1 /5 Alexander Duggan: I’ve been a member of EMF Circular Quay for close to two years, and unfortunately the experience has gone steadily downhill since the club reopened after being closed for months due to flood damage. What used to feel like a premium gym (which matches a lot of the very good reviews from over a year ago) now feels like a cost-cut, poorly maintained space that doesn’t match its marketing or its price tag.
Hygiene & Change Room Standards Are Well Below Par:
The state of the bathrooms and showers has been consistently disappointing.
•“Shower flies” are frequently found in the private shower rooms.
•Mould is growing in the silicone, particularly around the shower bases.
•The floors are constantly covered in water, making them slippery and unhygienic.
•Drains are regularly clogged with hair and general build-up.
For a gym charging premium weekly fees, the basics simply aren’t being met.
Misleading “Premium Amenities”:
When I first joined, the showers were stocked with genuine Aesop amenities – one of the features that helped justify the higher membership cost. Over time, the bottles began to be refilled with generic products (including a bright blue body wash that is definitely not Aesop). More recently, all Aesop branding has been removed altogether, yet the gym still markets its “exclusive amenities designed to make every visit indulgent and extraordinary.” It feels misleading and a bit deceptive.
Towel Service: From Premium to Practically Non-Existent:
EMF advertises a premium towel service, and when I first joined, this meant one towel for training and another for showering. After the flood closure, this became a one-towel policy, which was already a downgrade—but manageable if you managed to get a towel at all.
There have been multiple occasions where only small training towels are available, or no towels available whatsoever, making it difficult to use the change rooms or showers.
Now, this week, the club has put up a sign at the front desk confirming that from the start of 2026 there will be NO TOWEL SERVICE at all. For anyone considering signing up under the impression that towel service is part of the premium offering—be warned.
Staff Attitude Needs Major Improvement:
While the personal trainers (like Mai) and the gym manager, Gabby, are great, the general staff are often rude, unhelpful, and disengaged.
There’s rarely a greeting, no assistance when you ask for something simple (like being shown how to use a machine), and overall customer service feels like an afterthought.
Training Facilities Are Good – But Still Have Limitations
The gym equipment is modern and has everything you need and more to train. The gym itself is split across two sections (which can be irritating when switching between strength and functional zones).
However, there are notable limitations:
•Only one bench press in the entire gym.
•No seated cable machines (e.g., for lat pulldowns).
•Functional area is usually inaccessible during peak times because classes run in that space, forcing everyone into the already small main gym.
•The sauna is good but tiny, and the placement makes using it uncomfortable—if the two private showers are occupied you end up walking between sections of the gym dripping wet or sweating.
•Male change rooms are small, and there is only one iron for the entire gym.
Value for Money is Questionable:
At $55.95/week for a 12-month lock-in or $70.95/week for flexi, the experience simply does not match the premium branding. When basic hygiene, promised amenities, and customer service aren’t consistently delivered, it’s hard to justify the price.
Overall Verdict:
EMF Circular Quay has the bones of a great gym—good equipment, convenient location, and solid classes—but the downgraded amenities, poor hygiene, lack of transparency, and progressively worsening service make it feel far from the premium experience it claims to be.
For the current price point, I can’t recommend it in its current state.
*Note: posted under an alias.
Will happily remove this review once changes to above occur
