. 45 minutes seem short but you feel challenged .

Facilities are grubby and need attention, I wouldn't step in the showers, Everything has a layer of dust on it. Locks you into a contract and won't even consider letting you out if your personal circumstances change. On numerous occasions my sessions were not entered on the system missing out on group sessions I had paid for. High turn over of staff, Annoying having to explain every time to someone new you can't do certain things due to be in physical pain because your card isn't updated. Also found out I was being charged over £200 more a year for the same package as three other people! Only good thing about this place...... Charlie/Quinn/Leo/Ben!

Great gym,nice staff

Really great club, focused, but also easy going. Equipment is high quality and facilities are clean and tidy. Owner and staff are invested in members.

Staff are amazing! If you don't want to go to the usual gyms come here. Members are super friendly and the equipment is top notch.

A very shoddy place, tricking you into signing contracts then being unable to get out of them. With a very high charge. If you are looking for a good gym where you wish to come and go as you please, this is not the gym for you.