I recently had the opportunity to check out the crèche and fitness facilities on offer at the Stars Gym in Battersea. I walk past the gym every day and am always impressed with how impeccable it looks from the outside—the inside was even better. My initial impressions were of a high standard. All members of staff were very helpful and friendly, especially the ladies in the crèche. It was the first time I had left Oscar with anyone other than my husband, but the staff put my mind at ease and I felt confident that he would be well looked after in their care.
The crèche is held in one of the large fitness studios where there was a good supply of toys laid out on the floor for children of all ages to play with. All creche staff are fully qualified and CRB checked. The gym itself is well air conditioned, however the temperature in the crèche was perfect for the little ones. There was also plenty of space for pushchairs to be stored out of harms way.
Whilst Oscar was in the crèche, I had the chance to hit the gym. Although the gym appears from the outside to be predominately a martial arts venue, there is a good supply of Cardio-Vascular (CV) equipment as well as a large weights area (with free and resistance weights) and studios for classes. All of the CV equipment is top of the range, most with in-built personal television screens, an iPod adapter and a USB port so you can store your personal workout information.
Each day (apart from Wednesdays), during the hours of the crèche (0930 – 1130am) there is the option to take part in a fitness class, ranging from Yoga to Kickboxing. As the crèche facilities are new, they are very much open to reacting to demand and change classes where necessary.
The ladies changing room was quite small but well stocked, with shower gel and most importantly – ghds hair straighteners! The lockers are key free—a bonus as there is less chance of loosing a key! They were also very clean, which is something I am very particular about when it comes to choosing a gym. In addition to the fitness facilities, there are also spa treatments and lifestyle/nutrition coaching to get you on track.
As well as annual membership, there is a pay-as-you-go day pass option which allows you to access the gym as many times in one day as you wish, giving you great value for money. In summary, the gym offers a high standard of fitness facilities along with a well run and fun crèche for the little ones.
This posting was contributed by Battersea mum of one, Lucy Lynam.
For more information on Stars Gym, please visit:
