The Gym Group - Shirley Solihull Reviews 124

I'll mannered, rude, racist staff and trainers, machines always broken down, lights always flickering.

It has been four days since I purchased the Standard membership, but my PIN still doesn’t work. I also tried using it through the application, but it still doesn’t work. It feels like I’ve paid just to try the PIN and go back home—nothing more.

I have been a member of The Gym Shirley for some time now, and my experience has been marked by recurring shutdowns every few months that lead to little or no improvement in the facility. Each time the gym reopens, it remains in a disappointing state with persistent issues that disrupt members routines and experience.

The gym’s upkeep is severely lacking. The environment is consistently dirty, with unhygienic changing rooms and showers that do not meet basic cleanliness standards. The door to the changing room relies on a PIN code entered via a keypad that frequently malfunctions due to dirt stuck in it makes it unusable. Additionally, the lockers do not secure properly, and when items go missing, there is no effective response from the staff.

Another significant issue is the unreliable internet service. The gym it seems is neglecting paying its monthly bill, leaving members struggling for up to 30 minutes to establish a connection without any notice or explanation. A text or notice would be great to prevent us from wasting time! Furthermore, the essential cardio equipment—such as the stair masters—is constantly broken, limiting the options for a comprehensive training session.

One area that is particularly problematic is the conduct of one personal trainer, the black man with dreadlocks. His sessions are consistently disrupted by excessively loud shouting that overwhelms the gym’s atmosphere. This high volume not only disturbs the workout area but also spills over into adjacent spaces like the showers, creating an environment that is stressful and counterproductive for anyone trying to exercise in peace. The gym is supposed to be a place to work on yourself whilst bettering yourself, this isn’t possible when you have a man screaming so loudly at the top of his lungs I can hear him in the shower, let alone the other side of the gym. There have been times I’ve left the gym due to his noise after just entering for a few minutes.

In summary, The Gym Shirley suffers from recurring shutdowns without meaningful improvements, poor maintenance, unreliable internet, inadequate security, and disruptive training sessions. I sincerely hope that management takes these concerns seriously and makes the necessary changes to provide a cleaner, safer, and more professional environment for its members.

Poor equipment, zero maintenance and cleanliness. A lot of the machines are rusty and it’s very difficult to adjust them to required position. (Hamstring curls). Stairmaster and treadmills are disgusting. Never really cleaned. Staff are not helpful, that’s if you can find them. Too busy trying to beg people for PT sessions. It’s a shame that this gym cannot emulate Kings Heath, worlds apart. Toilets are always disgusting, can’t be used.

Showers cold windows steaming no Ac working. Changing rooms dirty and smells nasty.

Gym is part of my life but I absolutely feel inspired to attend the shirley solihull site as the trainers there are so inspirational especially Mike, the place is always clean and has ample space to accommodate rush hour gym sessions. People make places and the staff their are a breed of their own!!!

Generally the gym has what I want from a gym but, why, oh, why does the class music need to be so loud that the instructors need to shout over it, I have to play my music on full volume to overcome it.
Cleaning wipes would be good, I know there are signs asking you to wipe the equipment after use but not everyone bothers.

Very friendly staff always on hand to help out. Excellent training with my PT

Brilliant Gym. Being going here since it opened and have never had a problem. Worth the money they charge, and big shout out to Mykey brilliant guy.

Excellent gym clean ,good atmosphere good equipment staff very professional go above and beyond to help Excellent management 👍

Gym Group Shirley - nice friendly atmosphere. Personal Trainers are superb: Hasan Alam, Sally Locking, Pritam Singh

I wouldn’t recommend this gym .
I’m guessing to save money they have removed all the blue paper towels and spray bottles which was perfect to wipe sweat off a bench that someone had previously used . Now your left to lie in it - go toilet for wet toilet paper or use your own towel .
Now the summer has started to arrive all the air con units have turned off.
This is a review based on the Shirley branch I can’t speak for any of the others.

Great bootcamp class by Hassan today.

Covered all parts of the body and good motivation

Amazing gym, people and instructors! Been training with Pritam for almost 2 years and had inspired me to continue with my fitness journey. His knowledge is second to none and continues to push me to exceed my goals.

I use the Gym in Shirley most days on my way in to work. They are currently carrying out much needed works on the shower area and have closed them temporarily. The alternative made available by the Gym is a single occupancy accessible shower that also serves as the disabled toilet to the entire gym. Not wishing to inconvenience any genuine users of that facility I contacted the Gym to request access to an alternative Gym in Sheldon so I could still shower and go on to work. This is the alternative the gym suggests when it has to close for other reasons. Its some distance away but I was happy to do that to avoid causing someone else discomfort. The response was totally underwhelming. I was informed that I don't pay for the showers as part of my membership and if i wanted to go to another site I would have to pay for the privilege. Very disappointed that the gym puts these kinds of obstacles in the way of people trying to exercise regularly. Also very disappointed that they are happy to make the accessible toilets inaccessible to people that may really need them. As a healthcare worker I'm well aware that these kinds of facilities can be required very urgently at very short notice and for very good reason. Next time basic facilities are unavailable I hope the gym will allow access to alternative sites. I may not pay for the showers but I also didn't pay for the look on that persons face waiting outside the accessible toilet facilities.

Best gym ever
This gym is so amazing, all the staff is amazing and they are all so helpful and positive, they are always the best and always support and motivate you especially Pritam and Sally

Was very disappointed the 6.00 pm step class on Wednesday 30/8/23 at Shirley gym. First time I attended. No cancellation notice given or anything. Not even the gym instructor came over to say it was cancelled. If only 2 people turn up, the class should still run.

Been going to this gym for over a year now, 4-5 times a week doing hypertrophy training.
First the best things, That being the staff, always around and happy to help when/if needed, very good.

Next is its always clean and tidy of rubbish, the staff and cleaner always seem to be busy with that so top job.

Now its the "Good but could be better" part, and thats equipment, 80% of it is good, however some stuff needs updating and could really do with a few extras.
If i was in managment i would update the following, Benches, Free weights, pec decks and chest press machines.
Things that i would add are, plated converging incline and flat, a incline leg press or hack squat machine (one of these is needed more then anything), higher free weight, preacher bench, either a seated or proppa standing calf raise, an incline bench and a decline and incline lat row machine.
I have got to the point where i need more focus and having to look elsewhere for leg days as equipment is lacking, they offer good price packages so for £4 more i can go to other gym, however i dont want to travel that far.

This gym is perfect for most people, but just not everyone after awhile.

Good group of members that go, few ego lifters but you get them everywhere. 8/10, -2 just cause of equipment.

Is a great gym, only reason not giving 5 stars is people leaving weights out and in the wrong place, people need to have consequences to these actions