Member stories

People who
stayed

Our median member has been here more than two years. These are real Google reviews, rated 4.9 from 50, in the words people wrote them. New ones go up as they come in.

What members say

“Thought it was a gym membership but turned out to be a health investment.”

Thought it was a gym membership but turned out to be a health investment. Thought we were gym members but it turned out we were a community. Thought it was a luxury but turned out to be an essential. From teens to octagenarians, whatever your starting point, you're in safe, skilled, supportive hands in a non judgemental, encouraging environment. I can't recommend PPG enough. All you have to do is walk through the door. See you there!

Laura DaveyGoogle review · August 2026

“The only gym I have ever stuck with.”

The only gym I have ever stuck with. I had breast cancer 3 years ago and after treatment I wanted to get strong. Joined PPG and it has changed my life. Since then I have needed a knee replacement (not due to the gym!!!!). My point is. The coaches look after me. They write me (and everyone) bespoke training packages to support my individual training needs and then monitor my progress against that program and tweak where necessary. I am stronger, fitter, leaner, happier and I have to go to the gym because it has become the best family I have ever known and the coaches genuinely care. The only competition in this gym is against yourself and your own targets. The small group coaching sessions enable me to feel heard and validated and the love and laughter keep me genuinely engaged. PPG - I cannot thank you enough!

Julie HowesGoogle review · August 2026

“If you're nervous about joining a gym like I was, this is the perfect place to start.”

I'd never stepped foot in a gym before joining Practice Performance Gym, and I was incredibly anxious about getting started. From day one, everyone made me feel so welcome and completely put me at ease. The instructors are genuinely friendly and really care about every member. They always take the time to ask how you're doing, and they've been amazing at helping me work around shoulder and knee pain, making sure I can train safely and confidently. One of the things I love most is the small group sessions, with one instructor for every four members. The level of attention and support you receive is fantastic, and you never feel like just another face in the gym. I would highly recommend Practice Performance Gym to anyone, whatever your age or fitness level. If you're nervous about joining a gym like I was, this is the perfect place to start.

Nicola StopfordGoogle review · August 2026

“The 1:4 coach-to-member ratio is, in my opinion, the perfect balance.”

What an amazing gym. It offers everything I had always wanted but could never find in the large, multinational gym chains. Every coach genuinely knows their stuff, is always approachable, and nothing is ever too much trouble. I've been a member for over two years now, and I can both see and feel the results from the structured training programmes. The 1:4 coach-to-member ratio is, in my opinion, the perfect balance. There's always enough support to make sure you're training correctly and progressing safely, without anyone shouting in your face or making the experience uncomfortable. The coaching is built around positive encouragement, expert guidance, and genuine interest in helping you improve. Forget the big screens, endless rows of mirrors, and impersonal gym environments. If you're looking for expert coaching, fantastic sessions, and real results, this is the place to be. A huge thank you to Mike, Simon ("the tash"), Jordan, Jack, Matt, Guy and Will for everything you do. I genuinely can't recommend this place highly enough.

Chris SampleGoogle review · August 2026

“I cannot thank PPG enough for helping me feel like myself again.”

As a very unfit and very overweight menopausal woman I made the decision to give PPG a go and I have never looked back. I have always felt welcomed and encouraged and it really doesn't matter if there are fitter and stronger people there, it's about your own journey and how much your health and fitness improves, and that everyone supports each other. I cannot thank PPG enough for helping me feel like myself again.

J McCoyGoogle review · August 2026

“Over the past three years I have rehabilitated from a serious accident.”

Over the past three years I have rehabilitated from a serious accident and have had 100% expert support and coaching in all aspects. The coaches are phenomenal in offering advice and guidance across all aspects of my training. I would strongly recommend.

Gary KingGoogle review · August 2026

“The small groups of 4 are less intimidating and the coaches have always got an eye on you.”

As a gym newbie, from the moment I stepped in I felt comfortable and supported. Each coach is knowledgeable, friendly and pushes you in the right way to get the most out of your session. The small groups of 4 are less intimidating and the coaches have always got an eye on you. They can work around any limitations you may have, be it injury, age or confidence. I honestly cannot recommend this gym enough, if you're on the fence about joining a gym then don't hesitate to give these guys a call.

Carl PhillipsGoogle review · August 2026

“They checked in from time to time to see how I was doing, but never in a pushy way.”

The best gym I've ever been to! From day one, all of the coaches have been so welcoming, friendly and supportive. They genuinely care about their members and create such a positive, encouraging atmosphere, no matter your fitness level. I had to take some time out for personal reasons, and the team couldn't have been more understanding. They checked in from time to time to see how I was doing, but never in a pushy way. It just showed they genuinely cared. I'm so glad to be back, and it's reminded me why I love this place so much. If you're looking for a gym with fantastic coaches, a great community and people who truly support you, I couldn't recommend it more!

Abi HigginsGoogle review · August 2026

“Over the years it's really felt like a community rather than just a gym.”

I've been training at Plymouth Performance Gym for the last three years, and I honestly can't recommend it enough. The atmosphere is brilliant. Everyone's friendly and welcoming, and it's a great place to train whether you're just starting out or have been lifting for years. The equipment is always in great condition, the gym is kept clean, and the coaches are genuinely helpful and approachable. It's the kind of place that keeps you motivated to come back, and over the years it's really felt like a community rather than just a gym. If you're looking for a gym in Plymouth with a great vibe and people who actually care, this is the place to be.

Andrea NiessenGoogle review · August 2026

“You and your body are treated with respect.”

Great gym. The variety of exercises is great. They are explained really well by the well qualified and personable coaches. You and your body are treated with respect and whilst you can be pushed it is with caution and consideration of injuries or if you are just having a bad day. Stick at it as it is well worth it. A really good group of members who are friendly and supportive. Except me!!!

Alan RyelandGoogle review · August 2026

“I've seen results so much faster than I expected.”

Honestly the best gym I've ever joined! Plymouth Performance Gym at Millfields is incredible. I just turn up and the brilliant trainers push me to be my best. The workouts are tough but so rewarding, and I've seen results so much faster than I expected (physically and mentally!). If you want to feel fitter, stronger, and part of a great community, this is absolutely the place to be!

Jacqui CourtierGoogle review · November 2025

“Will push you but not beyond your capabilities.”

Friendly, extremely knowledgeable personal trainers. Will push you but not beyond your capabilities. 100% recommend.

Adrian DeaneGoogle review · September 2025

Reviews reproduced word for word from Google. Read them all on Google.

From the archive

Fifteen years of these

Written for us between 2012 and 2014, kept word for word. A Royal Marine who went on to represent Great Britain, a polar explorer, a jiu jitsu black belt, and members who simply wanted to feel better.

“I chose PPG, an S+C sports performance based gym instead of a run-of-the-mill health club.”

When I first decided that I was going to prepare for selection for the Great Britain Bobsleigh Team, I knew I'd need all the specialist help I could get, that's why I chose PPG, an S+C sports performance based gym instead of a run-of-the-mill health club. Over the majority of last year, PPG became my second home. The knowledge and experience of Will and the team was invaluable in the performance gains I made required for my sport. This coupled with a training environment that's fun, exciting and filled with people who want to work hard is the reason I was able to represent my country. I owe Will and the PPG crew a lot.

Jim GalvinFormer Royal Marine Commando, GB Bobsleigh Team · c. 2014
“It took over a year of dedication working with Will to build up my strength, fitness and mental determination for reaching the pole.”

During December 2013 to January 2014, I spent 46 days skiing over 730 miles solo to the Geographic South Pole after completing a Geographic North Pole expedition in 2010. I am delighted to have become the 12th Briton to have ever skied to both poles, an achievement I am deeply proud of. This expedition would not have been successful if it wasn't for hard work and preparation that went into it. It took over a year of dedication working with Will to build up my strength, fitness and mental determination for reaching the pole. Without Will's expert knowledge in training and enthusiasm for the challenge I certainly would have struggled on the ice. Plymouth Performance Gym is the place to train, get fit and meet your personal challenges of tomorrow.

Antony JinmanPolar explorer · c. 2014
“I no longer have any concern over fighting 10, 20, or even 30 minutes at a time.”

I am a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, and regularly compete all over the world. I also run the most successful Martial Arts academy in Plymouth. For a long time I have understood the importance of Strength and Conditioning for performance. After many years of trying different ways to improve and develop I finally began training with at PPG in early 2012. In that time I have noticed a significant improvement in my strength and condition. I no longer have any concern over fighting 10, 20, or even 30 minutes at a time. Will is always pushing me to improve and always working on my weaknesses. I know that when It comes time to compete I will be ready. I would highly recommend anyone to train at PPG whether you are looking to compete internationally or just to get fit.

Tom BarlowBrazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt · c. 2013
“I have never looked forward to going to the gym. Joining PPG has been the best decision I have ever made.”

I have never looked forward to going to the gym. I would always find an excuse not to go and if I managed to turn up the effort I put in was minimal. Joining PPG has been the best decision I have ever made. With their careful planning and awesome coaching, they have made going to the gym something I now look forward too. I am so much fitter and stronger than I have ever been and my confidence in my ability is growing. The effort I now put in is always 100%. PPG is very welcoming and it is encouraging to see people at all different fitness levels working out under the same roof. The trainers are all very approachable, knowledgeable and helpful, their motivation and can do, will do attitude makes PPG. I would definitely recommend PPG to anyone who wants to be more active and increase their fitness while being monitored to succeed.

Stacey CarwardineMember · c. 2013
“I was training in a more generic gym without any guidance but clearly this wasn’t working and I was in considerable pain.”

I've been training at PPG since March this year. I have always maintained a good level of fitness but struggled after some post pregnancy related problems. I was training in a more generic gym without any guidance but clearly this wasn't working and I was in considerable pain, I felt in somewhat of a rut with regards to my training and fitness. My daughter is now 15 months old, with the knowledge, professionalism and attention to form and technique the guys at the PPG have enabled me to be fitter and stronger than ever before.

Laura HeadMember · c. 2013
“Just be prepared to never be satisfied with any other gym afterwards.”

The coaches are second to none! If you want to start taking your fitness seriously or improve in a specific sport this place is your best option, the atmosphere is friendly but focused because the gym is always full of driven people! Excellent facilities, well maintained and easy to park outside. Cannot recommend it enough; Just be prepared to never be satisfied with any other gym afterwards!

Sam RawleMember · c. 2013
“His knowledge of training and nutrition have seen me make greater gains in this time than in 2 years previously.”

I have been training at Plymouth Performance Gym for over a year and have been coached by Will for around 4 months. His knowledge of training and nutrition have seen me make greater gains in this time than in 2 years previously. He is not averse to innovative training techniques, provided that they add substance to your program. The training programme which Will has put together ensures that routines do not become stagnant nor allow for plateaus which itself serves as motivation.

Jamie PindardAmateur strongman · c. 2013

How we collect these

What makes a story work

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  • How long they've been a member
  • One number that changed
  • What they were worried about before joining
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