Abbey Leisure Centre

“1 star feels overly generous for the FitCore class experience, however the gym was decent which deserves an extra star. Strong urine smell near all the toilets (near the pool and the spa are the worst), no hot water in the showers. The FitCore instructor was eating in the studio as we were arriving. She didn't explain at the beginning of the session how to adjust the Reformer despite someone telling her she was new and has never used one before. She only asked about injuries AFTER the warm up. The studio door was left open for the first 10+ minutes of the class, the music from outside the studio was disruptive as it was louder than the music played in the studio for the class. No cueing how to safely place our feet in the straps (also kept saying sole of the feet up towards the ceiling whilst we were on our back with our legs extended towards the ceiling, which made no sense as the strap would've slipped off if our feet were in a flexed position during that particular exercise) or anything about core engagement. The class overrun by 10 minutes, we stayed on the same springs for the full session, warm up was a long, deep static hamstring stretch (what happened to spinal articulation and/or footwork?) and we did breathwork at the end. At this point I would have laughed, if it didn't cost £18 to participate in this yoga/stretch/breathwork fusion class with someone who clearly didn't have a clue about Pilates based exercises. Would not recommend, very disappointing”

“For the last few weeks the water in the showers have been absolutely cold. My children come for swimming lessons here. It is unreasonable to expect the lessons to continue when children are unable to shower in warm water (I have felt the water and it is freezing cold). I have called on a weekly basis to check to see if the showers have been fixed, but I hear the same answer - showers are still running cold. I spoke to Linzi today over the phone and asked for an update. She told me that showers were still not running warm and how by 4pm (when children swimming classes begin) the warm water runs out. She began telling me that it’s reasonable for children to leave swimming lessons in a gown, whilst wet, to go home and shower. This is a complete disregard that the weather is very cold and to expect children to have chlorine on their skin and hair for long periods of time is asking for unwarranted health issues. She then proceeded to tell me to quickly give my children a shower in the cold water, which is completely ridiculous. When I asked for a refund (because I’ve been paying in full every month), she told me that I pay for swimming lessons and not showers - surely expecting functioning warm showers at a swimming centre is reasonable? I have never seen a swimming centre that doesn’t offer a shower, especially ones that involve children. It’s disgusting that Abbey Leisure centre wants to keep functioning, taking their monthly payment, without even considering the impact of the broken showers and a disregard to children welfare. I have been very patient the last few weeks, but after hearing the unreasonable advice from your colleague, I’m forced to write this message today. I refuse to bring my children to a centre, to then come home and shower - and during the journey home, sitting completely wet, in this cold weather, with chlorine on their skin and hair. I have seen your other responses on the comments under Google review - I have already completed an enquiry and would like someone to address this issue rather than get a generic response.”

“I was at the pool training for a charity swimathon. While swimming, I unfortunately came across human faeces in the pool. I actually swam over it before realising what it was, which was pretty shocking and disgusting. The lifeguards did make an announcement eventually, but it didn’t feel very urgent and by that point several of us had already been very close to it. It really should have been handled more quickly and clearly for the safety and hygiene of everyone in the pool. The whole situation was extremely unpleasant and has honestly changed my view of the cleanliness in the pool and changing areas. My swimming gear was contaminated and I now have to disinfect everything. To be fair, the receptionist was helpful and offered me some body wash, which I appreciated. However, after what happened I didn’t feel comfortable even going back into the showers. I’d really suggest stricter hygiene controls and designated adult-only sessions.”

“Showers now not working for two weeks (no hot water)and staff using easy excuse of blaming contractors. They should make this a top priority fix. Worst thing ithey advise is that they say shower at home, terrible advise as chlorine be washed out of hair and skin immediately. It's the basic function of a swimming / gym facility to have adequate washing facilities. If they sort in the short term it will time to move on and cancel subscription.”