David Lloyd Finchley is an excellent all-round family gym (members only). There is a large indoor play area for under 2s and climbing frames for the older kids, a healthy and varied kids menu, warm paddling pool, kids section of the main pool, and much more.
For babies and toddlers there is a music and movement session every Monday, Tuesday and Friday morning.
Older children (3+) can join in family aerobics and yoga classes, or take swimming lessons and tennis lessons.
If you just want to burn some calories or tone up without baby, make use of the Creche and work out in their state-of-the-art gymnasium (including Power Plates if you only have time for a 10 minute workout), aerobics and pilates studios, outdoor and indoor tennis courts, outdoor and indoor pools, sauna, hot tub, lounge / restaurant, and much more… You can also have your child’s birthday party there if you are a member.
Here’s a glimpse of my last visit to David Lloyds – there’s me, gasping and spluttering, swimming laps desperately trying to burn off that last bit of “muffin top”, while pushing along a day-glo orange inflatable seat. Baby E sits in the seat, floating along and kicking his legs like a maniac, grinning and laughing with glee. When I take a much needed break, we hang out in the lovely and warm paddling pool, and keep an eye on my friend’s baby while she does Humpty Dumpty with her toddler in the big pool.
The kids are starving after a swim, so we sit at some comfy seats in the Family lounge, feed the babies and put them to sleep in their buggies beside the table. The toddler has an enormous meal from the kids menu (lots of options, including some Annabel Karmel) and then disappears off into the soft play area while we chill out and have a relatively relaxing and healthy lunch. Ahhhhh…. The only downside is that the play areas aren’t gated, i.e. your toddler actually can escape if you aren’t keeping a close eye. I can’t wait til the kids are old enough for family yoga, aerobics and tennis – it’ll be so much fun!
Can’t give enough praise!
I love this place! Firstly, it doesn’t matter how young/old your children are, there’s always something to do; swimming, tennis, dance classes etc. There’s an entire area dedicated to kids with large soft play at one end, dining in the middle and TV/ computers at the other end. On a Tuesday/ Thursday morning they have singing and dancing with a bubble machine and mums can participate if they want – it’s also free! Wide range of healthy food options and you can leave your kids in the creche for a max of two hours (£4ph) if you want to enjoy the facilities by yourself. There’s also a Costa Coffee. Baby changing facilities are in the main changing room, where there’s also a playpen, so you can pop them in there whilst you change.