Fitness First St Albans

I’ve been coming here about five years, on and off. (I have a medical condition that means there are a lot of «off» periods.) I’ve recently returned after a six-​month break.
I’m undecided about the refurbishment — while the showers and spa area are much better, it would have been so nice if they’d put a jacuzzi /​whirlpool tub in. I can live without a swimming pool, but a jacuzzi is kind of a staple in most gyms these days, even city ones. (They had one here, years ago — though I don’t think it was a Fitness First back then.) Aside from that, I really like the new spa area, especially the loungers. It could be kept a few degrees warmer — it’s a bit nippy when you get out of the sauna /​steam room — but it’s very nice and peaceful, and the loungers are super-​comfy.
The new gym itself, I’m not sure about. It looks much more macho and serious now, with all that black and gray and rubber, and I find it much less relaxing than the airy white and purple spaces that we had before. I guess serious athletes will approve of this, but I liked the old, light, unintimidating atmosphere.
A big yay on the rebounders, and the new hairdryers in the ladies’ changing — they are a HUGE improvement on the old heavy ones.
Overall, it’s still a great place to come, for a small city gym. Staff are friendly, professional, and know their stuff. It’s always clean, and I’ve never had any problems with theft or harassment from guys the way I have in London. At some point I probably will want to find somewhere with a pool (especially since the new pool at Westminster is so small and crowded), but for now it’s a fine place to come, and monthly fees are reasonable.

Great Friendly Gym. Easy Free Parking etc. Only down side is they clean the gym when it opens, instead of last thing at night, so if you train first thing you have to put up with dirt and rubbish everywhere and put up with the cleaning staff working around you. Lights supposedly come on automatically at 6.30am, although ive had to wait till 6.45 befor and that cuts into your training time, especially if you have to go to work straight after.
All in all a no frills friendly gym.