I had run out of excuses and finished my day at my client's offices in Soho, which meant that on my way home I was passing the gym I'd selected to join. So I put on my MBTs, waddled up and paid my money.

I had narrowed the choice down to three possible gyms, each with plus points:

  1. The Kinetic Fitness Club - belongs to UCL and is quite well-equipped, but inexpensive. It's on the way to my client, so I can go training on the way to work and have a 20 minute walk in which to cool down. Close enough (five minute walk) to my apartment for me to be bothered go at weekends and very flexible membership packages.
  2. Soho Gyms - state-of-the-art equipment and I'd be able to access three locations; one is very close to my client, one is just down the road to Kinetic (above) and the third, a specialist 'wet gym' (think saunas and pools) is a 15 minute walk away. SG is moderately priced.
  3. One Aldwych - definitely my favourite. One Aldwych is a modern four-star hotel just the other side of the Thames to where I live and about a 15 minute walk from my client. It has a small, but perfectly formed gym and a lovely swimming pool. Annual membership costs about twice that of Soho Gyms. It also has a couple of very good restaurants as well as a bar that serves what is in my opinion the best gin martini in London.
            One Aldwych doesn't have many group lessons.

From what I can tell, each of the gyms has very well-qualified staff.

After thinking about my options I concluded that as I'm just getting started, I don't necessarily need the latest equipment right now - just basic weights and a few cardio machines - and I really can't justify paying top whack right now as I only have one client, so I've signed up at Kinetic for three months - I'll have a rethink in the new year. Induction is tomorrow at 10am.

Wish me luck.