After an extended period away from exercise, I decided to pay my previous club a visit and I was delighted that I had!
The “gym on the hill” as I used to refer to it is situated within an iconic mock Tudor building that sits proudly on Fortis Green, N10 and is now called The Muswell Hill Club. As I entered the club, I was delighted to see that the ever-so friendly, familiar faces of same fantastic team of staff were still there, and overjoyed that they remembered my name!
The team bought me up to speed telling me how the club had come under new management in April 2021 who had implemented many positive changes as well as refurbishing the club to a really high standard. They also explained how the management and staff were committed to being a local, friendly, and independent gym, inclusive to all and was proud of its vast age range, from 18-80. “Where to sign?” I quickly said.
The gym offers over 100 classes each month and so an App had been brought in to help me choose, book or cancel at the touch of a button. Being able to keep track of the timetable and check availability means I can plan ahead or change plans if needed. So far so good! The App also allows me to book a swimming pool slot. As well as reviving the body, I had always found the pool had the ability to calm my mind and knowing I can book an allocated time adds to focusing the mind.
The dedicated weights room offers a deadlift platform and free weights to use and the personal trainers and gym instructors are always on hand to advise and assist with how best to use the newly installed equipment. After participating in one of the newer classes, Women on Weights, I had a newfo und confidence. The class not only taught me the importance of strength training, but also educated me in how to lift safely and effectively.
With more updated equipment to explore, I recently attempted to use the Stairmaster, or dare I say voluntarily take part in a form of medieval torture! Good for the glutes I believe! The new state of the art spinning studio has the latest in tech spin bikes to push you to the limit and challenge your strength and stamina. Having attended an instructor led class, I then took a journey through the Rocky Mountains in a virtual class. The state-of-the-art spin studio allows you to take a fully immersive spin experience. And that it did! Whether on a journey through the Alps, or one on a personal path, mentally and physically, I was hitting my fitness targets – and then some!
Refreshed, with the addition of new showers, I immediately noticed the difference in the changing rooms and the separate mens and ladies sauna and steam rooms provides the perfect way to complete your relaxation experience. You can now even invite a friend along to share a spa day. With a £10 day pass, all the facilities are on offer without committing to a membership. Now brighter, cleaner, better equipped, it is obvious to see the amount of thought, money and effort that has gone into renovating The Muswell Hill Club.
More than a gym, The Muswell Hill Club feels just that – a club with a sense of community that is very apparent. I recently attended an arts and crafts evening hosted by the club which showcased the talent of local artists. The event was so much fun and gave me the opportunity to meet other people and have some great conversations. Reading the club’s newsletter and talking to members of staff at club I have found out about the work they do to support the local community. At reception there is a food bank collection point; the club also fundraise and donate to the local schools as well as attend and contribute to neighbourhood events. The community feel at the club has increased, as does my heart rate each time I attend! I am so pleased that I came back to this gem of a gym. As it says in the name – I have well and truly, joined the club
