You cannot judge a book by its cover. A lovely place from the outside, but unfortunately it is run…read moreby a bunch of imbecile muppets. We had booked the NCP9 lifeguarding course for my daughter in February 2023, which was due to start during May 29th half term. She turned up for the course only to be told that the course had been cancelled. No apologies from the course management for the cancellation nor as to why we weren't informed of it at first. If we had known this earlier, we would have organised an alternative. Now, her plans and half term have been ruined thanks to a parade of incompetent dimwits. As for the refund, the staff have to speak to their head office about reimbursing the money (which they were more than happy to take). Hadn't they thought of speaking to us about the cancellation first?!?

I've been using this pool for a number of years, all the way back to when I first moved to Harborne…read morein the late 1990s. Back then, Harborne pool was a fairly run down (but nevertheless charming) Victorian pool - with a high glass ceiling and changing rooms that lined the pool. I really used to enjoy swimming there - it was very peaceful. This recently opened new centre on the site of the old pool is also very good. It is BRAND NEW, and you can tell. The facilities are excellent and the pool is first class. They have also added a gym on the 2nd floor which makes the whole building look very impressive when you drive past. I've not used the gym, but judging by how busy the exercise bikes and running machines are in the wide window that overlooks the road, the gym is very popular also.

Vibro is the only gym I've ever stuck to. Results in a matter of weeks and a friendly place to work…read moreout. Massages are fantastic too.

Once in a while everyone needs a break, and at the end of a particularly stressful week of work i…read moretook Friday afternoon off for some me time. Having had Vibro suite recommended to me by a friend I decided to check out the spa and am very glad I did. They have a fantastic range of treatments and are able to accommodate you if you want a 30 minute lunch time treat or like me an entire afternoon of relaxation. In an attempt to relax I opted for a "Deep Tissue Massage" and a "Bespoke You Facial" both were 1 hour treatments. The welcome was fantastic and I immediately felt at ease and was offered a range of drinks, the initial massage was carried out very well and actually did work to release some of the tension I felt. This was followed by a 10 minute break where I was allowed to sit relax and offered another drink. The Facial consisted of a 15 minute consultation asking about my skin type and normal routine. This was followed by a full 1 hour facial which I think was done very well. Unlike many other spas I wasn't pressured into buying any products or booking a follow up, the staff were fantastic and both treatments were great value for money. I would definitely recommend Vibro Suite.

I've been attending classes here for a good month now and would definitely recommend it…read more Perched on the edge of a busy crossing in what is a fairly anonymous building Barefoot doesn't really look like much from the outside. Once you get past the front door its a miniature haven. I've been to a mixture of classes with several teachers and have enjoyed every one. They offer classes in the ever popular hot yoga, however these are usually quite late in the evening so not always ideal. Warm yoga (less hot than hot yoga), of which I am a particular fan, as well as other classes for all levels and pilates (I haven't tried these though). I've been practising yoga for a few months now and I felt pretty comfortable in the 'level 1' and 'level 2' classes they offer. The level 2/3 was certainly a challenge as my arm balances need some serious work, however practice makes perfect and I never felt uncomfortable when there was something I couldn't do. In general an alternative pose is also offered, this is great not only for when you're not so confident, but also for when you want to have fun and push it further. I've learnt about 6 new poses in only a three weeks of classes and they all make for excellent party tricks as well as nurturing my LOVE of yoga. Facility wise there are changing rooms on the ground floor, the ladies is pretty compact and not really big enough for the number of people in a full class. But its clean, there are showers and the vast majority of people come dressed and leave to shower and change at home so it isn't a real issue. There is also a nice waiting area where you can chill out and get a cup of tea before a class. The studio itself is on the first floor, its a fairly nondescript space but the front is mirrored ballet studio-style which I really like. Mats are provided and laid out already, this is a nice touch as they are strategically placed to avoid bashing arms and legs in the usual poses. Although after my first hot class I started taking my own mat, I have never sweated so much in my life, wipes are provided to clean the mats after use but I'm still not so sure about sharing! All the staff have been great. Teachers (as far as I can comment) seem really good, I have definitely progressed, helped along by hands on correction and genuine enthusiasm. I joined with an introductory offer for 30 days of unlimited yoga for £30. Definitely worth being brave, giving a few classes a go and jumping in. My offer just expired and I will definitely be signing up for more classes. They offer a few 'unlimited' packages where you pay monthly, yearly, etc., or pay per class options and whilst initially it seems a little expensive as far as I can gather the prices are in line with other studios in the city centre and in my opinion, worth it.

I love coming to Barefoot for yoga and pilates. There is a comprehensive timetable with classes at…read moredifferent times of day which makes it easy to fit yoga into my life. Classes have a range of different difficulty levels but the instructors will always show you the easy option and let you have a go at trying something more difficult only if you want to, there is never any pressure. One of the things I love about yoga at Barefoot is that it is a non-competitive atmosphere and there is never any pressure. All the instructors knowledgeable and make the classes enjoyable and fun; the studio is always clean and is light and airy with a full air con system; the changing rooms are clean and fairly roomy and include showers and a hairdryer. Love yoga, love Barefoot.

All in all this gym is a solid one. It doesn't have any of the frills you get at some places- no…read moretoiletries in the changing rooms, free teas/coffees etc but it does have: - a pool - a decent free weights section - a good selection of classes (particularly great yoga class) I've never had to wait for a cardio machine and the staff are always friendly. This isn't a grunting gym, you know, there are the odd few who make bizarre noises (Although I did once hear someone shout "I am spartan" whilst doing a dead lift), but mostly they seem to go elsewhere. It's not a lift the heaviest thing you can lift then slam it down it on the floor because you can't actually lift it properly kind of gym either. All in all I'm a fan. It went a bit downhill at the end of it's stint as a Virgin Active (I left it was looking so shabby) but a fresh lick of paint has done it some good and it's looking better again now under the new branding of Nuffield Health.

For the last few months I've been attending Nuffield Health in Birmingham City Centre, having moved…read morefrom the Rubery Great Park branch. As gyms in the city go this is one of the pricier ones, with membership costing £40-£50. However, I've found that it's a nice place to exercise, and it is conveniently located for the city centre. The gym has all of the facilities you'd expect. Upstairs there's a large cardio exercise area, with running machines, bikes and more, as well as a rock climbing wall and a large weights area with a good mix of free weights and machines.There's a separate weights area for women and there's an area dedicated to boxing (if that's your thing). I've found that the atmosphere is fairly relaxed and I don't have to waste time waiting to use the weights/machines that I want to. The pool area is a great place to swim or just to relax after a work out. It doesn't seem to get overly busy and it has two Jacuzzis, a steam room and a sauna.

So... I confess... I haven't had anything to drink, any exciting meals out or any late nights this…read moreweek... It's all down to joining the programme at Fit Body Bootcamp. Basically, I needed to kickstart 2015. I really don't have too many body issues, but with it being the year of my big 30 (it's in March, thanks for asking), a mega trip to Japan for my Honeymoon and a year of new challenges for Yelp Birmingham; something needed to change. I was finding my mornings getting later and later and I was snacking more and more... But what can you do to give yourself a jolt? I got an email. That's what happened. I got an email from Fit Body Bootcamp inviting me to try the "6 week transformation" package for £99. At first I was a little bit dubious. Can you really make a difference in 6 weeks? I sent some exploratory emails and found out that the deal contained nutritional guidance (including help with meal planning), unlimited access to Bootcamp sessions (with very reasonable hours) and access to a forum with the other members (for inspiration, help and a bit of camaraderie). I duly weighed, photographed and measured myself (with the help from my partner in crime, Dan G) and was shocked at how much weight I had put on. It pushed me through my first achey session on Monday and has spurred me on to give it the best go possible! The first session was hard. I'm not going to lie, HIIT is not an easy workout - but the sessions are very regular and only 30 minutes. Now, with walking TO FBB, doing the session AND walking home; this takes me more like 1.5 hours (there are no showers in the facility so you go dressed and then go on to work or home to get ready for the day), but this is a small amount of time to give when the potential benefits are so high. The trainers are really great! I have trained so far with Oli and Toni and both of them have been big on energy, supportive and helpful (allowing me to do an alternative exercise when the one recommended is too tough). The training regime also changes every day, so you don't get bored or used to a particular kind of session. The nutritional information can be a little tricky to follow at times, but I have found the community forum a great place to share tips, tricks and pitfalls. Any question that's asked generally get's answered within a couple of hours. I am only in week 1. Only time (and my willpower to stay off the booze) will tell if I get the results... But stay tuned Yelpers! I will let you know how it goes!

Whilst I realise this is a review for a big chain, I really think this one needs to be shouted…read moreabout! Context: I am a fat girl. I don't want to be a fat girl any more. I have been a member of a number of gyms in the past, and for many many reasons hated it and quit. I was determined this time to find one that would work for me. Enter Bannatyne's Brindley Place: The bizarre decor immediately appealed. The pool is dimly lit, so I don't feel super self conscious about my bits being on show, and the gym itself is never rammed full of people so I never feel I'm being looked at. The muscly oiled men keep to themselves in a separate area with free weights which also helps me feel less anxious about visiting. But the real reason this place is awesome is because of two very specific people: 1) Steve Northam - he inducted me into the gym, he puts up with my whinging and my craziness over any kind of exertion, and at times he can be a little bit strange too (he does competitive fencing! Amazing, right?!) but above all he encourages me to keep at it. And it seems to be working. 2) Lee - a personal trainer who runs the spinning class on Thursday mornings and Sunday evenings. He warms us up to COUNTING CROWS (yes, I know, it shouldn't make sense but IT DOES!) and continues the sessions mixing Lady Gaga and Alanis Morrissette and Pearl Jam and Kings of Leon and on the rare occasion we manage to twist his arm to turn on the disco lights, it's like doing a bike ride at Snobs. And I've discovered I LOVE it. So. Indie / metal spinning, and crazy helpful instructors? On that note I'm IN. (ahhh cheesy ending, I know, but I couldn't resist :)

I booked this spa day through the wanada site which included use of all the health club facilities…read morea facial and a free take home product! A great way to spend a Saturday with a friend :-) Arriving at 10:30 I was determined to make use of all the facilities, and that's exactly what we did. My friend and I were shown around the health club - free water machine,changing rooms, swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi and sauna. We spent spent our time relaxing on the loungers reading magazines and generally just chillaxing using the jacuzzi and steam and sauna rooms. The changing room facilities are great complete with the usual showers, toliets, lockers (don't forget a £1 coin!) drier for swimming costumes and hairdryers. You can also bring in your own hair straighteners to plug in. We each had a facial in the spa whereby they used a range of Elemis products on our skin which resulted in super soft skin. The spa staff were friendly and professional and I must say I felt very relaxed after my treatment as it included a head massage too. I will defintely returning for another spa day.

I have only recently started going to the yoga classes here, but then it is very new. The Coffin…read moreWorks has only just been renovated and the studio that is used for yoga is one of the units that have now been let out for other uses. Because the unit was of course an old working building, the windows are very large in order to let in maximum light and I think the light are airy space in the room makes it a perfect place to practice yoga. I have been going to the Thursday lunchtimes classes, which are £5 for 50 minutes. The teacher is called Matty and he is a really positive guy. Whether you are a beginner or expert I can't think you would be disappointed with the classes:)

Having trained with these guys for around 18 months now I can say they are the absolute smashing it…read morewhen it comes to training, their extensive knowledge and strong work ethic are second to none. Whatever your goals are, if you're serious about achieving them then these are the guys to go to At one point in my life i hate exercise, but now I'm a complete addict. They have made me want to look and feel better about myself. They offer a no frills approach by 2 dedicated yet unpretentious pair of best friends that provide a fitness package that caters to the individual i am always encouraged and persuaded to continue my fitness routine by constant reassurance, guidance, praise, nutritional advice and also a phone call on no shows! Give it a go you never know! the place is really easy to get to and they have ample parking. This place always has great psootive vibes and you leave your troubles outside and enjoy your workout. A fast paced environment, an intimate setting with a close knit group of members I now regard as friends.....more a support network really ....best for me is the online nutrition advice ....24 hr support by the trainers and peers alike!