I can’t quite remember where I lost that gym membership card; perhaps down the sofa, under the car seat or maybe it was down the back of the filing cabinet in the office?

While we all have excuses for not sticking to New Year’s resolutions and making regular trips to the gym, getting back on the horse – especially with a few extra inches on the waistline – isn’t always as easy as it sounds. But on stepping through the gleaming entrance of the new Esporta Gloucestershire Health & Racquets Club which opened this January, I couldn’t have felt more welcome.

After swiping-in at reception you are immediately presented with the heart of the club; a modern, airy lounge opening up to reveal balconies overhead – bustling with pre- and post-workout members and visitors on our visit – with a bar offering alcoholic and more healthy liquid refreshments, and serving a full food menu from breakfast through to the evening.

Not having yet earned a beer I made my way through to the changing rooms on the ground floor, passing by families and couples going to and fro, notice boards offering members a seemingly round-the-clock choice of classes and what is, perhaps, the club’s pièce de résistance; a huge space akin to an aeroplane hanger dedicated to tennis with six immaculate courts, perfect for mastering the game or taking advantage of the expert tuition available.

Once in the changing rooms, as well as all the normal offerings of showers, hairdryers and plenty of locker space, it was refreshing to also see families well-catered for with a dedicated changing area, while the self-contained tanning pods catered for members at the other end of the spectrum. With trainers on and sweatbands in place it was upstairs to the fitness arena, boasting a staggering 165 pieces of modern equipment with, thankfully, plenty I recognised.

Having warmed-up, rowed half a kilometre and cycled the equivalent of around the block a couple of times, enjoying a gentle jog on the treadmill while watching an episode of Bargain Hunt on the flatscreen televisions lining the wall was altogether enjoyable. And the other members and visitors working out also seemed to enjoying themselves too – with men and women spanning the age ranges and physical shape in attendance, and not a beefy bodybuilder or hardened gym bunny in sight.

It’s probably worth mentioning at this point that all members go through a full joining process known as ‘On Track’, including a one-hour induction and a further two half-hour progress checks, and the tailor-made programmes clutched by members on my visit certainly seemed to be helping with making the most of training sessions. There are also instructors on-hand at all times to help with any specific questions and to advise on how best, and safely, to use equipment.

The club’s plethora of other facilities also include three outdoor tennis courts, three studios, family and adults-only lounges, a crèche, outdoor play area and plenty of parking – indicative of the broad range of people welcomed. Our only gripe is that there aren’t any squash courts on offer, but the 25-metre indoor and 20-metre outdoor pools were a definite highlight on our weekend visit, with the former providing plenty of space for laps and not crowded in despite of the numerous families taking a splash, and the latter proving popular – despite the chilly February air – thanks to being heated at all times.

If you’re looking to join a gym and follow a punishing regime which will see you go from plump to pin-up in a matter of a couple of months then the new Esporta might not be for you. But if you’re looking to enjoy a more healthy lifestyle, spend time with the family, enjoy a whole host of facilities, and join a club where you can spend a good few hours when the mood takes you then look no further.

Just don’t lose that membership card…

Don’t miss the Esporta Gloucestershire photo gallery and to find out more about the new club, visit esporta.com or call (01452) 616343.

James Fryer
3 March 2008