Recently re-joined the Glasgow Club (only my 3rd or 4th time of re-joining, yeah! Haha!) and I have…read moreto say I did not even know this place existed until a taxi took me past here one day & I spotted the Glasgow Club sign. This is SO handy for my work and until Kelvinhall gets its act together & finally re-opens this shall be my 'local' GC gym. Drumoyne GC is like Haghill in that it is also adjoined to the local primary school, this makes it a lot easier to find/ask directions as if you say 'Drumoyne GC' to most folk they probably wouldn't have a clue but if you asked whereabouts the local primary school is most peeps would know. Plus this time of year it is great as the school & GC are all lit up quite brightly which makes it a lot less spookier when approaching & leaving the place. I've only been twice so far; once to the gym & again for a class. The gym is an okay size - similar to Haghill or Springburn with about 4 or 5 of most cardio machines plus weight machines and also 2 seperate areas for free weights/mat work. They have the music channel on the main stereo system but some machines have wee tv's to which you can plug in headphones so you can climb a hill whilst watching Pointless if you so wish. S'nice. The room for the classes is also of reasonable size and I have to say they put on quite a few different classes and various times for a quite small GC venue. The room fits maybe about 20 people tops, depending on the class. I went for Body Pump and I presumed I was the only non-regular there as I was the only one she singled out & said 'Have you done Body Pump before?' too. Most others are hardcore regular pumpers (ooh-err!) and by the end of the class it showed (I was sweating like a beast & most of them were all staying on for another class! Crazy!) Really enjoyed the class and I ended having to be right at the front directly in front of the instructor (which I wouldn't normally choose to do) but it was fine - she kept me right with my posture/moves which considering I hadn't done BP for a while was helpful. She was a tad scary at first but then again a lot of these instructors can be...*sorry GC instructors!* The changing area was clean & had quite a few private showers, toilets & lockers are placed nearby and all are within the vicinity of the gym or class-hall so it means you can make a swift entrance & exit if in a hurry. Lockers here take a £1 so please don't be like me & forget to bring one...doh. Luckily the lady on reception handed me some change, phew. Mon-Thur Drumoyne GC opens from 9am-10pm, on a Friday it shuts a bit earlier at 9pm and at the weekends it's open 9am-5pm. They also have 7 & 11 a-side 2G & 3G (haven't a clue what that means?!) football pitches alongside grass rugby & footie pitches. Public transport-wise the nearest subway is Govan but it is quite a walk away so I usually get a bus from here to the subway station as there are bus stops directly outside and all the buses that stop here seem pretty regular. It is also about a 15 minute walk from the Southern General hospital.

My 3 years old daughter had the best experience at Glasgow Club Drumoyne playing Teddy Tennis. This…read moreis an activity designed for the kids and it shows. She enjoyed the music, the games and playing with other kids. She was so excited to come back that we had to leave 2 hours before the start of the lesson. The space was huge and quiet compared to other locations. Definitely we'll come back.

Dance Glasgow is great. They have a wide variety of dance styles on offer, including some you'd…read morenever see anywhere else, they are always putting on new courses or one-off special workshops and, best of all, most of the classes only cost a fiver, which is a bargain compared to other places or going to the gym! They even have student discounts on some classes, or you can buy gift vouchers and 10-class or unlimited cards. I've been coming here for years and everyone's welcome, there's always a mixture of ages, shapes and sizes so don't feel like you have to be a skelf or super-fit already to get involved. All the staff and instructors are encouraging and know what they're doing. Nobody's going to tell you off for not keeping up with the routines. Nobody's going to make you pay for anything in sweat. I can particularly recommend Karoliina's dancehall classes for ladies who know they have a bum, but aren't quite sure what to do with it on a dancefloor :-) The yoga and stretch and tone classes are also excellent. They have a venue in the west end and a newer location in Jamaica Street as well, check their website or Facebook page to see a timetable of what's on where. Both locations are in old buildings, and the west end one in particular is a bit cold in winter and roasting in the summer, but dress accordingly and you'll be fine. Get dancing!

I love dancing and when I was younger I used to do ballet, tap, modern and in my teens was into hip…read morehop dancing. Unfortunately, due to starting Uni, working and any other excuses I can make up for becoming lazy I just can't seem to find time for dancing apart from a boogie on a night out. This is a real shame as it's something I've always loved doing. I've seen various classes advertised for adults but what puts me off is that fact that you usually have to pay a subscription fee and a lump sum for a block of classes most of which I'll probably miss. So, when I found out that Dance Glasgow offer classes where you pay whenever you go I was ecstatic! On average the price for a class is around £6 but usually £4 if you are a student which is amazing. They offer an extensive range of classes, better than I've seen anywhere else and they're always held in central city centre locations. Adult classes include; Beginners and intermediate ballet Pop videos - I definitely need to check this one out as it would be so much fun learning a popular dance routine and it's such an excellent idea! Hip Hop Pussycat Dolls Workout Contemporary Dance and they even have a Glee club on a Monday night where you learn a song from Glee and the dance moves too... this class lasts for two hours and is £8 (£6). Amazing! If, like me, the thought of going to the gym in unbearably boring then grab some friends and pick a class from Dance Glasgow, you'll be getting fit and have a great time too.

Dance with Attitude is a great resource if you are an adult looking to pick up a new hobby or if…read moredancing is something you've wanted to try but never had the opportunity. Here you can pay per class rather than paying a bulk sum so if you try out a class and don't like it then it's not the end of the world - just try another one. There are a tonne of classes on offer here including; -Salsa -Tango -Flamenco -Street jazz -Belly dance -Break dance If you are really into dancing then you can buy a bundle of 3 or 4 to save money or you can even buy a "dance passport". For £70 (£55) you get a months "passport" which means you can go to as many classes as you like and dance your socks off. You can also get "passports" for a period of 3, 6 or 12 months.

I used to work in a basement nightclub that held salsa classes, and when working during them I…read morealways found the social dynamic odd, sometimes embarrassing, but nonetheless fascinating. We had the teacher himself, a balding lothario who I got the impression was at it with the majority of the younger female attendees, and groups of 40 something couples whom definitely had a more seedy agenda than coming simply for a dance, but didn't fancy getting caught dogging in a car park. There were also a few lonely social miisfits and a contingent of bitter, hateful single women in their early 30s, whose excessive white wine consumption didn't really do much for their chances of meeting Mr Right, or even Mr Desperate. With about 10 different types of dance class on, including salsa and other lusty latino-themed varieties, any amateur sociologists among you could have a field day in here.

I used to go to dance classes when I was younger, but I guess when you're young you don't take…read moreanything seriously and would much rather be running around with your friends. I gave up dancing when I was around 12 and I've regretted it ever since. I have so many friends who are always in dance shows and whenever I go to see them I wish I could be in them too! But I think I'm too old now to train to do any serious dancing. A couple of years ago I found Dance Factory and as they have a huge range of adult classes from beginners to advanced learners I decided to give it a shot. I went to the Hip Hop classes on a Thursday night and I had so much fun! There was a huge age range from 17 right up to about late 30's, so I didn't feel silly going. The teacher is so nice and the routines were always fab as was the music. The classes are £5.50 each and last for around an hour, you just pay per lesson which is great because you can fit it around a busy schedule as if you can't go one night it's no big deal as you haven't payed a hefty subscription fee. In addition to Hip Hop classes, they also have, Jazz, Ballet, Belly Dancing and Dance Gymnastics. I haven't been to the Dance Factory for a while but I'm definitely going to go back soon, it's a fun way to keep fit and I always left feeling really happy. So whether you're a total beginner or more experienced and just want to get back into dancing again then this is the place for you!

I would not recommend this dance school on the basis of their very strict terms and conditions…read more Deciding to leave is a costly process unless you leave at the end of their invoicing month or at the end of June. For example if your child decided on the 2nd week of the month dancing wasn't for them you would have to pay until the end of that month plus another full month! Shocking I'm my opinion. Employers expect less from staff so for a dance school to treat parents of children this way, I find it poor!

This is dancing were you ask some one to dance and it means "do you want to dance", not I would…read morelike to see what colour your underwear is later. I've been dancing with this lot for years and thought it was about time to post a review of them. First of all what is it and how does it work. Ceroc is a nation wide company that teaches dancing, to be specific a form of modern Jive, danced to a wide variety of music. The classes structure is the same at all venues - 7.30 Beginners - 8.15 to 8.30 free dancing - 8.30 - 9.15 Intermediates ( during which the beginners get a revision of the beginners class - 9.15 - 10.45 free dancing You pay your money and you can be there for the whole night. The class structure differs from traditional dance classes where you sign up for x number of week course and that is it, here you turn up when you can and during the sections of the lesson you will be taught 3 to 4 moves a section. You don't need to bring a partner, as during the class you rota partners every few mins, also unlike a lot of dance classes I've been to the ratio of men to women is very good, usually a few extra women but I have seen it where there are extra men. Ok that's the structure out the way. it's a fun friendly atmosphere, Franck the teacher is a wonder dancer and really teaches well. It's very social and in just a short time you start to get to know people. Anyone can ask anyone to dance and it is seen as quit rude to say no unless you have a reason, going to toilet, promised this dance to someone else, just danced 5 in a row and are knackered. The music varies, a lot of better chart stuff, some older tracks and some I had never heard of but ended up loving. Mainly down to the taste of the DJ. All in all it's one of the most accessible ways to learn to dance and unlike certain popular styles (cough cough Salsa) it can be danced to any music.

Easy to pick up moves to get you started with partner dancing. A cool blend of Salsa moves and Jive…read moredanced to varied music in a club atmosphere! Welcomes beginners every week. A complete night-out mid-week.

Fablevision have been established for fifteen years: they are not so much a traditional theatre…read morecompany as engaged with "cultural mapping", a process that links communities and culture. They are currently involved in a transformation of TV, encouraging local web TV and engagement with "ordinary people" in cultural processes. Being part of the Govan scene, it is one of the strands that is helping this grand area regain its pride. Most of their energy is in helping people learn how to use modern technology, although their ambitious show last year looked at the links between the Western islands and the Govan past.

From the owner: The collaborative is collectively known as the Fablevision "Group" and whether your requirement is…read morefor theatre, film, editing, television, training for young people, consultancy, graphics web IT, dance, drama, or a large scale developmental project which uses a combination of creative approaches in communities, the expertise is available within the Fablevision group. A cultural social enterprise with charitable status, Fablevision is a "group" of social enterprise companies whose members share values and working practices. The Fablevision Group can supply everything you need by way of community cultural development: from cultural planning consultancy, project development and delivery; supporting emerging cultural social entrepreneurs/enterprises to training and learning in applying the methodology in your own community. Fablevision group members range from projects and departments within the charity to our trading arm Fablevision Studios and our many associates and collaborators.

So, this is a pretty interesting way of exercising ey? I've ALWAYS wanted to try pole fitness,…read morebecause as easy as it looks, I know it's super difficult. I wanted to challenge myself and be able to be as strong as the super fit pole dancers I see on Instagram haha Anyway, after I saw Rebecca's review, I thought that I'd definitely try out this place! She was kind enough to link me to a Wowcher that was £12 for 4 classes! I immediately bought it and went for a month! Definitely keep an eye out for these vouchers because they're worth it if you wanna give a place a try! Anyway, the studio is relatively spacious. Depending on how many students there are on that day. Beginners usually stick together on one side and advanced students are on the other side. The main teacher, Suzy, is always there! And there's always another teacher coming in, but they change up every week. They do it in rotation and I quite like that because we get taught by different perspectives! The only thing is that there are many students so you won't be getting a one on one class with the instructors! They have to jump from beginners to intermediate to advanced the whole time so, bare in mind that you'll learn something new and practice it A LOT on your own. I've been to 4 classes already and I can tell ya, my legs are completely covered in bruises! Not as graceful as I thought I'd be but hey, no pain no gain! BUT, if you're curious, don't be shy and give it a try (that rhymed). I'm probably gonna continue pole fitness next year because I like it so much!

Ok. I have a confession to make. I love pole fitness. No, I'm not a stripper. No, I don't want to…read morebe a stripper one day. No, I don't parade around in sequins and 9 inch heels (well, sometimes, but that's unrelated). I just love pole fitness. If you've ever tried yoga and been surprised about how much confidence it gave you and how good you felt in your own skin, you'll love pole. If you've ever tried weights training and been amazed at how quickly your strength improves, you'll love pole. If you're wanting to try something a bit different but that will really tire you out and give you a great workout including focuses strength, cardio and flexibility, then I can't recommend pole enough. I bought a Wowcher offering 4 pole classes, each 90 minutes long for Twirl and Tone in October. I'd never done anything like that before. Since then I have become a total addict. After the first class I ached for a week but when the second one came round I could already do some of the moves that I'd previously found impossible. I can now spin around upside down but I still can't do a single thing in heels and, if I don't want to, I don't have to. The instructors for this class are all fantastic. They're friendly and supportive - they'll push you to try harder but never to the point where you're uncomfortable. They'll talk to you about what you want from the class and they'll make sure that you achieve that. They have loads of classes throughout the week - most are generic pole classes where everyone works on their own thing at their own pace, but they also offer classes specifically to work on one area, whether flexibility or routines. For the regular classes you get a discount for booking in blocks of four or for being a student. You can also buy unlimited classes for a month. Go try it out. You might surprise yourself.

If you've never set foot in a Pure Gym before let me tell you, it's kinda like the Easyjet of gyms;…read moreit's cheap, pretty no-frills, but a little nicer than those in the same price bracket. Having been a member of the gym on Bath St, I took a chance on this gym as it was slightly cheaper and only recently built (although Bath St has recently been refurbished). I'm not going to write a lot about this gym, instead I give you a pro's and con's list: Pro's: 1. It's about as new as a gym can be without being a crossfit-ikea-bobthebuilder mash-up! 2. It's pretty quiet compared to Bath St. 3. There're plenty of cardio machines 4. The free-weights area seems bigger than Bath St. 5. They offer free classes in 2 separate studio spaces. 6. The hairdryers don't blow their fuse everytime you use them (unlike Bath St). 7. Every time I've been in I've seen at least 1 cleaner. Con's: 1. The music is the same awful drivel they play elsewhere. 1(ii) Aaaagh! That music!! 2. The weight machines are scattered over 2 floors, when they could quite easily have been put in one place. 3. Upstairs is totally soulless, it could still be a garage.. 4. You have to be really quick to get a space in some of the classes. 5. They took the peanut butter clif bars out've the vending machines (-50 cool points) I want to like this gym, I want to say it's better than Bath St, but it's just too white (not the clientele). It feels like a gym showroom, but with people using the equipment. This is my opinion of it, perhaps other people love the airy ceilings & clean walls, but to me it just sucks the fun out've being there.. I'll keep going to the gym, so maybe there'll be a change of heart in the future.

This gym opened in early October in the Charing Cross/Woodlands area (which sorely lacked fitness…read moreoptions - until now.) The gym is all new, so it's clean and airy and everything works. They have a good variety of weights and machines around the lower floor, and a room full of treadmills and cardio equipment upstairs. They've also got a spin/cycle room and a studio for classes downstairs. The locker rooms are nice; not huge, but there's enough space. My two minor complaints about this gym are: 1. The space pod entrance. You put in your code, and the first side of the pod opens. You step inside and it shuts behind you! Then the other side opens and lets you through. As a claustrophobic person, this is not fun. 2. The volume - the music is up way too loud, especially upstairs. Downstairs, the noise from the ongoing classes can be a bit much on top of the already-loud music. I find I have to turn my headphones way, way up to drown it all out. I've been in a few times now - weeknights are busier, but I still haven't had much trouble using the equipment or machines I'm after. Definitely no trouble with cardio machines - there are plenty available. Sunday afternoons have been quiet. Staff are really helpful too - I had to ask about how to use a particular machine and the guy came over and showed me exactly how to set up the machine and use it correctly. All in all, I'm enjoying it so far!

I've lived in Glasgow for 14 years now and I'm ashamed to admit I've never paid much attention to…read morethe Mackintosh connections that exist in Glasgow. I didn't even know where the GSA was situated until recently. Yesterday I decided to remedy this with a little day of Mackintosh culture. I opted for the Mackintosh at the GSA walking tour, costing £10 and lasting for an hour. The tour starts at the gift shop in the Reid building with a little bit of background regarding he GSA and its how it became located where it is. We learned about Mackintosh's involvement and the different inspiration that lead to the design of the building. We then went outside to view some of the finer details of his artwork. Obviously the building is undergoing renovation due to the fire, so there were fences and scaffolding up but that didn't take away from the beauty of the building at all. The guide took us to the east facade, and with references from Mackintosh's work could point out the different architectural inspiration that was used in this building. We also stood at the north facade and observed the fantastic ironwork that adored the windows and doors. After this, we went inside the Reid building properly and made our way to the first floor, to the Mackintosh furniture exhibit. This was furniture that has been donated from private collectors or found in old buildings or collected from Mackintosh's own home. It was an informative and interesting 60 minutes and I'd be tempted to do one of the other tours on offer to learn more.

Rennie Mackintosh's art has undergone a resurgence in popularity the last decade or two, and this…read morebuilding -- designed in multiple stages by him for the GSA -- is a practical extension of his art and design work. The building tour gives a top-to-bottom (with a lot of stairs) review of the building and its history. Our guide was a recent student who had her own engaging perspective on things and clear love for the place. It was a lot of fun, and an enjoyable hour; knowing the fee goes straight to the maintenance of the art school is helpful, as is the quite good gift shop the tour starts and ends at. The one down side I'll note is that photography inside the building is forbidden. Which is a darned shame, and a bit difficult to understand. I can't speak for the dance/party/clubbing aspect of the site (not what I was there for or when I was there), but it's definitely worth a visit when in Glasgow if you've any interest in Mackintosh. Not spectacular, but solid.