Great gym and friendly owner. Lots of racks and weights. Plenty of space. Sense of community too. Even a cowork space to for a quick meeting
Reply from Real World Fitness
2026.09.08
Thanks Robbie; much appreciated
Real World Fitness is a great gym with a great community. If you're not a fan of the big commercial gyms I highly recommend you try this place out.
Reply from Real World Fitness
2026.07.17
Thanks Ian, much appreciated. Good to see you tonight too!
Reply from Real World Fitness
2026.07.01
Thanks for the review, Christopher - however, seeing as though we have no record of you ever visiting the gym, can you clarify the 4 star review?!
I’ve never really been a big gym-goer and was honestly quite nervous about joining somewhere new. But after losing a substantial amount of weight and being on a big health kick, I decided to give it a go — and joining Real World Fitness was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Living in Colwick, the location is perfect for me as it’s literally only a 3-minute walk from my house, which makes staying consistent so much easier and takes away any excuse not to go!
The atmosphere is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and it never feels overcrowded or intimidating. Everyone is respectful, which makes it such a comfortable place to train, whether you’re a beginner or experienced.
The gym has a fantastic range of equipment, especially for weightlifting, and everything you need to properly progress. A huge shoutout to Derran as well — his experience, knowledge, and encouragement have been amazing throughout my fitness journey. He’s genuinely helped me build confidence and push myself further than I ever thought I could.
Six months ago, I would never have imagined myself deadlifting, squatting heavy weights, or going to the gym 4–5 times a week. Now I can honestly say I love it, and I’ve got Real World Fitness to thank for that. Highly recommended to anyone wanting to start or get back into fitness.
Reply from Real World Fitness
2026.07.17
Hugely appreciated Will, you're a pleasure to have in the gym :)
I can’t recommend this gym enough. Living in West Bridgford, I was looking for somewhere nearby where I could train consistently, and it’s been the perfect fit.
From the moment you walk in, you can tell it’s more than just a gym—it really feels like a community. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and there’s a genuine “family” atmosphere that makes a huge difference.
Derran, the owner, is such a big part of the gym's "family" atmosphere — he’s incredibly approachable, always has time for a chat, and genuinely cares about everyone who trains there. He’s created such a positive, supportive environment where you feel comfortable straight away.
The facilities are excellent. The gym is always clean, well-maintained, and really well-equipped with a great range of machines and weights. Even with all the equipment, it still feels spacious, so you never feel on top of each other while training. Having toilets and a proper changing area on site is also really convenient.
One of the things I’ve noticed most is how comfortable I feel training, no matter the situation. Whether I’m working out at night on my own or training around other people, I always feel safe and confident being there. That’s something I didn’t have before, and it’s made such a difference to my consistency.
It’s just a genuinely great place to train. I’ve felt more motivated, more confident, and much more at ease in myself since joining.
If you’re looking for a gym with great facilities, a welcoming atmosphere, and an owner who truly cares, this is definitely the place to be.
Reply from Real World Fitness
2026.04.05
Thanks Livvy; such a lovely review, and great to have you here at RWF!
Great gym, with a friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable trainers
I've been a member of Real World Fitness and had PT there for over a year and I've got to say it's the best gym I've been a member of. It's friendly, relaxed and I've never had to wait for equipment or felt rushed. Derran is great at cutting through the noise and sticking to facts and I've seen great results!
I’ve been training with Derran now for around 8 months and use the gym myself between PT sessions. I love it. Everyone is friendly (Derran + team and members), it’s never too busy and I’ve seen some great results. Very happy I signed up and definitely see me being a member for the long term :)
Reply from Real World Fitness
2025.05.25
Thanks Chris, really appreciate that. Pleasure to have you here!
A very friendly and welcoming gym. As a complete novice to the gym, RWF was the perfect environment for me to start my fitness journey as a complete beginner. Staff are super helpful and friendly (in particular Chris my personal trainer.) I intend to continue at Real World Fitness and couldn't imagine going to any other gym.
Reply from Real World Fitness
2025.04.30
Thanks Jack - much appreciated!
As a 61 year-old woman who has always loved being active—open water swimming, hiking, cycling, and yoga—it was incredibly frustrating to feel held back by persistent back and shoulder injuries. For years, any attempt at exercise would cause flare-ups, leaving me discouraged and unsure if I could return to the activities I loved.
Working with Derren has been truly transformative. Unlike previous personal trainers I’ve worked with, he took the time to understand my body, tailor a programme to my specific needs, and gradually rebuild my strength and confidence. I can now swim long distances, enjoy long walks, and stay active for much longer than before—all without pain. My cardio fitness has noticeably improved too.
Reply from Real World Fitness
2025.05.01
So good to see you getting back to your best ;)
Great gym, even better group of people, so welcoming and helpful. Derran and the team have been fantastic in supporting my fitness goals, and dealing with injuries and recovery too.
Reply from Real World Fitness
2025.05.01
Thanks Emma - kind words!
As a complete novice , I wanted to find a personal trainer that I could trust and would work with me towards my goal of becoming stronger. My experience at RWF has been superb. I have a tailored plan, working with great people in a friendly environment.
Reply from Real World Fitness
2025.05.01
Thanks Jeannine, been a pleasure getting to know you and your better half ;)
Really friendly atmosphere and good equipment, would recommend!
A truly great gym. Great community atmosphere and really knowledgeable and friendly personal trainers
Reply from Real World Fitness
2023.04.25
Thanks Mr D - much appreciated :)
06.04.24 Called in for a one off session again in their new premises. Darren and Chris were just as welcoming as before. Made me and my training partner very welcome Good facilities, good equipment, easy parking. Very friendly atmosphere. I wish i lived closer, I have been training since 1979 in my opinion its how a gym should be hope to see you in 2025 as long as my knees hold up lol All the best lads
2020 I called in RWF this morning just for look around, while i was waiting for my car being serviced. I have been training for over 40 years so i do know my way around a gym.
The gym was well equipped with with heavy duty equipment, and quite a few people in. Darren introduced himself, and even though he knew i had no intention of joining (im 45 miles away), he couldn;t do enough for me, he let me have a tour, nothing was out of bounds, and having a 20 min conversation with him, it was quite obvious he not only knew how to train but was also able to advise on injuries and rehab etc. Shame about the distance, definitely have a sesh next time I'm having car serviced
A year later 23.10.21 had car serviced again, called in for a session, everyone very welcoming, facilities very good, Thanks to everyone in the gym See ya next year All the best
Regards Dale Myers
Reply from Real World Fitness
2020.02.22
Thanks Dale - nice to meet you. Maybe see you again soon!
First class gym and a first class gym owner
I have been training with Derran as my personal trainer two or three times a week for over 15 years now. He is an outstanding personal trainer, skilled, dedicated and professional as well as being patient, supportive and flexible. He nurtures his clients with empathy and care to enable them to give of their best when they are at his gym and RWF itself is a great place to train with a very warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Very good gym. Never too busy like a lot of the big, commercial gyms. I come here 3 times a week and the atmosphere is always upbeat. Decent music playing and always a pot of free coffee on the go. I would highly recommend popping in to see the staff and organising a free guest pass
Reply from Real World Fitness
2023.11.06
Thanks Arry - much appreciated my friend!
Bright, airy and well air conditioned during the summer months! All the equipment you’ll need with no wait times….and you’ll never find a bar left loaded from the person before. Highly recommend this gym if you want a break from the overcrowded, intimidating commercial gyms. A great bunch of knowledgeable trainers too!
Well done RWF for creating such a positive and motivating environment.