Eltham Centre

Positive experience: I really want to like this gym for the fitness classes and swimming pool but I’m seriously considering of leaving because of the changing room, especially the one by the pool. Came on a weekday around 8pm and it was so dirty, rubbish like sweet packaging and even a used plaster were lying around. The whole place was stink of piss too. It really needs more regular cleaning, maybe a deep clean with lots of soap and hot water to wash away all the slimy grossness on the floor. More signs/notice boards should be put up to remind users to place their rubbish in the right bin and regular check by staff might help too.

Positive experience: Use for swimming with toddler. Nice warm pool and gentle slope in. Changing areas can get dirty towards the afternoon. Recommended going early. Car park normally full unless early but local car park around corner. Staff friendly. Easy booking system, fair price. Lockers annoyingly need 20p but front desk can change up

Negative experience: Used to love this gym (previous review) but it's gone seriously downhill. I've been a member for over 10yrs and, like many others I know, am reluctantly looking for a new gym. They cater to a certain demographic, and it's not mine. They put a lot of effort into kids activities, teenagers and the elderly, but those of us who are in between and work, get the scraps. I go mainly evenings... The gym is full of teens until 7ish. The gym itself is weight training heavy, the machines I use are randomly placed where there's an odd space. There are no mats (for sit-ups, pressups, planks etc, and you see random people doing them on the bare floor where people walk. There aren't many low kg weights, maybe 2 sets of 4&3kg. There is a "stretch room" (random side room outside of the gym) with only 2 mats inside, no mirrors or music or equipment... Poor attempt really. I can never get to use the showers or changing rooms now (only 4) in the evening, as they are always taken by families of swimmers, who leave their stuff in there (they have their own changing area by the pool?). They also make everything wet and eat snacks in there, so you're walking on wet carrots and crisps, etc. The toilets aren't very clean due to the amount of young kids (swimmers), often no toilet roll in any of them. Classes and instructors are good, but there's not enough equipment for the spaces they sell, which makes things pointless. The room also needs a good hoover. Actually the whole place is a bit grimy. The spin room is good, but the bikes need more maintenance. Parking charges are high Lastly, they close in the evenings for 2wks over Xmas, which means anyone who works will not be able to go and loses half a month of their membership. I really don't want to leave, but at this stage I'd rather go somewhere I feel welcome.

Negative experience: Well it's nice to get a reply after 4 months tried to book the steam room last night for next Wednesday at 10 0 clock ⏰ as much as i could, i couldn't book for the time I wanted. The situations ridiculous, your stuck with one centre in the WHOLE of Greenwich Borough with a steam room that you can't book, because you can't get through on the phone Not that the council is short of a few bob to spend on a leisure centre that has a decent capacity for people.

Negative experience: Today I went for first time to the center as I had a terrible accident, I broke my leg and I had major surgery. The physio recommended me the pool to help me to start walking again. Nowadays, it takes me a long time to arrive to places and I arrived a little bit earlier to my appointment at 11:00 on the pool. The guy asked me to wait few minutes before he let me pass as it was early. When I arrived to the center I realised there was no place to sit down (or at least it is not indicated clearly) except for the coffe shop that is inside call Maywhit. I attended to the place with crutches and the help of my father as he has to help me in everything that I do now due to the lack of stability that I’ve got and I’m unable to be stand up. I decided to enter into the coffe shop Maywhit as I couldn’t see any sit available. I sat down in the end of the coffe shop in a standing chair. There were plenty of chairs and tables available. The lady of the coffe shop came all the way from the desk targeting me at 10:45 and asking me if I was going to order something. I explained to her that I wasn’t as I was waiting for the pool to open and I explained to her that I sat down there as there was no place to sit and I couldn’t stand up due to my condition. She invited me to leave the coffe shop and I felt quite embarrassed and vulnerable on my condition. Everyone was looking at me and noticed the situation. I was quite sad to see the lack of kidness that this person treated me with, specially when my condition was quite visible and after explained her the situation. I really don’t want to imagine how others must have felt if this has happen before. The rest of the team on the center and the pool were kind to me and helpfull otherwise.

Negative experience: After sitting through a horrendous automated recoring for 2 mins, selecting various options, I have now been sat waiting for 5 mins for someone to answer the phone. Joke. All I wanted was to ask if they did water-aerobic classes.

Positive experience: I found better is good At swimming lessons ,I saw progress in my son’s swimming but the changing rooms are aweful..so wet, smells like trash and so dirty. He is reluctant to come to the classes for the same reason. It’s a shame we couldn’t find a decent swimming facility for kids in the entire Bexleyheath Borough.

Fantastic experience: Very great gym and swimming! But today I had a shower only to find when I come out to get changed that someone had stolen my clean pants

Negative experience: Poorly maintained. Unclean. Rude - pool - staff, which resonates through a lot of the reviews. Cherry on the cake was the 8 yr old age limit to use the length of the pool. Never had this enforced in previous visits - when my kids were younger. Interesting to know what they are teaching in the swim classes they give at the center with a policy like that. Of course safety first, that being said, you could just keep them in the baby pool until that age. It hinders the kids learning to swim proficiently. I’ve been going here on and off for 5 years and generally an overall worse experience had each time. Won’t be returning. Orpington has a much better setup if you can get there.

Fantastic experience: Ryan made my whole experience so easy when joining the leisure centre,he explained everything clearly and made the whole process easy.He is a great asset to the center.

Negative experience: These peoples prime purpose here is to make an income of anything that moves or breaths.. parking is a ripoff, every gym activity is an additional payment and booking and the service is not great either :/ make it make sense..

Negative experience: During my recent visits to the gym, I have encountered multiple instances of broken or malfunctioning equipment. Specifically, pins missing from the weight stacks and treadmills always in repair.

Positive experience: The pool is good and the gym is good but some of the equipment was broken

Negative experience: Towel got stolen while swimming , staff did nothing to help. They asked us if we can find it dumped in the changing rooms somewhere which is actually disgusting to ask someone to use a used towel

Fantastic experience: Staff friendly I am member some shower not working

Fantastic experience: I've been going to this gym/fitness centre for about 5 years and it's just got better and better (excuse the pun) , great staff every one, special mention to the general manager Lyndsey who makes a tough job look effortless, great facilities, state of the art equipment and fitness classes for all abilities day and night. A good cafe and a competition swimming pool... Oh and a great library too!

Positive experience: Been a member of the centre scince reopening, from when the old Eltham pools shut down. The centre is more than enough for me to have a membership there. All the staff there are friendly and welcoming, especially Ela,Tim, Holly and duty managers Mark and Ryan .

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing gym with fantastic classes and great equipment! For context, I’m 38 and really struggled to find anything to motivate me to get moving. I’m beyond grateful to have found the Eltham Centre. Michelle’s and Lynsey’s spinning classes are literally addictive!! I’m now attending classes at least 4 times a week. After 3-4 months of consistency, I’m seeing some really positive changes in my body. The spinning class studio is fabulous with great equipment. It feels like a party night out with the lighting and music! I’ve also started going to Michelle’s Power Pump class on Sundays which have been a great addition to my workouts. The booking process for the classes via the app is very reliable and stress free.

Fantastic experience: Since moving to Eltham, iv found the classes here absolutely amazing and so much fun, Especially Bollywood Dance fitness with Nadia- so much expertise and energy - doesn’t feel like a workout! Pilates with Vanessa- she needs a YouTube channel! Have felt so much benefit from her classes - and the way she talks you through it -absolutely amazing my body feels so strong! Taniqua’s Zumba - just a great party workout! great experienced instructors with classes always full.

Negative experience: Poor gym and staff also the pool makes me feel sick eg cold saw eye and dry throat.

Fantastic experience: Extremely happy as a member of the Eltham Centre! Can’t fault the variety of equipment in the gym and it’s always kept nice and clean. I also love their classes - the evening spin class on Monday’s with Li are a highlight of my week!! Her classes are always filled with energy, her music selection is 10/10 and she takes care to make sure her classes are fit for both beginners and regulars. A lovely community, wouldn’t go anywhere else!

Positive experience: The swimming pool and from the centre are well maintained and clean. Level 1 looks pretty new and modern with great equipment and technology gym. On the ground floor where the pool is located, I will have to say it still needs some improvements ,better lockers, and hairdryer (I don't use a 20 p to access my locker, sorry) Overall, I had a good experience,the staff is friendly, great for families activities and they Caffè seems pretty nice. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: Nice pool, clean and not too busy. I haven’t used the gym equipment but it looks great but the real star of the show is Li, who does the boxercise on a Sunday. Part of me doesn’t want to recommend the class so I don’t have to fight it a place but Li deserves all the praise we can give her. Energy is through the ROOF!! In short, good gym and pool but Li makes it the best!

Fantastic experience: Really great community feel, first class instructors and excellent equipment.

Fantastic experience: At Eltham Center I found the perfect place to improve my mental and physical health. The classes are great and the instructors very professional.

Fantastic experience: Just want to say how much I enjoy Li's classes! Specifically the boxfit class on Sundays (although she is a demon in the spin class too!). Li brings the energy every time!! And the enthusiasm she exudes is contagious!! Her instructions are clear, she is attentive and she makes you feel really welcome! If you haven't tried her classes, you need to! Amazing fun!

Fantastic experience: The classes are why I go! I always come away feeling better about myself and motivated to do more. I would like to especially shout out Li for her back to back inspirational classes. She know how to get us all going and delivers every time. Thankyou! Side note. Shower areas by the pool are gross could someone sort it out and the 20p for lockers do my head in. Thanks again

Fantastic experience: Rating 5 star as a user of the fab class selection and gym facilities. I feel the price is value for money of your optimising the sessions. Absulolutly love Boxfit spin and core classes! Never had an issue accessing equipment in the gym.

Negative experience: We won't be returning any time soon and here are the reasons why. I used to be a Better member for years, then prior to the pandemic, I found Eltham centre to go downhill. Their facilities were not as clean, their entry scanners did not work properly and so on, so we took a break from Better and went elsewhere. I believe a company can change within a short space of time, so we decided to give Eltham another go yesterday - wish we hadn’t. The changing rooms were disgusting, and smelt of urine. They are still charging for lockers which is inconsistent to other centres of the supposed same stature. The floor tiles in the showers were slippery and this was due to a lot of excess water on the floor outside of the shower area making it a safety hazard. Either there was an issue of inadequate maintenance/cleaning or drainage issues. Staff were unfriendly, and this leads to my main point. I took my seven-year-old who is a proficient swimmer. She has been swimming in a 25m pool doing lengths for at least a year, completed Swimathon last year and did open water swimming in Germany this year. In the main pool there is a section about half way (12m) along saying ‘non-swimmers do not cross this point’. So being proficient swimmers we continued to swim, only to be asked very abruptly ‘has she been assessed?’ pointing to my daughter. To which I responded ‘no, she is proficient,’ then we got told to go to the shallow 12m section, without the scope of further discussion. I saw that this was a policy on the website but was of the understanding that it was up to the lifeguards discretion, here I think lies the problem. The lifeguard did not appear to have any people skills, and I question their ability to assess swimming, if they clearly cannot see proficient swimmers. No doubt Better will probably respond to this under the guise of this being a safety measure, and my question to that would be, what has happened to have a policy like this in the first place? I have swum at countless centres over the country as I used to compete in swimming events, and I haven’t seen this before. Also, it is not safe putting proficient swimmers in a small space with risk of them getting knocked, bumped and so on. In the space of 15 minutes your centre regressed my child back to the baby pool as she was bored with 12m - thank you for undoing my work - and she felt like she had done something wrong due to the way she was spoken to by the lifeguard. Normally I would swim alongside my child doing loose 25m lengths so we both get exercise, but we came out of the pool yesterday having hardly done any swimming. It is clear at least one of your lifeguards needs training on how to converse with your customers, these customers are paying to use your premises and need to feel welcomed. Yes safety is always an issue when dealing with water, but all you are doing at present is trying to excessively control a situation that cannot be fully controlled. Anyone can get out of the depth proficient or not. By placing an inept policy that only belittles your customers will not enhance safety, you need to trust the parents/carers taking their children and intervene when there is a genuine safety issue. In addition, the changing rooms need a good clean and you need to address the excessive water issue in the showers which is a genuine safety issue - slippery non-maintained tiles can mean broken bones.

Negative experience: Great swim spa facilities, but poorly managed. During my last visit yesterday, the door was opened 3 minutes late, there was no light and sauna was off. A manager had to be called to turn on the sauna, this took around 5 minutes, then for the sauna to warm up another 20 minutes. I asked the manager to extend my session and only allowed 10 minutes. Very poor experience.0

Positive experience: I visited recently as I was thinking about purchasing the swim membership. The guy on the front desk was really friendly and showed me the app and how to use it which was great. The facilities were really clean and I had a lovely swim session. It wasn't very busy, and even the poolside staff were very friendly and chatty. I was decided that I would get the membership until I went to change and realised that the showers only give out ice cold water! I have sensory issues so unfortunately, despite my lovely experience, I decided that I wouldn't sign up for the membership after all. I know cold showers have some great health benefits but in the winter this is something I would really struggle with. If you ever change this I would sign up straight away!

Fantastic experience: A cafe has now opened within the Eltham centre which provides a good range of hot and cold drinks, light meals, and snacks in a bright and airy environment... Recommend a visit....

Negative experience: Absolutely disgusting! Weekly attendance for the children’s swimming and the changing rooms/loos constantly smell like urine! Not enough staff to accommodate during busy periods. Majority of staff who are on the front desk are extremely rude. They definitely don’t want to be there and it’s shows within their service. If it wasn’t for Alex who is man outstanding swimming teacher, my children would attend elsewhere.

Negative experience: Was standing at the Desk 15 mins to get any service, staff too busy chatting away in the staff room to provide any service. They helped me eventually, but the gate didn’t open. And had to leave the Centre! Sauna is closed. Dirty gym full of kids and only takes 20p coins. Defo avoid it.

Negative experience: Shocking gym! My husband was charged twice a month for his membership for 3 years and Better are refusing to refund him. They claim it was his fault when they stole his money. Very expensive for very poor equipment. I’ve since moved to the new gym that’s opened round the corner and is half the price!

Positive experience: For those coming here mainly for the gym, the membership is very over priced, the gym is ok but there are not enough free weights or benches and there is a poor variety of equipment. There are many gyms with better equipment and for a much lower price. Access to the swimming pool is good but it can get crowded

Negative experience: Why on earth are we still having to book the sauna,covid restrictions have ended now lets go back to how it was it worked perfectly well before covid, i went the to go the other day and the app said 11 spaces but was not allowed in because had not booked

Negative experience: It was a nice day and my boy wanted to learn how to swim a bit better(he can swim but not very strong) so I took him to eltham centre so he could get some practice. When we got there the place was very clean the guy at the front desk was helpful the changing rooms was clean with hot showers. So far so good then we get to the pools the kids pool was great Equipped with water fountain Nice and warm. But here's why I gave it 2 stars if your not a strong enough swimmer you have to stay in a part of the swimming pool that is around 10ft by 14ft That is where they put all the non swimmers. So there was around 12 people in that one bit. How is anyone supposed to practice swimming? The lifeguard on duty would have a meltdown if you went past the red line on the floor by a ft. hes people skills are shocking by the way. If you can swim, I do recommend this place. but if you're practising don't even bother, it's a waste of time.

Positive experience: I’ve recently been a member of Better in eltham center and I visit it frequently. I am happy with the friendly staff, the equipments, and I give a thumbs up to how they maintain the center especially the pool area tidy and clean. Swimming pool is normally busy with kids and swimming lessons so I couldn’t imagine if the dressing room and toilet were dirty … but thankfully the staff made regularly checkups and cleanings. My kids are happy to be there. There are a few improvements to be expected, such as : 1-the better APP should alert users a penalty fee of £3 May occurr if you cancel appointment, right now the app design is easy to cancel appointment by mistake. 2- don’t like the idea of coin insert locker 3- don’t like the fact that 20P fee for using the pool locker. thank you to all the better staff for your efforts to make eltham center a good local gym center.

Negative experience: Sadly this is not a pool for members of the public. It is now just a school teaching pool. It is practically used the whole time for school lessons or classes in the pool. Was told by member of staff that every hour except for 1.5 hrs a day the main pool has school children being taught in the pool. An absolute joke - I go to actually swim and relax - not be in the middle of a school lesson and hear a bossy shouting swim teacher who are now in that pool all day, every day.! The added problem is all standards of swimmers forced together into one lane - what a joke! Yet another example of the centre just catering to children and pushing adults away sadly! More money from schools no doubt - very sad but not surprising! UPDATE: tried the pool again, wait for it, now just one 45 min slot during the week when there are no classes (including the blaring music from water aerobics) in the main pool. However, even for that one 45 min slot once in the changing rooms there is loud yelling and shouting from all the children for the next lessons in the small and big pool. I gave it a try for a couple of weeks and actually starting having chest pains from the anxiety of all the noise in the pool and changing rooms so never again going back there. RISK AT YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH AND SANITY or OF HAVING A HEART ATTACK from the stress of hearing non-stop screaming, crying and yelling from hundreds of children. I feel so sorry for the poor life guards who have to keep on putting everything out and away for the constant stream of classes. Bet they don't get paid a teacher assistant's wage. Also, they have to listen all day to the yelling. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!

Positive experience: The gym is ok and during rhe day it is pretty quiet and the fitness classes are very good, however they are at wierd times, they get fully booked very fast, so you need to boom a week in advance most times to get a space. They also gave very limited fitness classes on the weekend. Cleaning here is minimal, in the swimming pool area the changing rooms and toilets are often disgusting, you can notice dirt on the toilet cubicle walls that stays there for weeks on end. I suspect they only mop the floors and clean mirrors, which is all done by lifefuards as they do not seem to employ actual cleaners.

Fantastic experience: I love this place because it brings me joy either going to the gym or swimming they never let you down

Negative experience: Having wanted to write this review for a very long time, I've now decided to do so as I had no reason to stay. I was registered for around 4 years' at Eltham's Better gym. Just because you call yourself some thing (Better,) it does not automatically make you so. I stayed registered here for so long because it was the most conveniently located, and had individual shower cubicles. That's where the positives end. If you want a gym that doesn't: keep the entry turnstile closed/have a member of staff located there at all times - to answer queries, or to ensure only members enter, that; monitor the lockers frequently to prevent a large percentage being permanently reserved by members, or multiple used up by the private PT's, that; check the toilet cubicles to make sure each one has toilet roll, or that someone hasn't deficated on the floor (again), that; routinely and thoroughly clean the sinks, taps, urinals and toilets, and doesn't just do a simple wipe around, that; repair one of two hand-driers which is either underpowered or out of action for weeks at a time, that; have a member of their team permanently stationed on the gym floor - for basic PT queries, safety and security - and not just for several to converge for a laugh and a joke with their buddies, or when it's 2 hours to closing and they half-heartedly mop the floor in 1/8 the gym, or drag Henry hoover - wire trailing in the air - halfway across the gym, that; won't take time to wipe down equipment or return weights and other equipment - as something to do other than gossip, or discuss their latest dating stories or which team member they fancied their chances with most, that; when given the (in my opinion) exciting task to user the Karcher washer to blast the floor (which wasn't often,) knew how to use it, and didn't have the water sputtering out, whilst scratching their head assuming that was all it capable of, that; two hours before closing go into the changing rooms, throws down a couple buckets of water with harsh chemicals in (whether there are people in there or not; whether shoes were on the floor or not,) and uses a squeegee to then scrape the water and tangible dirt towards a drain in the middle of the walkway, rather than mopping the floor once everyone had left, that; clean the shower cubicle floors, walls and head/taps. Shortly after lockdown the grubby limescale riddled showerheads were replaced, rather than routinely cleaned. The shower cubicle floor always had a yellow/brown sludge from where they aren't cleaned, and mold/limescale across the surfaces and taps. then this gym is for you. There might be more. And this is a whinge. But why pay significantly more for a gym, and expect people to put up with ^. I should make mention, there was a young lady (who for a time last year was wearing a knee brace), and young black guy who were always busy. So kudos to them (sadly I never got their names.) I am now registered to a better gym, Snap Fitness located in the old Next store, next door (fortunately/unfortunately?) to Greggs. I have seen so many regulars from Better in this new gym. And that will likely continue. Snap is 24/7, has someone on the desk during its busiest hours, so far has clean toilets and showers, equipment always back where it belongs. Snap, if you're reading this please don't change. Although I'd appreciate a little shelf in the shower cubicle to stick my toiletries on, for easy reach when sudsing. Ta!

Fantastic experience: I attended the BETTER Classes, lead by Jackie who is a friendly approachable instructor. Also has years of experience so can guide you as needed. After a health issue I was losing confidence, but enjoyed the class and regained confidence in myself and what I can do to improve my health and lifestyle. Also others in the group were friendly, non judgmental, and fun.

Negative experience: The staff here are so unbelievably rude and miserable! Been here a few times and never once come out happy ! In half team I also paid online for a class for my son and when I got there all the classes had been cancelled but still taking the money and when I asked about a refund I was rudely told to go threw the Greenwich centre to get the money back ! The pool is absolutely freezing would definitely not recommend !!

Fantastic experience: Love this centre. Staff are always helpful , patient and smiling. The centre is very clean, see staff constantly cleaning. My aqua aerobics classes are a lot of fun and I always feel welcome here.

Fantastic experience: A very nice and clean site with friendly staff always willing to help. The range of equipment in the gym is superb and caters for all

Fantastic experience: I spend a lot of my free time at Better Gym, Eltham. Gym staff are warm and welcoming, always helpful and keep the gym clean and tidy.

Positive experience: I really like this centre and I come regularly for swim, gym and spa sessions. Lovely and spacious changing rooms. Pool the right temperature and gym and gym changing facilities are nice. Added bonus with the swimwear drying facility you don't get that in most other leisure centres so thats brilliant and helpful. The only downside and its nothing major really in the grand scheme of things but there seems to be a smell of urine in changing rooms and some of the showers appear very cold but again not all. Other than that I do recommend this centre.

Fantastic experience: Lovely, caring staff, great classes, impressive spin bike studio, good spa facilities and swimming pool. Just wish there were more classes in the afternoon and longer spa sessions.

Fantastic experience: Amazing customer service I'm always granted with a smile and they never shun to give a helping hand , good equipment , overall amazing

Fantastic experience: Very impressed with the recent updates in the centre, including the new spin studio which definitely sets it apart from other companies. I often use the gym which has all the latest equipment that I need for my work out. The staff are attentive, friendly and always cleaning the gym. Would definitely recommend this place.

Fantastic experience: Customer service and cleanliness is excellent

Fantastic experience: I really enjoy going to the eltham centre. I mainly use it to swim but the staff are always helpful and friendly and facilities clean and well kept.

Fantastic experience: Been a member for a few months now and really enjoyed my time, staff are always friendly, gym is sufficient for my needs and pool is always clean as well as the changing rooms, would highly recommend for someones everyday needs.

Fantastic experience: Kind Staff, Clean Building, Good Facilities, Can’t complain

Fantastic experience: Linda’s core class is the best

Fantastic experience: Been using the Eltham centre for many years. The staff are friendly and helpful the GM is approachable and engaging. They have a Super Size indoor cycle studio has 50 of the newer bikes. Many more than other centres I have used.

Negative experience: there is mould limescale and rust everywhere in the showers, and the pool is often very dirty. The changing rooms are extremely dirty and not well kept.

Fantastic experience: Such a warm friendly place to go and work out. I love doing the classes especially the HIT and core workouts with Lynsey, who is always motivational and full of energy.

Positive experience: Nice centre, gym is well equipped, lots of fitness classes, pool is a bit cold and toilets could be cleaner.

Fantastic experience: Love this place, Staff friendly. Gym, Changing Rooms, Showers always clean

Fantastic experience: Went to the gym for the first time in a while and staff were really supportive. Walked me through the process and feel ready to make some progress

Fantastic experience: I visited for the first time today and was impressed with the equipment and programme available. Staff were friendly and approachable and the gym was clean

Fantastic experience: Facilities are clean and staff are very friendly. They are always prepared to go above and beyond to help me with anything I need. Thank you for all your hard-work in keeping me active.

Fantastic experience: Very clean and tidy! Excellent customer service From front desk to mangers! Ryan helped me out massively with some great advice and even told me a few techniques to use in the gym!, always says hello everytime I see him on the high street! Sophie on reception was lovely! Helped me all the way through my membership! Brilliant work!

Fantastic experience: Been coming to the centre for 4 years now, staff are incredibly helpful. Managers are kind, the lifeguards work hard to keep the centre clean and safe for the public. Would highly recommend the new spin studio if you haven’t already given it a go!

Fantastic experience: Recently started my health journey with the Eltham centre gym and I have to say the staff are fantastic with supporting you. Pool is a great size 25m so good for length swimming and to top it off after the hard work , the spa area sauna and steam room are a treat!. Great atmosphere and very clean too highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Love this place so much! The staff are so friendly, the facilities are clean and well above the normal standard, the classes are amazing, and the swimming teachers are next level. The managers are all so accommodating and have a clear passion for customer satisfaction. Since the refurb, the spa facilities are possibly the best thing in Eltham right now. I've been coming here for years and I would recommend this centre to absolutely anyone!

Fantastic experience: Lovely facility , staff are brilliant

Fantastic experience: Used gyms for many years now but find the Eltham centre one of the best. Friendly, clean and all the equipment I want.

Fantastic experience: Great staff, lovely facilities! Thoroughly enjoyed my time here!

Fantastic experience: Lovely centre, big and spacious. Lots of new attractions such as a spa refurbishment and new spin class relocation with modern software and effects. Staff are very lovely and welcoming such as the Duty Manager on Shift called Ryan who is very friendly and always willing to help! Overall a fantastic experience and I don’t think I’d be relocating anytime soon. - Regular Customer.

Fantastic experience: Nice Centre. Used the new spin studio for the first time and was amazing.

Positive experience: The staff need to be more friendly and approachable. Cleaning always getting in the way of the public for example jet washes been used in the middle of the day!

Negative experience: Been a member for over 3 years now and have sadly decided to close my membership. I train at least 5/6 times a week and take my training seriously. Enjoyed training here immensely until about a year ago when a lot of equipment was moved from one room to another, making the larger room cramped. I assumed it was to make space for new equipment but that wasn’t the case. There is now one room full of machines and equipment and one with only a rack and a few leg machines and loads of unused space. I’ve also noticed large groups of younger members coming in and around 4pm when I’m usually training, it makes it very difficult to train properly. Sad to be leaving but I don’t think paying £43 is worth it.

Positive experience: They could do with friendlier staff. They also don't have adequate weights in the gym. They only have one full set of 16 dumbells despite me telling them they need an extra dumbell to make up 2 sets. I sometimes feel like bringing my own dumbells but that would defeat the object of going to a gym!

Fantastic experience: The centre is very clean, staff were very friendly, car park is very convenient,, I suggest for health and safety people should not bring their Slippers inside sauna room and steam room,, hygiene, and safety. There is risk of fire in some plastic materials.

Negative experience: The hygiene in the swimming pool and the shower/changing rooms at Eltham Leisure Centre is extremely poor and as a result, I have gotten sick every week for the six weeks I used the facilities. During my time there, I was working fully remote from home due to my mental health and only leaving the house to swim at the centre and do grocery shopping once a week. I also drove everywhere. Although I am a little overweight, I am generally physically healthy and don't get sick easily. Since swimming at Eltham Leisure Centre, I have experienced various ailments each week, including a dry patch on my left eye lid which my GP thinks is a fungal infection (I have never experienced such a thing in my life), conjunctivitis, tonsilitis, and a ten-day cold, including a horrendous sore throat, headaches and fatigue. A couple of weeks into my use of the swimming pool and I noticed it was visibly extremely dirty. There were debris floating around everywhere including a used plaster, white bodily tissue and loads of sand at the bottom of the pool. I complained to the duty manager (red-haired young man) who informed me the vacuum had been broken for a week! I couldn't believe it. Surely this was a safety issue? The swimming pool should not have been open during that time. I waited four days before returning to the swimming pool (I had a target I needed to meet for mental and physical health) and apparently the vacuum was working again but the pool was still visibly dirty (only a little less than the week before). During week six when I was suffering from the cold (mentioned above), I cancelled my membership in anger. I had joined the Better Gym so I could get fit and healthy but instead, I've just become sick in many different ways. I emailed a complaint via the website and the Operations Service Manager, responded to say they were doing the regular checks and the water is clean enough but clearly it isn't. I also posted on the Nextdoor app and a lot of people have agreed with me that Eltham Leisure Centre is filthy and they have left. Finally, communication between myself and Better Gym has been tricky in that they don't have a phone number for individual leisure centres. When calling the number on the website, you are left on hold for a very long time and if you're lucky enough to get through, you communicate to someone at the main switchboard. This is a lengthy and arduous process, particularly if you want to make a quick query at your local leisure centre, and reflects on the company's unprofessional ethics. In addition, when communicating with Better Gym staff members about getting a refund, it took around two weeks to receive each response and it was with a different staff member. Better Gym refused to refund me despite the fact that they failed spectacularly in providing the service they have promised and putting my (and others) health at risk. People join leisure centres to get fit and healthy, NOT SICK but this is what you can expect by joining Eltham Leisure Centre and other Better Gym facilities. I strongly urge everyone to avoid Eltham Leisure Centre and all other Better Gym centres to save their health, time and energy.

Positive experience: Amazing swimming teacher for my baby. She's brilliant, kind and patient you can tell all the babies and mums enjoy it too. Brilliant activities and equipment provided. Couldn't give 5 stars due to the family pool being far too cold for myself (let alone baby). I've seen in previous reviews that the temp is kept within reccomend parameters. But with winter coming up hopefully it changes to be kept at the warmer end of the scale so I don't have to cancel lessons to find somewhere warmer for my 5 month old. Also unfortunately the disabled shower in the ladies is the only shower with a consistent temperature.

Negative experience: they dont move u up any levels no motivation and they drowned me thinkin im a fish teachers r rude they called me a capybara. ok i pull up.

Positive experience: Used only the pool on Sunday late morning. Small children's pool was quite busy but the adult one not so much and I enjoyed my swim session. It's maybe a bit pricier than some local ones to me but they have swim for all sessions throughout the day. Two comments to make hence four stars and not five. Lockers take 20p coin which is non refundable. Shame as if you want to go to shower after swimming, you have to take all your belongings with you and still hope no one steals them in the shower toilets. Also, payment machine is old which is what a member of staff told me so I was unable to pay with any of my credit cards and o Lt debit card went through. Free parking on Sundays though which is a big plus but there is free parking around the corner too of their small car park is full.

Negative experience: STAY AWAY IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN 1st time using better as a whole. Myself, my partner & my 12 month old swimming. Worst experience, pool was absolutely freezing my daughter had blue lips within 5 minutes, of being in the water, only had the main pool open & no baby pool when I approached the receptionist her response was, there’s no staff. Yet the app said it was open. Couldn’t buy any arm bands or floats. It was empty, steam room & sauna was not open & only a quarter of the pool was accessible. Covid Isn’t a thing anymore yet they have still got everything closed. The service was 100x better when these swimming pools was privately owned and not ran by better, they’ve made the whole experience as a family terrible & that’s a shame as i was younger I was always going swimming on the holidays and half terms, would of been nice to share that experience with my children, definitely wouldn’t be using better to do that. The booking slots is not convenient. I’m all for change , yet the old system of just walking in and going swimming at any time using all facilities when ever you want, did work.

Negative experience: It's great that the centre is getting upgrades with the new sauna & spin rooms but the cleanliness of the swimming pool, changing rooms, toilets and showers in both swimming and gym area's are awful. When I approached a member of staff she told me that the centre no longer use cleaners and "better staff" attempt to clean if they can. Hygiene should be a big factor in this day and age.

Fantastic experience: I don’t usually leave reviews but after spending hours reading them to find a good local swimming pool I decided to give this one a go despite some of the negative reviews. From my personal experience today, I can’t fault the centre. It was straight forward to book (as a non-member), the pool was clean and there was a lifeguard cleaning the poolside when I arrived. Yes the changing rooms are a little tired and could do with updating, but they were clean enough for a quick shower and change. Overall, I had a very pleasant experience and will definitely be visiting again.

Negative experience: I wish for this gym not to be all the time full all dust and dirt around . i was doing the lat pulldown machine and how the plates moves up and down all the dust was going to my nose and i’m allergic, so not nice . i understand that dust is everywhere but i see this dust all the time in this gym .on top of the machine or around it same as for the mirrors i’m considering change of gym if this is not improving .

Negative experience: I go regularly. The center is nice, clean enough, most of the staff are friendly. Today I had to calm down one angry member of staff (a lifeguard) who insisted I have a wristband on to use the kids pool, when I wasn’t given one on entry. He seemed to think this was my problem and that I should go to reception, wet-through, with a 4 year old to get a wristband. He needs to go on customer services training, and change his attitude (White guy, early 40’s, stubble). Another young female staff member helped me out and got me a wristband.

Positive experience: Pool is decent as is the gym. The most irritating thing about the pool is the lockers which take 20p and there’s no change machine anywhere in the building, plus the front desk is so often staff-less. Spin dryer is a godsend. Update: i’m not saying there shouldn’t be a 20p charge for lockers, i’m saying that it should be much easier to get 20p coins, after all this place must be literally awash with 20p coins from all these lockers. Providing a change-up route surely would also reduce cash handling costs…

Negative experience: We bought 3 tickets online 1 adult and 2 children, when we arrived at reception they check us in and we went cho get change. We enter swimming pool and after couple of minutes member of staff told us we need to leave because only one child per adult is allowed. Staff was very unprofessional with massive disrespect. My daughters was crying all afternoon. Unbelievable how this can happen.

Positive experience: I attended the swimming pool with my husband and grandson. The water was very cold and my grandson gets sick each time. He loves swimming but cold water is bad for young children. Please can you make the water warmer?

Negative experience: Only went to use the gym. It is small, grubby and felt a bit sad. I wouldn't have minded so much if they didn't charge double what most private gyms charge. Not sure how they justify the price when it also gets funding from the council, bit of a joke really.

Negative experience: Local staff are good - polite and professional. Facilities are okay. I wish the swimming pool was cleaner Problems come when you need to change arrangements or cancel membership. This can only be done online or by phone and managed very poorly: you cancel it, told all done to find out few weeks later that Better keeps charging you. Attempts to get a refund fail and staff on the phone and chat are not polite at all.

Negative experience: Appalling customer service. I tried to cancel my child's swimming lessons, spent 30 min on the phone, only to be told I have to submit cancellation form online. Three weeks later I find out that I was charged for another month. I called the Centre again, (another 30 min) only to find out that the cancellation hasn't been processed on their side, but they can't give me a refund and I have to call the head office myself. I called head office (another 30 min wait), and they refused to issue me a refund and said the child has to attend two more months of swimming (no options of refund available). The lessons are quite poor too - they say the maximum number of children per swimming instructor is 8, but quite often I can see as many as 18! They are just making money out of people, no respect for quality or customer service. Stay away if you can.

Fantastic experience: Great facilities and friendly staff what's not to love.

Fantastic experience: Best gym I've ever been to!! Superb facilties A+

Fantastic experience: Staff are very polite and swim changes are always clean

Fantastic experience: First time visiting the gym. Not sure of what to expect. I requested a full induction session. I am more than grateful to have had John, he took the time to explain in choosing the right equipment, the impact and benefit. He made me feel comfortable and confident, looking forward to my first session. Once again a big thanks to John.

Negative experience: The swimming pool is great for families but definitely not for people who want to do lane swimming. All lane swimmers are crammed into a single lane, with fast and slow swimmers trying to share the same space. The rest of the pool is set aside for families to play in. If you want to actually swim, I'd suggest trying another pool.

Fantastic experience: My review is specifically for the family pool. It was large, shallow, warm and very clean. A pleasure splashing about with my toddler for an hour. Also the limit placed on visitors means it's never crowded.

Negative experience: This place is really big and crowded with less showering facilities making it more easier for bacteria to run everywhere. I Would not even dare to walk on these floor’s without flip flops right until the actual water of the pools. I started attending this gym for my toddler swimming lessons and it really gives me a sick feeling every time I need to change I have to wait to get home to shower the chlorine of my child. Cleaners are never insight this gym really needs a good scrub down!