Fitness First Camden

Poor gym, tiny, crowded, and with poor staff.
Fitness first makes us pay a fortune for this place, and we can’t even benefit from the network of gyms without paying a premium.
I stayed there for 6 months, I would definitely not recommend this gym to anyone.

This gym is so very tiny. The free weights section was rubbish. The single half rack was so tightly squeezed between a wall and a stationary bike that you couldn’t load the bar without ducking beneath it multiple times. Bad gym culture — no one seems to re-​rack their weight! Also, there is no room for deadlifts. None.
All this would be bearable if the gym were any cheaper, but no, it’s just as expensive as others that are much better, and with the same terrible hours (to be fair, terrible gym hours seems to be a London thing).
Two stars instead of one because staff was friendly, and you get your first workout for free!
Edit:
@Fitness First Camden — Thanks for the prompt reply! I ended up signing up with a different gym in the area, but it’s so nice to see it when business owners take customers’ opinions seriously! Adding one more star for responsiveness!

This is one of the few fitness centres in camden which offers an excellent gym for locals of camden and Islington. Yoga and pilates classes are also available. the only downside is that locals can watch from outside the gym and as it is opposite a pub its a bit off putting.

My favourite fitness in the neighbourhood. Very quite place with very cordial staff. Perfect for after working workout.

Maybe it is because I’ve had years of training in Fitness First gyms in the past that I feel so comfortable in these places. I tried the Camden branch for the first time and found it incredibly cramped. They have most of the things any good gym needs, apart from the sit down row, (not the machine version) and only a Smith machine for squats.
The exercise studio is pretty spacious and there are plenty of bikes for spinning. For those want a more relaxing time there is a sauna and steam.
I’d say the gym could be a nightmare to work out in if busy, but with long opening hours, you’ve got options on when to train. Yet even with the snug positioning of all free weights and cardio equipment, my muscles responded and the ever so slight pungent smell of man sweat that assaulted my nostrils said welcome home.