Real Fitness - Alnwick

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I had an extremely disappointing experience at Real Fitness. As a new member and 15 minutes into my first session, I was rudely interrupted mid-set by a staff member who accused me of “pulling the cables to hard”, telling me I would “snap them in half”, and that it was people like me who had broken the other cable in the gym. Feeling uncomfortable, I decided to pack up and leave.

These cables are rated for over 1000 kilograms, so it is literally impossible to snap one - even if you tried your absolute hardest. I was well within normal use and have over eight years of training experience in gyms all over the world and have never damaged / broken equipment before. In fact, I take pride in being respectful to gym equipment and other gym users. This interaction felt more like an attempt to assert authority rather than a genuine concern.

What will snap these cables, is not following manufacturing specification. These cables NEED to be changed every year, whether they are broken or not, especially if they are used daily in a busy gym. The reason the other cable in your gym has snapped is because I could guarantee, it is past the 1 year threshold - and if I had to guess, I’d say it hasn’t been changed since opening your gym in 2015. So, what you are doing is putting your members at risk of a serious accident because you refuse to change your cables in line with manufacturing specification - a clear breach of health and safety regulations. Opting to wait until they finally snap on an unsuspecting member and then point the finger, rather than spend a little extra money to ensure the equipment is safe to use, and yet you still have the audacity to blame my lifting style for them breaking!

After raising this issue with one of the co-owners, they reinforced what their colleague had said earlier, but nonetheless, agreed to offer me a full refund - As far as I was concerned, the matter was now closed.

Unfortunately, hours later, another co-owner accessed my emergency contact details - information given STRICTLY for emergencies only and broke the law by using them to antagonise my mother late at night, slandering me and making false accusations about my character in the process. Claiming that the reason I cancelled my gym membership was because I was a misogynist and had an issue with “strong and assertive women” telling me what to do.

This is not only grossly unprofessional but a serious GDPR breach, as my emergency contact information was used for personal retaliation after cancelling my membership.

Misusing members personal data like this is completely unacceptable and I dread to think what other confidential information is willingly being shared around the gym, considering they ask for things such as what medication you are taking and what illnesses you have - they have now proven how much they are willing to abuse the trust you give to them over something so trivial.

I have since emailed Real Fitness and given them the opportunity to respond and rectify the situation. Unfortunately, they have failed to respond to my email and so I have no choice but to hand the matter over to the Information Commissioner’s Office (IOC)

I would caution anyone considering joining this gym to think twice about trusting them with their personal information.

Charlotte K.

Love this place. Best gym ever. Great knowledgable, supportive coaches and an amazing community. Highly recommend.

K W.

Absolutely can’t recommend enough. Great facilities, modern and bright. They do a range of classes and have a fabulous open gym area if like me you just want to get in and do your own thing. Perhaps the best thing is the atmosphere. I’ve been in many gyms in my life but this place is by far the most comfortable to train in. Really friendly team. All the staff seem invested in helping you and making your experience a positive one. Can’t praise Real Fitness enough. 👍🏼

P M.

Amazing gym, all the coaches are lovely and really helpful. The classes are well structured and give you a great workout. Great friendly atmosphere and everyone is so nice!

Louisa C.

I've been a member of Real Fitness since July 2017 when my eldest son was 9 weeks old. Having never done crossfit, not knowing anyone and being a new mum it was amazing to find such a friendly, helpful gym. I have genuinely made life long friends.

The coaches are so helpful and approachable. It's a wonderful community where everyone supports each other. I am so happy to have found a sport I can really enjoy and attend despite being working mum.

I didn't have to go to the physio with my second pregnancy because I was kept so fit and strong at Real Fitness. I have been lucky to watch it grown from a couple of PnP classes a week to 5 classes Monday to Friday with 9 people on the waiting list.

I would 100% recommend Real Fitness to everyone to try.

Adventure

I joined real fitness in june 2019. After years of trying different things to keep fit but to no avail. Im so glad i found real fitness. The team of coaches there are amazing. Have great advice, the classes are immense if you put the work in and the members are equally fabulous. Its a great community, friendly, fun and always encourage. I do PT with trainers and also strength training. Love love love Real fitness. Thank you so much

Chris K.

Best gym in the area, hands down. Great service, coaching and community within the gym. Always a pleasure dropping in when I am back in Alnwick. Looking forward to my next visit.

Barry C.

Joined real Fittnes around 2 years ago it's one of the best decisions I have ever made
Tried all the other gym's in Alnwick and nothing compares all the staff are OUTSTANDING. They help you every step of the way. Made loads of new friends love it.
would highly recommend