Royal Commonwealth Pool — Local services in City of Edinburgh

I recently had a frustrating experience at the gym that highlighted significant issues with customer behaviour and staff responses regarding gym etiquette. During my workout, I found myself in a confrontation with a couple who seemed to believe they could reserve equipment simply by placing their belongings on it.

I was using a piece of equipment that was completely vacant when the man from the couple approached me, visibly angry. He insisted that his girlfriend was using it, even though she was at the back of the gym doing press-ups. When she arrived, they both stared me down, trying to intimidate me into leaving. Feeling provoked, I reacted poorly and used a curse word, which I regret, however the entitlement they displayed was infuriating and the hostility was overwhelming.

Despite my attempts to explain that there was CCTV footage confirming I was using the equipment appropriately, they dismissed my claims. Instead, they escalated the situation by complaining to the gym staff, who shockingly sided with them. This left me baffled and frustrated, especially since I was following the gym’s unwritten rules.

What’s even more troubling is the staff's response. Instead of mediating the situation fairly, the trainers backed the couple up without considering my perspective. One staff member even suggested that I should ask other customers if they were using the equipment. This expectation is unreasonable—how can anyone be expected to "mind read" who is reserving equipment? It creates an environment where entitlement is rewarded, and individuals feel they can bully others into submission.

As I was finishing up, I took a drink of water to quench my thirst but accidentally choked and ended up spitting some water on the equipment. This was not intentional, but the couple seized the opportunity to accuse me of violating gym rules. Their sense of entitlement was further reinforced by the staff's support, which is deeply concerning.

It’s poor etiquette to think that placing personal items on a machine grants exclusive rights, especially when the equipment is not in use. The gym should encourage a culture of respect and communication, rather than enabling those who feel entitled to monopolize equipment.

In conclusion, if you’re a gym member, please remember that clear communication and respect for others are essential. It’s also crucial for staff to uphold these values and ensure that everyone feels supported and treated fairly. A welcoming environment is vital, allowing everyone to work out without fear of intimidation or...

Its the pits and despite all the hype its not at all fit to be a national sports centre its best day are long gone , its staff look they have been imported from a 1980s time warp , its probably at that point in time when the centre stopped serving the community in a meaningful way. Staff with their lazy and indifferent work etiquette permeate the landscape , its dirty and disgusting in the changing rooms and canteen. They are supposed to be council run yet radio blares out standard commercial adverts for the likes of Delivroo , and any Edinburgh business with a faux community ethos who might greased some notable palms with silver. Diving is not possible as it used to be and restricted , like other reviewers have said they use any half staged event as a reason to close the pool and stop local Edinburgh people having access to the facilities many of them have paid for through their taxes to maintain and keep a poor quality workforce in a job some might say. The gym is always congested with personal trainers and their clients or wanna be's hogging equipment while doing stuff on their phone. If this really was a community gym they would put a notice up to stop such selfish and lethargic behaviour. The only time I see notices up are for the Commonwealth high up's own ego like when there was a BBC event on , they were ordering gym members not to have an intense weight lifting session in case the BBC heard it. Staff look miserable and unapproachable in fact they seem to revel in that vibe. Some will be talking for ages about their own personal life's before you get served on the front counter. The commie would be better of investing in self service till points. Locker rooms are well dodgy and that includes the state of those pathetic showers where your more likely to find lairs of pubes then soap. Used to love coming here as a kid it really did seem well maintained and run with some social pride back then not the case now , oh yeah the food in the canteen is shocking for a sports centre and all the healthy stuff is over priced almost three times the amount you get it or similar over the road in the newsagent /mini mart store. I really would not recommend this place to visitors and god only knows what you might...

Ok - this is for the cafe only: "Cafe Refresh". We go every week but something is always wrong, slow etc. Today, someone beside me queued for about 10mins too, asked for bacon rolls, was told the bacon was cooking but he couldn't pay for them until they were ready. 🤔 Incredulous (you can pay for other hot items and get a buzzer which alerts you when it's ready) he clarified he'd have to go away and queue again and order them again. Yes he was told (by a longstanding member of staff). Queue is massive at this point as someone else had the audacity to ask for more than just an item (see previous review). So he goes away, really unhappy but accepting the situation. Meanwhile, I have to mention several times that as I've brought my own cup, I get a discount, but the trainee takes until I refuse to pay to ask for help on it, and once back to my seat, I discover I've not been given part of my order. 🙄 Minor complaint all sorted compared to bacon roll guy - he heads back to queue up again after a long time reappears with the order, then has to go back to speak to the manager. When he returns, he says all the manager has said is, "I'm sorry about that." No freebie, no refund, no reasonable explanation. Absolutely woeful. And by that time, the wee kid they brought to the pool has finished their lesson and he has to go and get them for getting changed etc. I really felt for the guy - though never got to see if he enjoyed his cold roll and coffee. Something has to change to make the service better. Thousands of cafes manage it without inducing any sort of irritation to customers every day. C'mon, Commie - do better. Like...