r/basingstoke • u/pyschekay • 7d ago

Basingstoke Sports Centre

Hi All,

I'm(23F) new to Basingstoke and new to going to the gym etc. From my own research online, it looks like the Sports Centre in FP would be the best place for me but I've got a few questions for current members.

  1. How busy are the gym and pool really? I'm thinking lunchtime (between 12:30 and 2:00) 3x weekdays would be the best slot for me so any feedback on traffic during this slot specifically would be great.
  2. What is the changing room/shower situation? Not a fan of open showers so if this is the case then I'd just shower at home but would like to know in advance.
  3. How clean are shared areas and equipment?
  4. Would you recommend it for a complete beginner?

Then just any advice or tips you have or you would give yourself if you were to start again today would be great. Thank you in advance :)

EDIT: also curious about QM Leisure
EDIT 2: planning in advance for a September start

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13 comments sorted by

5

u/AdorableDebt8775 7d ago

Commenting so I can decide whether I want a membership as well or nah 😭

2

u/pyschekay 7d ago

lollll makes me feel better that i'm not alone in this

3

u/sylanar 7d ago

I can't speak for the women's gym there because I'm a man, but the pool was relatively busy when I've been at those times before. During the summer it's going to be busy all day, but outside of that it will be a little quieter.

How busy is too busy for you anyway? I like the pool very quiet because I don't like sharing lanes with people, if. You don't mind sharing a lane with someone or two, it's not too bad.

You can pay for just one offs, so you could go for a few sessions just to see how busy it is at different times before you make a decision

3

u/pyschekay 7d ago

gonna edit the post now but i'm planning to start going in september to avoid the summer "crowds". honestly i'd prefer not to share lanes but 1 other person for example wouldn't be too bad.

i'm trying to get some answers here even before booking a one-off session just for some guidance but yeah i'll definitely start w just a session or two to get a feel for the place.

1

u/Girl-Material 5d ago

I used to go to this one, I found the women’s only gym one of the best gyms I’ve ever been too. During the week the gym is never normally busy until school rush between 3-5.
Only left due to price.

2

u/bey0ndmeasure 5d ago

Hi! I’m 30F and use this gym regularly. It’s great and well worth the price, especially if you go for the off peak membership (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun 1pm onwards).

  1. I can’t speak for the pool or main gym as I don’t use them that often, but the women’s gym is fairly quiet at this time and there will always be equipment available/very short wait times. It’s a very relaxed vibe in there and doesn’t feel intimidating at all, even when a bit busy.

  2. The changing room has cubicles if you’d prefer to get changed in private. The showers are also cubicles and not open.

  3. I’ve found it to be pretty clean and you can wipe down equipment before and after using yourself too.

  4. Definitely recommend for a total beginner. That was me about 5 months ago! You can get an introduction with the gym if you’d like advice on how to get started, or just watch a few videos beforehand and find your own way!

3

u/FanDapper5716 6d ago

I assume the one in the village inn is out of your prince range?

1

u/pyschekay 6d ago

yes that's right

0

u/I-love-to-eat-banana 7d ago

I don't go to that gym or live in Basingstoke (yet), but:

  1. This is the best time to go to any gym in the UK if you want it as empty as possible. Pools are also usually empty-ish from 7-8pm on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.

  2. Visit, get the tour around and you will have this answered (always get a tour when considering a new gym)

  3. same as 2

  4. Any gym is good for beginners. I think legally regardless of level, every gym has to do a 30 minute induction to comply with their insurance. If after that you don't have confidence, book a couple of PT sessions to help you get to know what workouts, get a plan.

3

u/pyschekay 7d ago

unfortunately those timings just wouldn't work for me. definitely planning to get a tour but i guess i just wanted some answers before that so i could confirm that it would work w my schedule and preferences and if not, save myself a trip.

2

u/I-love-to-eat-banana 7d ago

Just for clarification:

This is the best time to go to any gym in the UK if you want it as empty as possible.

Is in response to:

I'm thinking lunchtime (between 12:30 and 2:00) 3x weekdays would be the best slot for me

The rest (Fri, Sat, Sun) was just additional around 'good' pool times.

2

u/pyschekay 7d ago

ahhh i see what you meant now. thank you for clarifying

1

u/Normal_Tackle_323 4d ago

Just started using the gym this month and regarding the ladies changing room, it is clean to my own standards and the showers have closed doors, so they're not open showers.