Virgin Active (Islington, Angel) Formerly: Virgin Active Health Club

Really bad experience with this gym.

People slam balls and tires on the floor which produces a very disturbing noise in the flats upstairs where I live. I went to complain, because all other form of exercises are fine. They explained to me that acoustic insulation hasn't been done for this kind of exercise because the room wasn't intended to be used like this. They eventually agreed to remove the equipment that was producing the noise, so it was fine for a while. But now the same equipment is back and staff say there is nothing they can do if people want to slam heavy items on the floor. Given how expensive this gym is, whoever wants to exercise should look for a proper facility that provide adequate equipment and environment for it.

Size is everything

This is a big gym, built around a central swimming pool, which has a running track and good facilities. I've been using it regularly for over a decade now. There are plenty of machines/weights etc so that even at busy times it never feels that crowded. It is used by a broad range of people, those who live locally (like me) and many City workers. There are separate steam rooms for men and women (unlike the nearby Moorgate branch where these facilities are shared). A lot of gay men use this gym, if you're using the sauna or steam room it soon becomes obvious who they are!