V Court Fitness has only been open a few months but every time it comes on screen I die a little inside. I've never felt anything for a new set on the Street before - good or bad - so I'm surprised that the gym set is prompting this blog post, if I'm honest!
The space allocated for filming in the set for the gym seems too small, so that every scene in there is claustrophobic. The characters appear hemmed in by their surroundings, with shadows and not enough light - or maybe that's the point?
Punters at the gym are usually seen practising their boxing skills or sweating on a running machine. This is clearly not meant to be a place for relaxing or idle chatter, but for tension instead.
But for this fan, it just doesn't work as a place for continuation of any of the storylines and does nothing to enhance any dialogue that goes on in there.
What do you think, Corrie fans?
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18 comments:
I think it's nowhere near as dreary and unrealistic as that "boxing gym" in EastEnders. At least the one in Corrie has a proper reception desk and proper branding, including t-shirts with a logo.
But I do agree that apart from that it seems ridiculously small, dark and crowded. They should have gone for a larger, more industrial looking space, like Underworld.
I think it's nowhere near as dreary and unrealistic as that "boxing gym" in EastEnders. At least the one in Corrie has a proper reception desk and proper branding, including t-shirts with a logo.
But I do agree that apart from that it seems ridiculously small, dark and crowded. They should have gone for a larger, more industrial looking space, like Underworld.
I don't find the gym unbelievable but it should be used as the backdrop for storylines instead of just being a drop in centre for Leanne to see Kal.
Well for me it just doesn't work full stop. Plus it seems ridiculous that EVERYTHING is in one room, the reception, the gym equipment, the cafe, its amazing the changing room isn't part of the open plan too.
The owners are dull, the concept bizzare for a small terraced street and the bulging clientele unbelievable.
Close it down and turn the space into what the street really needs.......a nursery.
Hmmm...I've not been to a gym or athletic club facility in quite some time so I don't notice the crampness. But having said that, I'm quite used to ALL the Corrie scenes being cramped -- the pub is cramped, the interior of the houses are cramped -- just watch how small everyone's dining tables are, tiny kitchens --- and I thought MY counterspace was small! I'm still hopeful the gym will be a place for interaction -- particularly the under-utilized Sean, Mary, Julie... they can bond of body issues, health, etc. If only the writers can insert some credible scenes I think the authenticity of the set itself will be less of an issue.
It has to be the smallest gym in the country. And it's not helped by the creepy Kal, who can't resist touching anyone he talks to, nor his interfering father, who, I thought initially merely put some money up to buy it, but now appears to live there.
The only breath of fresh air in this new family is the daughter, who at least has potential.
I've never been in a gym where the reception is in the main exercise area!
I like the *concept* of the gym, but not the way it's been executed. Having a gym in Weatherfield in 2014 seems like an effective way to move with the times: Gary, Jason, Eva - they're all characters who'd clearly use it on a regular basis.
The problem is that gyms are HUGE. The set they've built would basically be just the reception area in a normal gym. Instead they've crammed in running machines and boxing areas so that there are places for people to work out, while hinting that there are a load of other rooms out the back for classes and with other equipment. It's as if Roy's Rolls was presented as a normal, life sized cafe, but all you ever saw was one table and a kettle. It doesn't convince.
It also doesn't help that people are constantly stood right in the middle of the workout areas having intimate conversations.
I agree it has a bizarre concept. Today there will be some kind of card swiping security system to enter, not just anyone from the Street can walk straight in where people are exercising to chat about whatever. Leanne's constant turning up all the time just to see Kal who should be busy with clients and classes is getting rather silly now.
I don't think it's very realistic either. The thing that i notice is that even though we always see the reciption desk in the same spot, the equipment in front of it that people are using changes from scene to scene. Sometimes it's boxing, sometimes it's cardio, with it changing from treadmill to cross trainer, sometimes it's weights. The reception desk should be much closer to the door, too. as others have said, anyone can walk in and yes, all those personal conversations right in the middle but that's no different than same in the cafe, or pub etc i suppose.
It always amuses me to notice that while some conversations can be overheard from 15 or 20 feet away, others from what looks like less than 10 cannot.
I agree with all of the comments. The gym doesn't work for me at all. I used to work at a fitness facility and the area where the exercise equipment was huge! And everyone had to show and card and be buzzed in. The reception area was completely separate so people could make inquiries payments etc. How could the receptionists even hear the phones with all that noise going on. Completely unrealistic! I've also wondered why the Dad is always hanging around just so he can interfere in his grown son's life?
When Leanne burns down the gym, all those exercise machines will make some interesting twisty sculptures. I'm always on the lookout for good art.
--Hilda's Murial
The gym isn't the only place where people wander off the street to have a chat. Apparently, you can just stroll into the Bistro, straight past the greeter/maître d', and have a chat with your mate. Neither the gym or the Bistro work for me, particularly as Gail the spy works in both outfits.
The really unbelievable bit is that they are all independents, still living in a 60's time warp.
Well I seem to agree with this majority....a NO GO as well for this gym scene... Why are not precious venues revived...such as Elliott's Meat Shop / Diggery's Bakery / Freshcos Supermarket...where there has been some history.... Did these 3 venues ALL close for good....never to see the light of day again !!
I think it's outrageous and a real sign of lack of imagination that the writers can't think of what to do with the old bakers, butchers & chip shop. Would they leave a house empty too if a family left? In reality the shops have been closed for so long now a builder would have converted them to flats.
The chip shop reopened as For Your Fries Only. And the bakers became the kebab shop.
I think it's pretty realistic in a recession that the butcher's wouldn't be immediately filled. These small rows of shops are suffering all over the country - having it remain vacant until there's a decent replacement seems fine with me.
Well we never see the chip shop used and hardly ever the kebab shop since Ryan left. The butchers had been empty for years, it's lack of imagination, not a social reflection.
I quite like the gym actually so have to disagree with the post.
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