5
Lucia Chadburn 21 months ago
It doesn't get much better than this. Indigo was my 4th gym - the others all in London and let me tell you I am very upset to be going back to the UK - mainly because it means leaving this gym. The customer service - outstanding! I've sent countless emails asking questions on this and that and their kindness, consideration and quick replies are on another level. In person, almost all of the staff are so so friendly, outspoken, helpful, and upbeat. I've had staff help me improve my form, help me when I've forgotten gym equipment, and just had lovely conversations with them. There's one guy who is not so upbeat but hey you can't win them all. But customer service aside - there's absolutely everything they put into this gym which screams consideration and thoughtfulness. They provide water bottles, clean comfortable towels (and large ones for my girls with long hair!!!), make it compulsory to use sweat towels (keeping the gym environment clean), deodorant, makeup remover, makeup removing pads, tissues, soap, good shampoo and conditioner, strong wifi, and a coffee station on your way out for free coffee and lots of alternative milks and sweeteners.
As seen in the list above, they go out of their way to make sure you don't need to bring much with you in your bag - this was truly a life saver for me. Not to mention, providing the things like makeup remover etc meant it created more of a culture of getting ready in the morning at the gym rather than at home - and when you think about it, it makes more sense. To do your makeup, go to the gym, get sweaty, shower, and leave doesn't make sense. I have to go to my job straight after the gym and it saves me so much time (and peace of mind) to be able to do my makeup and get ready for the day AFTER my workout. It was so helpful to be able to incorporate into my routine.
They have a ladies only sauna, a mixed spa with a large steam room, cold plunge pool, large sauna, sitting area with a tea station in case you want a cup of tea and to wind down, and even a relax room where you can lie down on beds.
Even the culture here is fantastic - as a woman, I feel so comfortable and relaxed there without worrying about judgement from other women - I just know that the women here have my back in some sense - and I don't feel uncomfortable around the men either at all!!! No creepy staring, they even try to help me if I ask. People are really chatty and respectful to one another. I've had people help me with form so openly and helpfully and I've done the same for others.
Now, I've said so much but haven't even gotten to the gym itself. I like to weigh lift and run, so I can't say much about the group sessions, but there's a stretch area that I really appreciated and used a lot too. Even the machines have thoughtful placement - the machines are grouped into different parts of the body. If you pay attention, you'll notice that the machines for the lower body that don't require much thought for form are often facing the wall, not the mirrors and are more in the corner and hidden - I really like this! I hate sticking my arse out whilst doing RDLs, knowing someone behind me can see my entire rear view. But, if you want to look at your form, the ones you'll need to see it the most for are often in front of the mirrors. I mean wow. So thoughtful.
I would really recommend going at off-peak hours, most days I would stand in the middle of the gym and I could have nobody within a 10 metre radius of me.
If I were to give any criticism, it's the phone service at the location. Often I had to leave fast and go to work, running a bit behind schedule - and it's located right inside the old town (really beautiful by the way), and as soon as I left the gym, I had no service whatsoever, no clue how to get to the nearest station and no time to go back to ask. It's very easy to get lost inside the old town with its little avenues.
My other criticism is the new changing rooms that were recently renovated - I liked the old ones so much more - it made for so much more of an inviting and free changing environment.