Better - Highbury Leisure Centre Reviews 75

First day at this centre. Well, probably not the warmest welcome I’ve ever had, especially after mentioning that it was my first time…

Then the lockers are a bit old-school, as you need a £1 coin (which I didn’t know, and I didn’t have one). I had to go back to reception, where I was told I could buy a token… thanks! In the end, the lady agreed to lend me one after I explained that I wasn’t aware of this system. But honestly, considering the membership price, you’d expect more modern lockers (with a code).

My gym session went well. There wasn’t much waiting for the machines. Everything seems to be in good condition and clean. I had the chance to chat with a staff member in the gym area, and that was very positive.

The changing rooms are decent too. Note that there’s no soap in the showers (again, given the membership price… it could have been included…).

Overall, it was a first day of discovering and getting settled, which in the end went well.

We’ll see how it goes in the future…

APPALLING SINCE JUNE01ST 2023 REMAINS NOT CUSTOMER FRIENDLY CRAP BOOKING APP(FAILED/MISTAKES BOOKING) AGAIN TODAY EASTER APRIL 03,2026"NOT GOOD FRIDAY" 11:30AM NO SHOW TUTOR GROUP WAITING APRIL

I can't believe that customers were not consulted at all about the decision to stop playing authentic music at all Better gyms from March 2026. As a social enterprise, it is deeply sad that Better has actively chosen to avoid paying royalties to musicians and instead chosen to pay for fake rip offs. At best, this seems misaligned with Better's social values and at worst, immoral. It is having a huge negative impact on the enjoyment of exercise classes and I am aware of several trainers and customers who already have or are planning to quit. There must be better ways to save money. Please reverse this awful decision

Very bust not good customerservice toomany stuff and ...

Amazing gym with great facilities. Very clean

Been going here for just over a year now and really loving it. The gym is great with a range of different equipment and really enjoy the classes they have to offer too. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Ania is an amazing class instructor always so lovely, happy and full of energy, really enjoy her classes. There is something for everyone here, at all different fitness levels.

I absolutely LOVE living near this leisure centre — it’s honestly the heartbeat of the community. I’m there so often I feel like I should have my own locker!

The staff are genuinely lovely — welcoming, friendly, and always smiling — but I have to give a massive, glitter-covered shout-out to Anya. She is an absolute STAR. The MARVELLOUS instructor. The bringer of energy. The queen of “just one more sprint!” Her spin classes are brilliant, high-energy, and ridiculously fun. You leave sweaty, slightly wobbly… and somehow already looking forward to the next one.

Give the spin a go - fun, great music, and just the right mix of “I can do this!” and “why did I sign up for this?!” — in the best possible way.

Couldn’t recommend it more. Total community gem. 🌟

# no response to my original message posted 22 02.2026, silence is a really powerful form of communication. Peter Bundey, the top decision maker this message is for you, please take action to stop your decision, you may not have been aware of the EDI harm when you agreed the change in music policy but now you know you have the power to stop it. A company wide policy change that adveresly effects your black and minority ethnic workforce and customers is indirect racism. You can reverse this, you can make EDI a priority for Gll. Today ive witnessed the very raw human cost of your decision with a black women on zero hours contract who has been loyal, professional and incredible at her role who brings joy to your customers your proclaim to care about has felt forced out of a job she loves because of your decision causing her distress and placing her in financial hardship. Im so ashamed of you.
Gll have implemented a company wide music policy change from 1st March 2026 which adversely effects their ethnic minority workforce and customers: instructors have been forced to stop playing music that reflects their identity and culture to diverse inner London communities. This is indirect racism. Whats worse is that this policy only effects customers who attend classess whom are overwhelmingly women. The intersectionality here is really troubling, especially when you take a look at their senior leadership team (google it) the decision makers who are overwhelmingly male and white. The justification is saving money but from a company that has a £300 mill turnover per year whom purport to be inclusive id hazard a guess their are other less discriminatory ways for them to save money.

Really good introduction session: discussing goals, advising which machines to start with and then shown how to setup.

Also given advice about peak times to avoid.

Smooth, great facilities good price

The reception and all staff members are extremely supportive and kind.
As a new member I'm enjoying the gym which is very light and spacious with a wide range of equipment. I've tried Onyeka's Zumba which was high energy and fun. I also enjoyed Elena's Pilates class calm and relaxing. I hope to try other classes e.g body conditioning and Yoga. Swimming also available. The gym community are very friendly and helpful.

The whole equipment is been replaced with the new and advanced equipment

Very very helpful staff and all that I need at a very good cost,extremely happy with all the centre offers 😀

Great efficient service

Great services and amazing and very helpful members of staff.

There’s a lack of bathroom including the facilities required for disabled people in these areas.
The bathrooms are usually very dirty and the floor is covered with long hair.

Helpful staff

Some excellent fitness classes with dedicated instructors and good, clean facilities. I highly recommend boxfit and body conditioning. The centre provides all equipment needed. Later sessions would be welcome.

The staff at Highbury corner N1 Islington gym are the best . One of the senior staff Francis, she is very helpfull & kind. I am completely new to the gym experience, she and her staff guided me along & made me feel welcome . Love it

I have mental health problems I’m forgetting things and I’m new in this central & one day happen I want in suit &I’m changing clothes I don’t now that people can’t change her and put deodorant and one of stuff come which one she come over me she saying rudely hi you, don’t change her and you have out door shoes her & you putting deodorant everywhere because I don’t know that I said to her next time I’m not changing her & when where I’m going in centre she look rudely to me & she is not help full with disabled persons