Pluspunten
The PT team — my fellow trainers — were the best part of the job. Supportive, loyal, and genuinely passionate, they helped each other through the chaos. The camaraderie was real, and the only reason many of us stayed as long as we did. The members were equally amazing. I built strong relationships with regulars who were kind, respectful, and fun to work with. The positive energy on the gym floor made the daily experience fulfilling. That trainer-member bond was the soul of the gym. I started at PureGym because I loved helping people. I built my client base from scratch, ran packed-out classes, and gave everything to the job because I believed in it. That made what came next all the more difficult to accept.
Minpunten
After over six years of committed service, I became the target of a disciplinary process that felt more like a power move than a fair investigation. It began with a harmless WhatsApp message in a staff group — something previous managers would’ve laughed off. Instead, it was escalated straight to HR without even a conversation. That moment set the tone for everything that followed. Then came a final written warning, followed by a suspiciously timed Trustpilot complaint. I was shown CCTV of me briefly kissing my girlfriend (also a client) and was accused of “damaging the brand.” I wasn’t on shift. The behaviour was minor. Others had done far worse without consequence — yet I was made an example of. I raised concerns using ACAS guidance, but I was dismissed. When I spoke up about how it was impacting my mental health, I was handed a generic support number and told to reach out. That was the extent of their “support.” Despite this, I kept delivering sessions and teaching classes, putting on a smile while internally spiralling. I walked on eggshells daily. Even after colleagues submitted written statements defending me — and pointing to more serious conduct from a current manager — nothing changed. At times, it felt like I was being ganged up on by not just one, but multiple managers and senior staff. When I raised this with HR, hoping for fair treatment or even basic support, I was met with silence. Instead of investigating or offering mediation, HR simply sided with management without challenge. That manager still works there. I resigned due to stress, but PureGym continued with the dismissal anyway, citing “gross misconduct.” Even the appeal reviewer admitted the original dismissal decision was excessive and downgraded the outcome to “misconduct.” But by then, the damage had already been done. The moment I realised it wasn’t about what was fair — it was about what was convenient for them — I knew I was done. Throughout the process, it felt like I was being ganged up on by multiple managers and senior staff. Instead of any attempt to support or understand me, it became clear they were aligning to force me out. Every meeting, message, and hearing felt less like an investigation and more like an ambush. Its a culture of silence and fear: - Communication is unclear and inconsistent - Policies are enforced selectively and often retroactively - WhatsApp messages are used as evidence against you - Mental health support is patronising and superficial — just ticking a box - HR serves management, not the employee - Speaking up or defending yourself makes you a target - They care more about protecting the brand image than the people who uphold it This isn’t just a rant — it’s a serious warning. If you're considering working at PureGym, don’t confuse a great team with a great company. The trainers and members are brilliant. The corporate culture, however, is cold, controlling, and punishes anyone who doesn't blindly comply. When it turns on you, it turns fast — and you'll be left isolated, exhausted, and disillusioned.