Fitness First

Fantastic experience: Thank you Nyerho. 10/10. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and got me all set up on EGym.

Fantastic experience: Nyerho is such an amazing trainer. She is a mixture of beauty and brains.She waa excellent at training me and taking me through the EGYM today. It was such an inspiring and eye-opening experience . I look forward to using the EGYM more often when i visit the gym. It has also helped me to discover areas of my body health/muscles that i need to work on.

Fantastic experience: The new gym is fabulous. The trainer James took me through how to use the equipment and guided me through all the machines. He explained everything thoroughly and made sure I fully understood everything before leaving me to do my exercise. It has made my day and I will now be using it every time I visit. Thank you Balham.

Fantastic experience: a fantastic gym for all levels of fitness. Jacek is a best-in-class PT who helped me go from never having lifted a weight to confident in the gym in 6 months. I feel stronger, both physically and mentally, thanks to Jack and this wicked gym. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: Nice gym, friendly staff, James walked me through the scanner and was very helpful

Fantastic experience: The staff are always really welcoming and really helpful - Khai is fantastic! He has helped with so much, including how to use the Evolt body scan machine which has helped me track my progress. Within the gym there are people of all levels of fitness so it's been a great experience starting my fitness journey there. There's plenty of equipment to use and the classes are great.

Fantastic experience: The staff are so friendly and welcoming that you always feel comfortable to ask them for help and advice, Malcolm and Kai in particular. Love the classes, especially Shred with Norman- such an inspiring coach who brings great vibes to the classes. It’s also great having access to a sauna and steam.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic evolt scanner and great reception staff including James and Nyerho

Fantastic experience: Overall a great local gym and dedicated team. I’m reviewing the helpful PT service at FF Balham. I would highly recommend Diane for one to one sessions having had the benefit of her professional expertise for a year. Strenght training, improved mobility and overall fitness was my goal. As a busy, working Mum my fitness levels had stalled. Diane kindly offered the flexibility of twice weekly training at home, in gym or outdoors. I’m really feeling the physical benefits and wellbeing of PT. The added tips on nutrition, health and positive motivation have given me confidence to also join in the excellent classes offered at FF Balham. I’m more confident to use and maximises benefits of the wide range of gym equipment, combining this with core and circuit training. Check out their Evolt kit! I’m sure Diane and other PTs would be happy to advise on your fitness journey.

Fantastic experience: Super friendly staff, clean equipment. James was super helpful when I came in and helped set me up on the Evolt machine.

Fantastic experience: Huge shout out to James and Khai for getting me set up and showing me how to use the body analysis evolt machine

Fantastic experience: Been using the Evolt scales to track my progress, super handy piece of kit!

Fantastic experience: Been a member for a year and love it! Great classes, Spin on Monday with Norman is always a highlight!

Fantastic experience: Really enjoyable & easy experience. Would recommend to anyone in the area! Shoutout Nico for the help!

Fantastic experience: James is the best trainer you can find in this fantastic gym for a truly fulfilling calisthenic workout. will support you with suggestions and motivation to give your best.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and facilities, always knowledgeable PT sessions from James & Nico

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym - James and Nico were super knowledgable and helped me recover from injury.

Fantastic experience: Very helpful staff (Jason was brilliant) great gym!

Fantastic experience: Really friendly staff. James and co were really helpful. Great sauna facilities too

Fantastic experience: Great gym and better employees, always so nice and welcoming like James - legends

Fantastic experience: Super helpful staff, decent facilities.

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, and not intimidating at all...there's always women in the weights section

Fantastic experience: This is a great gym! The staff are extremely helpful and friendly, especially Jason. His classes, along with The General Norman's, are hands down the best I've ever attended at any gym. I highly recommend joining!

Fantastic experience: Had a great class with Mic! He kept it fun and kept us motivated. Will be back!

Fantastic experience: Solid gym with good equipment. Jason and Mic are top trainers!

Fantastic experience: Great gym and friendly staff

Fantastic experience: Jason was very helpful and knowledgeable, great gym atmosphere

Fantastic experience: love this gym , staff are the best , gym is nice and spacious , sauna and steam room is nice and hot , machines are really good to

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym and spa! The equipment is top-notch, the environment is clean and welcoming, and the spa offers the perfect way to unwind after a workout. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making every visit enjoyable. Don't take my word for it—come try it for yourself and experience the difference!!

Fantastic experience: Great tour by Jason and loved the bootcamp class with Malcom!

Fantastic experience: Very good equipment, luxury locker rooms and staff such as James who provide you with all the help you need

Fantastic experience: Great facilities, excellent customer service, especially James for being super helpful!

Fantastic experience: Super clean and great equipment, very friendly staff, especially James as he’s helped us during our time at the gym, ensuring we are comfortable and addressing any queries since the start of our journey at Fitness First.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love the Zumba class taught by Tina. She is very supportive, Fun and enthusiast. Thanks to James for introducing me to group fitness classes. James is very encouraging and love the legs glutes and core class that he teaches. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Wonderful staff, so friendly and helpful, especially James and Khai! Zumba with Antuan is always the favourite part of my week!

Fantastic experience: Love this gym, fab classes (love Antonio and Tina!!) and lovely staff, definitely recommend!!

Fantastic experience: Tina is a really energetic and fun Zumba instructor! Makes the class welcoming to new people as well as fun for the regulars. Will be returning!!

Fantastic experience: Great staff, great environment. Jason was very helpful at the desk

Fantastic experience: A great experience at the Balham gym to recover after the triple peaks. Special mention to the helpful lads on the desk Jason and Malcolm.

Fantastic experience: All the staff are very friendly and lead challenging workouts (James and Zeus in a Balham especially! :)). I even started PT sessions with Zeus - he never fails to make me break a sweat, lift much heavier than I would’ve done on my own, help strengthen my ankle injury with knowledge, and all with a smile on his face!

Fantastic experience: Nyerho was fantastic. So incredibly helpful & made my experience seamless.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and classes. Staff really helpful and friendly and the building is really clean. Worth every penny ☺️

Fantastic experience: Just had a great Sparr class with James. Fantastic workout. Lovely vibes. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Real friendly community and nice space - staff very welcoming too - especially Jason, very helpful :)

Fantastic experience: New to this club and love it Really warm and welcoming staff. The gym is very clean. I would highly recommend The glute classes with Norman on a Thursday

Fantastic experience: This is a great gym, lovely staff. Especially Ayman, always knowledgeable and the best personal trainer! I would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Norman, the manager, turned this gym around after the London riots. It's well equipped, clean and welcoming. Yoga on Sunday morning with Maria is a delightful.

Fantastic experience: I’ve had a great experience at the Balham brunch. The staff members have all been welcoming, friendly and professional. The gym is clean, has a lot of the equipment I need and a wide option of classes. My 45 minute PT session with Gemma was great. She is very knowledgeable about fitness, getting goals and the best fitness outcomes met. She listened to what I want to accomplish, gave me an encouraging nudge to push myself whilst making sure I safe not to cause any injury. Looking forward to my future sessions with her.

Fantastic experience: Jack has been my personal trainer for a few months now, and he is such a wonderful person.He is very kind-hearted, patient, and caring, which also describes all the members of staff at Fitness First Balham. They have supported me through my fitness journey in gaining weight and I can't express how happy I am in achieving my goal day by day.I sincerely recommend this gym to everyone.

Fantastic experience: Really great experience here! Very experienced trainers and brilliant classes :)

Fantastic experience: Had the best time with Norman who took glute gains class!! Highly recommend! ☺️

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym, phenomenal staff. The manager is unbelievable, so good. The PTs are all friendly and make you feel very welcome. Brilliant experience.

Fantastic experience: james is a great trainer, good motivation and always helped when needed! if you’re down there defo give him a shout :)

Fantastic experience: I love this gym! It's more than just a place to work out it's a friendly community. The high-energy classes make exercising enjoyable. Norman and the team always make you feel welcome. I always recommend this place; it's definitely the best Fitness First in London!

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym and core class with James was brilliant!! Definitely recommend x

Fantastic experience: Looking to increase your cardio fitness... Thurs Sparr with James an absolute blast! James made the 45 mins flyby with intense, power hitting moves.. Gym vibez great, friendly, clean environment

Fantastic experience: I couldn’t be happier with my experience at this gym. The receptionists, Khai and Aitor, are absolutely incredible. They have both gone above and beyond to help me with my fitness journey. Their friendly demeanor, encouragement, and personalized attention have made a significant difference in my experience. The personal coaches are also fantastic, providing excellent guidance and support. Additionally, the gym’s facilities are top-notch, with modern equipment and a clean, well-maintained environment. I am very thankful for the support and motivation I’ve received from Khai and Aitor. Highly recommend this gym to anyone looking for a great place to work out!

Fantastic experience: Great gym, cozy atmosphere and very friendly staff. I had the opportunity to work for a few months with Ayman and he did a great job in tailoring not only my workout program but also my nutrition. He was very professional and helpful and thanks to the help I started seeing results straight away.

Fantastic experience: MAJOR experience! Set up is great. Did a day pass, James & Zeus are the best

Fantastic experience: Lovely gym, very helpful staff, especially my guy James, he’s a G not gonna lie, highly recommend joining this gym, everyone of the PT are amazing, especially that one guy named James, love him xoxo

Fantastic experience: Really amazing experience, especially the team they are really friendly. Definitely come try it out.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and classes, and wonderful team - thanks Dianne & James!

Fantastic experience: Fitness first Balham is a really great club. The timetable is varied and the classes are great; my favourites are Shred and Glute gains. Experience instructors who are so lovely; particularly Norman, Renata, Josh and Elizabeth. Keep it up !!

Fantastic experience: Decent gym with great staff. James was helpful from start to finish. Plenty of space and plenty of equipment

Fantastic experience: Fitness First is really good They have lots of classes and top-notch equipment. The staff is super friendly too

Fantastic experience: I’ve had some amazing PT sessions with Fernando and Gemma at this gym. They’ve both been so motivating and taught me so much - my confidence has increased ten fold! I’d massively recommend both of them to anyone.

Fantastic experience: My favorite gym (bar none)... Norman runs a tight ship, and the staff here are excellent - including the PTs (such as Joe, Jacque, and Fernando) and in-house staff (such as Jason, James, Aytor, and Zeus). Really friendly, approachable, and down to earth. There's plenty of classes during the week, and it's also easy to book them via the app. I honestly can't fault the gym. It's been consistently great for many years. Great value and service, coupled with really friendly members that also make it a pleasure to frequent the gym... frequently.

Fantastic experience: Great gym. All staff are incredibly welcoming and helpful. Getting back on top of my health has been a breeze thanks to Fitness First Balham

Positive experience: Please please get towels! Nice gym but needs towels! How can you have showers and sauna facilities and not provide paying members with towels when the other fitness first gyms provide this?!

Fantastic experience: The staff here are so friendly, they truly set an example for all gyms. The PTs are incredible and clearly have a good relationship with their clients. I see Jo who has been great. The gym is on the smaller side but the staff more than make Up for it.

Fantastic experience: Great gym with friendly staff, Nyehor has been a great help today especially! Would prefer later closing times though!

Fantastic experience: Love this gym so much - love a 5K run & the Great classes - I love Gabi’s body pump & James’s core & Robert’s yoga & I do love a good steam and sauna!

Fantastic experience: Best gym in the area by far and great staff- shout out to james and khai who are clearly passionate about their job and are knowledgeable!

Fantastic experience: This particular branch is an absolute gem of a gym, surpassing any other gym I have ever been a member of. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I had discovered a truly exceptional place. At the heart of Fitness First is a team of staff members who are not only friendly and approachable but also genuinely invested in their members well being. Their warm and welcoming attitude creates a sense of community and support that is unparalleled. Whether you have questions about equipment usage, need assistance with your fitness routine, or simply want a friendly chat, the staff members are always there with a smile and a helping hand. The dedication and passion of the Manager, combined with the friendly nature of the staff, create an environment that is both inviting and motivating. The Manager's commitment to excellence is reflected in every aspect of the gym, from the cleanliness to the quality of the equipment that is always improving. The staff members, in turn, embody this commitment by providing exceptional service and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would gladly do so!

Fantastic experience: Great service James and Nyerho are the best ever staff we have ever come across (tho we travelled the world), Fitness First Balham is the best !!! Fitness first Balham becomes amazing because of people like James and Nyerho !! Cheers

Fantastic experience: Great local gym! Really enjoying PT sessions with Jason, very professional and knowledgable, helping me to achieve my goals. The facilities and classes are great, the steam room and sauna are a real bonus!

Fantastic experience: All the staff i have encountered have been lovely. I feel listened to and cared for and fully trust Purvi to help and guide me on my road to recovery.

Negative experience: As many other members have noted it’s incredibly overcrowded. Limited equipment and too many members for the space they have. Quite often there are no free machines, benches or even floor space so you’ll stand around with others waiting for something to become free. Then do it all again a few minutes later when you want to move on to a new exercise. Not just a ‘January problem’ as it’s like that during other months too. Opening hours are short, especially on weekends. Not worth the price. Strongly recommend trying somewhere else or experiencing the chaos of a weekday evening or weekend yourself before committing to a long contract.

Negative experience: The gym is clean but way too small and short of equipment especially light weights. Very few machines and one has been left broken for over a month. Some gym classes are on the gym floor where the space is already very limited. I would only advise it for those who are interested in classes. Not worth the price overall.

Fantastic experience: I came here with a free trial which I was using cos I was staying with a friend who lived nearby so was a bit sneaky cos. Not gonna join this gym n was just taking advantage but I will say the staff were great so thank you, I wish I'd known there was a steam room cos I'd have come earlier

Negative experience: I’ve been going here for over a year now and I think the gym has got progressively worse. The staff are friendly and the gym is clean, but I think that’s where the positives end. It’s too small. The gym is simply over populated, I don’t consider going at peak times anymore as it’s just a fight to get equipment. Probably partially down to a few factors; there aren’t enough machines or equipment, fitness first over subscribe this gym, and the gym closes progressively earlier meaning everyone is trying to go at the same time. For the price you pay to go to the gym, what it offers is really sub-par. I think the only reason it can charge what it does and get people through the door is because it’s the only one in the area. Once my membership ends I’ll definitely be looking for another solution.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant atmosphere and friendly staff. Amazing assistance from James, where he pushed me past my limits. Definitely recommend going and will be returning!

Positive experience: Friendly staff and the sauna/steam room is a big plus! However, the gym has a fairly small weights area compared to cardio machines/classes, it is always very busy and also closes quite early on the weekend. Towels like other Fitness First’s would be great too.

Fantastic experience: Heyyy Everyone!!! Come Come Come to Fitness First in South London on Balham High Road. The BEST GYM ❤️❤️ ever!!! Very well managed by Norman and his fabulous team!!! All classes are AMAZING as well as all the instructors. For example, I have attended James’ classes and they are amazing…much energy, enthusiasm and professionalism!!! Come and have FUN while exercising!!! Ana-Paula

Negative experience: Gym closes earlier and earlier without prior notice. The steamroom and sauna also now close 1 hour before closing time: this was also a policy that until today many customers are not aware of (they just wonder what’s happening when they’re already in the steamroom) and I had to find out the hard way (taking off clothes, seeing the steamroom is closed and then asking staff at the front desk); bear in mind, the steamroom and sauna closed 1 hour early before the official policy was put in place, and apparently this was always due to a mistake or break down. Cleaning now takes place during gym hours. The shower facilities were recently undergoing maintenance until “Saturday morning” but upon arrival on Saturday, the sign outside the showers had been replaced to say “Sunday morning” - no notice to customers. Overall, there is a lot of lack of transparency around policies and a significant lowering to service standards as the gym closes earlier and earlier in the last two years. I would understand the need to cover increasing operational costs and potential losses from the covid period to a certain extent, but there is now a decreased value for money on subscription to this gym, especially when compared to other gyms in the area. I would prefer a higher subscription fee (and perhaps add a towel service and fix the steamroom/sauna quicker when they break) to this.

Fantastic experience: I have just joined fitness first and have had an amazing experience so far ! Jason and James have been very helpful! Great equipment and an all round positive atmosphere. Would recommend

Fantastic experience: I recently joined fitness first and have had a great experience already! The staff are very helpful, access to great equipment and an all round positive atmosphere. Would recommend

Fantastic experience: Came to visit and signing up! Women's changing area is really clean, looks nice and there's a great range of classes. Khai is really nice and knows the place well! Free weights up to 50kg. Also can cancel for free if and when I move out of the area.

Fantastic experience: Best gym in SW London, very friendly staff, especially James. Good for cardio and weights alike!

Fantastic experience: Amazing vibe and the personal trainers are simply the best. Thank you so much Dean and James. Also highly recommend the classes by James. His workouts are great!

Fantastic experience: Best experience for gym! Greeted by Norman, Khai and Malcolm everyday and always there to help when we need it. Ayman is a brilliant PT, pushing us to our best and provides all extra help even out of lesson. Great facilities and always clean! Must join.

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym! Staff are extremely helpful and equipment is always kept exceptionally clean. Ayman is a great PT!! Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: I wanted to share my experience being a member at fitness first. Dean one of the mangers who works at the Balham branch is polite, always has a welcoming smile on his face and a great motivator on days I lack enthusiasm. :)

Negative experience: I've been coming here for a couple of years now and feel the need to share a few things for those looking to join. There needs to be more lower weight dumbbells - there is only one set of everything up to 12kg, but more than one set of the really high weights which seemingly don't get used much - or at least I never see them used. The steam room breaks way too much, seems to be every 2-3 months and fixing it seems to take at least two weeks. The sauna and steam room switches off at 5pm on a Sunday now - it used to stay open to 5:30pm, to it now being 5pm. I'm paying just short of £60 a month for the facilities to either be broken or shut off earlier and earlier. What's next, it closing at 4:30pm? A lot of people use those facilities on a Sunday and it gets quite busy. For some reason there's no clock on the wall in there now? Obviously they will rely on the contract which says 'facilities may not always be in use' Likewise, there is no signage to say at the front desk to say if the facilities are out of use upon arrival. There have been a few times I have turned up specifically to use those facilities to find they're not working, sometimes after I've got changed - bit of a waste of my time if I want to go in to relax and I shouldn't have to ask if they are working or not when I turn up. Classes take place on the gym floor at peak times on a Monday which seems to be when the gym is busiest. I avoid going on Mondays now as I normally will need to use the gym floor around that time but can't with there being no space. It would be good if there were towels, and a small spin drier for swimming shorts and towels - I have seen them in Virgin Actives and I think that would be a great addition to the changing rooms. Every gym I have been to in London offers this, this is the first one that doesn't. Staff are nice though and it's pretty clean as far as gyms go. But there is definitely a need for a lot of improvement.

Fantastic experience: Top gym, everyone very friendly, Joe, Jason and Kai very helpful! Evolt360 very helpful as well, great fot tracking the weight.

Fantastic experience: Such a warm experience from start to finish. Malcom welcomed me with so much care and attention and then the facilities. Where do I start. Third Space has nothing on this. Open plan. Lots of light, equipment galore. And the suana steam was to die for. Will be coming again with all my friends

Positive experience: Only started the gym a week ago and so far loving the boot camp class by James. The stuff are very friendly. Used sauna which is clean but only downside is the loud music that comes through from the gym floor which doesn't make it very relaxing

Fantastic experience: Hello, I visited this club recently and wanted to share my experience. The gym looks excellent, the all stuff so friendly and nice. The special trainer Jason, friendly, helpful and shining person. I really recommend visit this cool gym!

Fantastic experience: James is wicked, really helpful. All the staff are happy to help with anything. Really good facilities and great classes. Antonio’s Pilates class is brilliant

Fantastic experience: First time in the neighborhood and this gym … and as luck would have it … I met Khai and Jason at the front desk. Tremendous friendly welcome, professionalism and kindness - these great guys got me signed up in a flash, hit me with a tour of the great facilities and even gave me some awesome workout advice. Strongly recommended !