What our members say about us

Jill Treeves (48), joined February 2009

"As someone who has suffered from Arthritis for over 20 years, exercise is one thing that I have always found difficult although I know how important it is to keep the joints moving and supple. I had previously been a member of one of the big countrywide gyms, but found that the staff didn't know what to do to help me get round the restrictions my body places on me.

"This is not the case at the Thames Club - I had an initial consultation with Naomi and explained what I could and couldn't do - she tailored a programme to suit me. Some days you're not sure if you are progressing, but I know from looking at my programme card just how much progress I have made. Even a minute on the cross-trainer was a challenge when I started but now I can do ten minutes reasonably easily.

"I'm not a big user of the pool, but the facility is really great, my partner loves it when I take him along as a guest. On the couple of occasions we have eaten at the club, I can't fault the food and the service is great. Even if you are only having a coffee, they bring it over to your table. I really enjoy my visits to the Thames Club - everyone is very helpful and friendly. It is a real family atmosphere. I have to say a big thank you to Charlotte for all the encouragement that she has given me and to Naomi for helping me get the best out of the club."

Sally-Ann Logan & Benjamin Hooper (38yrs) (6yrs)

"When my little boy started full time school I decided that it was time that I focused on improving my health. At over 21 stone my body was not coping, it hurt to move, I could not get up of the floor without a struggle and at night I couldn’t Sleep due to arthritic pain. My friend joined and told me about the friendly staff and lovely pool at The Thames Club. I thought I was too fat to use the gym but would get great use of the pool....I was wrong!

"The staff at The Thames Club made me feel like I was part of the family. Charlotte explained all I needed to know about the club and James worked with me on an exercise routine. At first I could only do 7 minutes in the gym and 2 lengths of the pool. Everyday my fitness seemed to double and within two weeks I was spending 1 hour then within a month 11/2 hours in the gym and then 50- 100 lengths in the pool.

"What made it easy was the atmosphere at The Thames Club. My confidence skyrocketed when the staff helped me (even without asking if they saw I needed encouragement they would just come over). People here made eye contact with me...and smiled. I have met so many interesting people and I realised there was no need to be so shy.

"The £100 worth of free gifts was a real incentive for me to work harder than I would have dreamt I was capable of. After the Gym/Pool I would “treat” myself to a scrumptious lunch in the restaurant and even a massage or treatment in the Beauty Salon. I am no longer dieting, just eating healthy and my appetite has decreased. I lost 11/2 stone at slimming world before coming to the Thames Club but then even though sticking with the same eating plan the weight would not come off.

"Exercise was the answer and I have now lost over 2 stone and gone down 2 clothes sizes within 5 weeks. If you know anyone who deserves to feel better about themselves and who you care enough to change their life for the better, give them a day pass and let them see for themselves how The Thames Club can help them too. The only question I ask myself now is…why didn’t I do this years ago? Thank you to everyone at The Thames Club."