Fitness First

Fantastic experience: I joined the gym a few months ago so that I could use the pool for some rehab I need and I haven't regretted my choice. I'm sure that when I get to using the gym itself it'll be good, plenty of equipment and it always looks tidy. The staff are all super friendly, polite and welcoming. Special mention to Kate and Katarzyna. Thank you.

Positive experience: Decent gym but guaranteed something is always out of order

Negative experience: Sauna has been broken for one month, no signs of it being repaired any time soon. Tried cancelling my £70 a month rolling contract and they said I need to give a months notice even though I joined for the sauna and it doesn’t work. Mould in shower room areas and generally dirty in the changing rooms and pool area. I wouldn’t touch this gym with a barge pole!!!

Fantastic experience: Really great gym. Big, spacious and clean. I like the pool and sauna the most. I am grateful to Kate for the nice and professional service. For showing me around the gym, so I could move freely.

Fantastic experience: Scott G.. where do i start.. thank you so much! roughly six weeks ago i had a session with Scott, focusing on rehab for my knee. he taught me so much about what was weak whilst i was running and taught me many different exercises to complete in the gym and in my home space. now today, i’ve just run my first marathon, and pain free! i can’t thank him enough

Positive experience: I've been a member at Fitness First Bedford for over a year, I joined mostly for the wide variety of classes but I've since started also having PT sessions with Scott G and it's brought a new level of enjoyment to my time working out. His approach to the sessions means that I always look forward to them and learn something new each time.

Fantastic experience: Highly Recommended Personal Trainer! Scott Groninger I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Scott who’s at Fitness First. After being away from the gym for many years, I was reluctant to get back into a fitness routine. But Scott made the entire process not only easy but truly enjoyable. From day one, he tailored everything specifically to my needs—creating a personalized diet plan that fit my lifestyle and fitness goals. He also sent me videos of exercises to do in the mornings, which was incredibly helpful in keeping me motivated and on track. His guidance extended far beyond our sessions at the gym, ensuring I had the tools and motivation to succeed on my own and throughout my daily routine. What really stood out was his constant motivation and support. He truly listens and understands what works best for me, which made all the difference. Thanks to Scott himself I feel more confident in my fitness journey and actually look forward to working out again. If you’re hesitant about getting back into the gym or just want a trainer who truly cares and goes the extra mile, I highly recommend Scott Groninger! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks again Scott for everything! Shibz

Fantastic experience: I was lucky enough to be assigned Scott Groninger for my free introductory PT session. He was amazing and so kind. I was absolutely terrified of the gym and he took the time to show me all the equipment. I absolutely had to book more sessions as he is just so patient, and individualised my training plans to account for my coordination disorder. He has taught me to lift safely and with correct form and it has been amazing to see how much more confident I am when using the different equipment and free weights. I can't recommend Scott G enough.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend this gym for anyone who wants to use a gym with such a friendly atmosphere! Also, Kate was so helpful and understanding when i first joined and gave me the confidence to take the first step in becoming a member! I was struggling to get my head around what i was doing when Kate introduced me to Scott G, we had over an hour together where Scott listened to my struggles, he gave me ao much advice, his knowledge and experience was outstanding, and i came away from that meeting feeling so much more motivated! I started meal prep from the advice and guidence Scott G gave me and my weight loss journey has begun!!! Scott G is a personal trainer with such a passion in what hes does, i currently dont have one to one sessions with him but after that session he still continues to check in on me, and from that alone shows that he has a real compassion to help people achieve their goals, i am going to have PT sessions with Scott G in the future and i am looking forward to working with him!!

Fantastic experience: Scott Groninger was my personal trainer for couple of sessions. He is the best trainer I ever met. Highly appreciated and recommended I really enjoyed. Thank you Scott Groninger for all your support.

Negative experience: I have decided to use a day pass at Fitness First for the first time, as I heard that they have a pool, sauna & a steam room. To say I am disappointed, it is understatement! First of all, a day pass costed me £20!!!! ( I pay for my usual gym membership that open 24/7 - £23) Gym is basic, nothing special, I would say pretty small. Pool was not clean, steam room had very bad smell. I am pretty sure they have damp issue there! Sauna did not work at all, temperature was the same as in the swimming pool area. Freezing! My mother got ill the next day. I would not recommend, mainly went there for a swim and spa, but in future I will stick to Swan Hotel Spa instead !!!

Fantastic experience: Best gym in bedford. The recent refurb makes it top notch

Fantastic experience: Have been a member for nearly 2 years, and since day 1, the staff have been nothing but friendly, courteous and encouraging. I'm a regular attender of the classes, and they are always coordinated to cater for total beginners, to advanced gym-goers. I also feel that the staff genuinely listen to the feedback of the members, as they will adapt and put on classes to cater to demand, so you feel your opinions are valued. The new refurb is fantastic. I, personally, wasn't too fussed with how it looked before, but having now gotten the opportunity to workout in the new spaces, I agree that it was time for a freshen up. It's totally revitalised everything, and they've expanded their equipment (especially lifting), to, again, cater to the demand. The only point I would make is just checking capacity for classes like Body Pump- the number the class is indicated to take has increased but there've been occasions where equipment has run out (and that's not with people being greedy or taking too much for themselves). Otherwise, couldn't fault it, and would genuinely recommend it to anyone looking for a great, needs-based gym, with everything under one roof!

Fantastic experience: This is a sanctuary Love the pool and steam sauna.

Fantastic experience: Refurb is good!

Fantastic experience: I have been having one to one PT sessions with Tom Harris for a while. Tom has helped me to achieve my goal of attending the gym on my own with confidence. Tom has a holistic approach to his PT sessions and always goes above and beyond to ensure his clients receive an amazing service. I really look forward to our PT sessions which Tom always plans around me as an individual and my abilities. Toms PT sessions always make me achieve my best results (even on the days I don’t want to)! I have gained so much knowledge from Tom regarding diet and fitness. I’m really proud of what I have achieved during my sessions with Tom and can not express how grateful I am for his patience and guidance.

Fantastic experience: Tom Harris is the PT you never knew you needed! With a blend of military background and personal training expertise, he'll whip you into shape while sharing tales that could rival an action movie script. Plus, his down-to-earth demeanor will make you feel like you're catching up with an old friend, while you’re sweating it out in the gym. And did I mention Sully?! The adorable Alsatian sidekick?!! If you ever get lucky to meet him thats an extra bonus workout for the heart! So, if you're pondering whether to get a PT, let me save you the trouble: Tom Harris is the clear choice. Trust me, your future self will thank you – and maybe even give you a high-five!

Fantastic experience: Can’t recommend Tom Harris enough! He worked so hard with me to meet my goal for my wedding and to keep up momentum. His warm, friendly demeanour made even the hardest sessions fun. Anyone who can get me to drop 20+ kg whilst enjoying it is worth every penny.

Fantastic experience: Tom Harris, was my personal trainer for quite a while and he was brilliant. He really cares about your progress and taking a holistic approach to support you in all areas! He will give you a great exercise programme, support with diet and also be a kind face that you can open up too. I really enjoyed his workouts each week and have learnt SO much that I can take with me forever. I'm a bit fussy and made it clear I needed a workout I could do when I wasn't with him that suited the machines I was willing to use on my own, this was not a problem but he also helped me increase my confidence in all areas of the gym - I feel so much better about going on my own now. If you're considering started personal training, I really would give Tom a go, you will not regret it.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend Tom H if you're looking to work with a friendly personal trainer here. He is super supportive, patient, and non-judgemental, and has consistently provided all of the guidance I was looking for, which has really helped me to establish a strong foundation as a newcomer.

Fantastic experience: Staff are amazing and the gym recently refurbished

Fantastic experience: from the first entered the gym , the staff greeted me with respect and friendliness. nothing was a problem. I would recommend Fitness First to my friends and family

Positive experience: Please can we have closing times later than 6pm ?

Positive experience: Best value for money

Fantastic experience: Had a great induction. Jon was really helpful and made me feel at ease with the equipment

Positive experience: Showers and swimming pool could use some upgrades

Fantastic experience: Nice

Fantastic experience: Great place very easy parking, great attentive staff, caters for all ages, personal trainer choice, loads of classes to suit different needs, abilities.

Fantastic experience: Personally have had an excellent experience at bedford staff have been very friendly and approachable and have found the equipment adequate although a bit dated. Its kept clean and tidy and i like it has steam room sauna and a pool very relaxing after a hard training session

Fantastic experience: Saw Stephen Bass Osteopath today fantastic man

Fantastic experience: I've been a member at this gym for a long time and can honestly say it has the best staff and members I have ever experienced. The facilities are fantastic and at such an affordable price. A big shout out to Joshua at Fitness First who makes it all happen.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to this gym for a year and a half now and can happily say it’s changed my life. The classes are great, the staff are wonderful and that’s what made it so addictive. A special mention to Kate and Vicky who both go above and beyond when it comes to looking after members. I would highly recommend Fitness First Bedford to anyone!

Fantastic experience: Great gym all staff are very nice

Positive experience: Long time member at the gym, it's great atmosphere however the gym and equipment ,steam and showers are not mauntained enough.. with the cold shower not to king for 6 months

Fantastic experience: Very friendly and supportive staff, a good range of equipment and great pool/sauna/steam facilities

Fantastic experience: An amazing atmosphere. The staff are really friendly and I love the spa area. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Really Good gym the staff are helpful aswell! Would recommend

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym, good staff! Great energy

Fantastic experience: Bedford Fitness First. Great club. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. I have personal training sessions with Novi. Five star trainer and a genuinely great guy. Joshua is extremely encouraging and supportive to members. Overall an excellent fitness club. Recommended.

Positive experience: I have been a long time member at this gym. They really need some new equipment and bars to keep up with competition. My score would be a lower if not for the very friendly staff. Josh being a standout, friendly and helpful.

Fantastic experience: Great gym with sauana and pool, great staff and members. Fantastic.

Fantastic experience: Such a friendly & helpful group of staff. The gym itself is very clean along with the pool! Would definitely recommend to anyone that wants to join a gym!

Negative experience: Not a good experience 7 day cooling period which has a condition of fair usage which is 3 times only which staff don't mention to you or inform you. Cold showers not working next sauna steam room on going issues not been mentioned hot water scolding hot not being fixed no time frame given going on for months. This was was very poor service and experience and they over charged for me cancelling through miss informing you of fair use policy. Be aware don't trust staff do you home work on conditions of cancellation.

Positive experience: Getting a bit tired now, needs a refurb, especially in the locker rooms / toilets

Negative experience: I frequent this gym six days a week, and one aspect that has caught my attention is the need for improvement in the staff's customer interaction. It would be preferable if they greeted all customers, rather than selectively acknowledging certain individuals. Additionally, there seems to be a delay in addressing any issues that arise. It often takes weeks, or even months, to resolve problems because the owners prioritize profit over investing in enhancing the customer experience. Several machines have remained out of order for an extended period, the water-filling sink has been broken for months, and the second lat pull-down machine is also not functioning. Moreover, some of the shower heads are broken as well. It is my belief that the franchise is suffering due to owners who primarily exploit the brand name for profit, resulting in a negative experience for paying members. I sincerely hope to revisit the gym one day and provide a 5-star review.

Positive experience: Have joined last month and have repeatedly asked about the smell in the steam room, cold shower not working in the pool area and told their waiting for parts!! This is not correct and it's a fob off to customers in their delay in fixing equipment. I will take this to head office as this is not acceptable. Lots of reviews on here complaining about this and still not rectified. On a positive the classess are very good and thoroughly enjoying them with good instructors. Sort your pool area out FF this is not fair on customers who pay good money to join. I will continue to raise this as monitoring it to when it is fixed and keep leaving these reviews.

Positive experience: Very nice just need the changing room floor’s clean There really dirty

Fantastic experience: Fabulous place! Friendly and helpful staff, great equipment and inspiring atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: I joined FF just over a month ago, and I'm still loving the facilities. The classes are great and good for motivation. I've not yet been in the pool as the aqua classes get booked up very quickly! Most of the staff are friendly also.

Positive experience: Great but showers need updating

Negative experience: I have not had a good year here. I am having to pay 30 pounds just to cancel even though I have paid for 12 months now. Ridiculous.They have refurbished it now which is all well and good but I have been paying 50 pounds a month for a pretty rubbish gym. the lay out and overall look of the gym is better now but before the refurb it was a ugly. This is high end prices and I have not had a high end experience at all. They have not had the calve machine for 3 months now and staff seem completely oblivious to it when I ask where it has gone. I had to go a whole month without the pull up assist (which is basically the only reason i have a gym membership, the rest I can do at home) I never get to use the pool because it is always quite busy and its about 4ft deep. They only have 1 bench press which like I said is strange for a place charging 50 a month. Equipment never gets cleaned. went months without a male cleaner so hygiene in general isn't great.

Positive experience: Decent, the opening hours, however, could be better

Positive experience: Really lovely staff and gym facilities. Can't quite give it 5 stars as quite a few machines are out of order and haven't been fixed in weeks/months. Classes, pool, changing rooms and atmosphere is great though!

Negative experience: Staff is amazing ,shame about the facilities, the steam room has been close for nearly 2 months and the sauna could do with upgrading as it seems to be falling apart, there is a tile not fixed to the floor and it is a health hazard also it's not as hot as it should be in my opinion and now and the pool areas looking very dirty . Literally this Gym has gone down hill especially with cleanness. I have never seen anyone cleaning the steam nor the sauna and the pool could do with some looking after too. Sad times.

Negative experience: So many of us joined the gym because of the steam room. It has been 3 weeks almost 4 that it has not been working. When you ask you'll be told that they are waiting for parts. Very disappointing

Fantastic experience: Only just joined but they have everything you need, great mix of classes, very friendly team and relaxed atmosphere, oh & thank you Katie.....

Fantastic experience: Superb gym with swimming pool, steam room snd sauna. Kind and helpful staff. I like it 100%

Fantastic experience: I have never gone to a gym before. All the staff have been really friendly and helpful, without them it would have been much tougher. All the classes I have done so far have been great and the facilities are very good. I read some reviews mentioning the equipment is quite old, I would say even if they are, they work great and are clearly very well maintained. I would much rather older reliable equipment than newer stuff. The swimming pool, sauna and steam room are excellent. If I was being picky I would say that the sauna could be a little hotter and the swimming lanes could be wider (3 instead of 4 in the pool). But the place is very clean and the water is warm enough to really enjoy swimming. I adore the cold showers next to the sauna since these are essential for me to use after using the sauna. Overall, I would recommend this place to anyone. We are really lucky to have a gym of this quality in Bedford.

Positive experience: If you go at the right time it's lovely and quiet.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly gym

Positive experience: Here fine today. Nuff said

Fantastic experience: Love it

Fantastic experience: I would like to show my appreciation to all the staff on duty this evening. They were so careful to make sure the sauna was safe and clean. Their performance were brilliant. I give them all 100 percent. Princess

Fantastic experience: Love the steam bath

Negative experience: Awful facilities do not join!! Club has not been updated and still has the same equipment from 10 years ago! Has not moved with the time. No complaints about the staff as they are lovely but if you’re looking for a gym with new facilities then avoid this club. Other fitness first clubs I have been to always seem to have new/better equipment this is the only club that is stuck in the old age

Positive experience: A large exercise space with plenty of equipment. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. There is a pool and saunas too. Opening times have changed. Check website

Negative experience: Old equipment, broken items take a long time to get fixed, struggle to get into classes, toilets stink! Pool OK

Fantastic experience: Staff lovely, especially Katie. Lovely facilities - looking forward to getting fitter

Fantastic experience: A wide variety of kit and good training sessions.

Fantastic experience: Best gym in Bedford.. also has a pool, sauna and steam..

Negative experience: Went to bingo club 2000

Positive experience: Friendly gym but equipment very out dated: There are many good positives about training here, staff nice, friendly people, clean gym area, good opening hours, excellent parking. But on the downside the equipment is very old, CV equipment has seen better days, for the price that they charge unless you swim i do not believe you are getting value for your money.

Fantastic experience: Recently joined after switching from another gym. Really like the facilities, loads of great equipment and a lot of variety. Pool is also great, clean steam room and sauna. Showers and changing rooms are always clean too! Used my free 30 min PT session and would recommend it. Really useful to have some tailored advice on equipment I was unfamiliar with!

Positive experience: Decided to join this gym however I hope that they clean the swimming pool more often, as you enter there is a message asking you to shower before entering the pool I presume some don't as it's very very dirty. Would be nice to see the gym have a few Stair Climbers too, amazing cardio machine.

Fantastic experience: Friendly environment with all the equipment and services you could ask for

Fantastic experience: I love it. Such amazing place

Negative experience: Total joke of a gym. Asked a simple question (when is my membership up for renewal) staff spent 15mins looking for the info then state it has already renewed. I asked should I not have been told that it is time for renewal, told no it's up to me to cancel it on time. I have not authorised any payments or agreed to any renewal with them. Money grabbing thief's with a bad service at that.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Amy. She has been brilliant with keeping me motivated and supporting me throughout. Amy helped me become fitter, leaner and healthier. I did the PT with my friend, Amy trained us both with slightly different training programs to meet our individual needs but we were still able to do together.

Fantastic experience: So nice to have a proper gym with swimming and sauna . Love it

Fantastic experience: Lovely welcoming atmosphere. Clean facilities and great instructors.

Fantastic experience: I used the gym for free

Fantastic experience: It's the best gym I've ever been to the equipment is top notch the swimming pool fantastic the staff are friendly It's a place I enjoy working out and after chill by the pool they have beds there .

Fantastic experience: As a regular member at FF Bedford, I wish to give a shout out to Kate, The 'Aqua Queen'. She is a great instructor. Her music, her choreography, her enthusiasm, her presence are absolutely amazing. Love her aqua classes. Thank you Kate.

Fantastic experience: Great Gym, just joined, love the open plan,very clean has everything I need. Oh and free parking which is always a bonus!

Fantastic experience: What can I say about this place, actually lots. I swim 5 miles a week, with my flippers, goggles swim hat the lot. The pool is amazing. The steam room so relaxing and hot. The gym is spacious with all the latest equipment. The staff friendly helpful and Go the extra mile. Always greeted with smile and informal always “hi Lisa”. All the staff I like and get on with especially Jon and Kate. Only improvement I would ask for would be Jacuzzi to finish off pool area. This place keeps me sane ❤️

Fantastic experience: I re joined Fitness First in Bedford in January after a four year break from working out while I had my children. The standards of the pool / gym and classes have remained at a high level, and I try and swim at least 3 times a week. The pool is always a good temperature and never too crowded. I’ve found getting back into old classes like body combat and attack enjoyable and love my weekly Zumba class with Clare which is a new one for me. I am massively impressed with the staff onsite, they are all very friendly and helpful, especially Jon and Lauren who always greet you with a swim on reception or around the gym floor. Highly recommend joining. Justine

Positive experience: I have been a member for a few years now and it is a great gym, with ample parking. The instructors and team there are so friendly and welcoming. Friendly members there too, making the gym a social event as well as fitness and wellbeing. Great pool, sauna and steamroom. I recommend to anyone. Thanks, Barry.

Fantastic experience: Been at This gym for 8 years. For sure the best gym in bedford. Lovely friendly staff especially CLARKE ! You the best

Fantastic experience: Amazing service from the lovely clarke. Super friendly. First class was amazing and i felt confident enough to join.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and 1st class facilities and very clean

Fantastic experience: So friendly and welcoming. Relaxed- might actually keep going to this one! Just feels right.

Fantastic experience: The best fitness club and the best treners team, full of classes

Fantastic experience: Just wanted to say a big thanks to Clarke for keeping me motivated during the FORCE class. He was a brilliant instructor and very enthusiastic throughout the class!

Fantastic experience: Very friendly environment all around , Friendly staff and members x

Fantastic experience: Great gym, great classes, awesome instructors . Everyone is so nice and helpful

Fantastic experience: By far the best gym in Bedford. Steam room, sauna and pool. Serious fitness, no posing people clogging up the machines with endless selfies of their non-existant reps! Great variety of classes included in membership.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly staff always on reception. Classes are fun and I've felt very welcome since I joined! Pool, sauna and steam room are fab!

Fantastic experience: Didn't go, went to pizza hut next to it though, so if you think about it I win

Positive experience: The staff are friendly and so are the people that go there. However as a user of just the pool I am very dissatisfied with the cleanliness and conditions. I have emailed 3 times but get no response. There is an awful smell of mould coming from the drains in the shower rooms. The metal stairs that used to lead down to the fast lane in the pool and have been in a state of disrepair since I joined 5 months ago. It took 3 month to fix a broken hair dryer. Showers are always out of shower gel and when there is shower gel it is so watery. It feels that the money is not being spent on improving the pool or changing rooms and they haven't changed since the place first opened over 15 years ago. The spin dryer that used to exist to dry swim wear must have been removed ages ago but the sign about the spin dryer still exists. I will be cancelling after my 6 month contract is open, going to the gym causes me more stress than it does relaxation. It is all about attention to detail and sadly this gym does not have the funds to look at details. UPDATE Email sent as per request. I'm not going to hold my breath for a response though and certainly not for any change to the facilities. UPDATE 2 Got a response to email asking for my phone which I refused to give because of previous spamming. Suggested to them I can speak on site but no response. Subsequently left the gym now.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym with friendly and helpful staff who always greet and welcome you in. The equipment and ammenities are well maintained and there is always a great atmosphere every time I workout. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to join.