Fitness First Clapham Junction Station

As it’s the start of the year and the excesses of the holiday period have spurred people on to exercise, full of resolution for self improvement and starting the new year right, it seems appropriate to review my local gym.
A major plus point is it’s right by the station, so if you commute through Clapham Junction, it couldn’t be more convenient — there’s really no excuse not to go via there on your way to or from work (well, it’s always possible to find an excuse of course, but it’s harder to come up with a good one).
It’s not exactly a glamorous venue and definitely gives the impression it’s absorbed a whole lot of toil and sweat over the years, but the shabbiness has a kind of charm. Quite a few of the lockers in the changing room don’t work, there’s a couple of wonky ceiling tiles in the studio and a bit of a problem going on with the flooring in areas where it’s stuck together with tape. It’s seen better days for sure, but no one seems bothered.
On arrival, the reception staff come across as friendly and helpful, and there’s an encouraging, inclusive vibe pulsing through the air, where everyone’s just getting on with their thing and not judging anyone else. Walking in is enough to get the endorphins going.
There’s a good selection and quantity of equipment (if you’re into that sort of thing, which assuming you’re there to exercise, it’s a reasonable bet you are), and while it’s always busy it’s not so busy that there’s no space left.
Personally I’m a fan of the classes — not being one for a whole lot of self-​motivation when it comes to feeling the pain, I really need someone standing in front of me telling me to try a little harder or hold it that bit longer. There’s a good range to try: Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Spin, plus some more athletic type activities involving weights. The classes run at convenient times (you can fit them in around the day job), and I’ve been impressed with all the tutors I’ve come across.
So there you have it, it does what it says on the tin and with a smile on its face. Who cares if there’s a few flaws, isn’t that actually quite a reassuring attitude for a gym? After all, most of us aren’t perfect, but having your heart in the right place and playing to your strengths goes a long way.