1. It gets very crowded. I go between 0630 and 0700 so I can then do weights and cardio as I like without the need to vary my routine nor have to wait for others to finish. After 1800, you will almost always have to do this. Lunchtimes are quieter than the evenings but still too crowded for me.
2. It gets very hot and sweaty in there. Some cardio machines have fans but I use a spin bike and do weights so I tend to sweat purely because of the heat (as well as eventually due to my 'intense' workout.
3. They are closing Stockerhof for 2 weeks which is a bit annoying. This is for general maintenance. My trainer says that you won't notice any difference but they check everything.
4. The relaxation area is great eg. massive pool, turkish baths (with extra steam jets), 4 different types of saunas (one with birds singing in it even) and a steam bath. The area dedicated to wellbeing must constitue at least 40% of the whole building.
5. You can buy annual passes with or without classes. As I don't want someone screaming at me in Swiss German, I opted for the without classes pass.
6. The opening times are good which is required based on point 1. but different gyms have different opening times.
7. Decent range of equipment; free weights, semi-free weights, machines, most types of cardio machines. Just not very music but I have my iPod for that.
All in all, better than the Australian gyms I used to go to and I was able to claim 200 CHF back from my health fund.
Picking your time is indeed important and there are also age times. I go at about 0830 till 1100 and its full of old people which I quite like. Evenings are younger and there is a little more showing off
Big difference versus the UK is that nobody talks to you in these places whereas I am used to a bit of chat in the sauna
Also depending on what "Abo" you buy, you can also use the Migros Fitness centers in the rest of Switzerland, which might be interesting if your commuting between Basle and Zurich.
It will be in the morning, so I guess I'll be in a calm environment with older people and mommy's sweating their baby weight off.
What about the pool, Can we lenght swim in?
The only issue I can see is the annual registration. I want a 6 months but didn't see it in the choices on their website.
Nil
If you're interested in taking over, PM me... my membership ends mid/end November but I won't be able to go anymore. (That's 3.5 months left now)
I found it to be clean, staff are quite helpful and the sauna area is decent. It does get busy depending on what time you go i.e. Mondays and Tuesdays seem to be busy after work, but I started going at 8pm and it was fine for me. I joined in February, and am looking to sell my pass ( till next feb)....
I am not sure of the process to do this, but would be happy to find out if you are interested.
CB
There is a schedule of classes so you can avoid the bobbing ladies
Nil - pass details...I have the normal pass without classes.
Please PM me if you need further details....
regards
CB
I have some good infos to give. I went to the Fitness Park and I told them I would like to have a 6 months membership but they just have 1 year. The guy asked me why and I told him I didn't know if I would be here in a year. He told me if I leave I'll just have to bring the document from the city who says it and they will refound the months I didn't use.
But you have to tell them BEFORE to sign the contract so they write it down on it. If you don't say it before and come to the point where you have to leave, they will give you back only a % of the money.
Has anybody info about this gym? 7
Thanks in advance,
Superfast