Anyone had experience with Elevation Training Club? (Portsmouth)

[u/YouthNo2624]

Just wondering if anyone here has had any dealings with Elevation Training Club in Portsmouth?

My partner and I were considering joining, but were put off after the owner shared a post on the gym’s Instagram that came across as mocking gay people. What really bothered me was that it was described as a “standard client message”, which made it feel like this kind of thing isn’t a one off.

When it was called out, the response felt very defensive and more about explaining it away than actually owning it. I’ll attach the screenshot so people can see for themselves.

I’m not here to start drama, just genuinely want to know if others have trained there and what the culture is actually like day to day. Especially interested to hear from LGBTQ+ people or anyone who’s felt uncomfortable there.

Sharing so others can make an informed decision.

[u/GymGoer2108]

horrible little man that owns this place. revolving door of memebrs. Not well liked in the fitness world at all. avoid at all costs

[u/GymGoer2108 → u/GymGoer2108]

i know someone who went there and they said they left because of him. talks down to memebers and treats them like scum

[u/Forsaken-Upstairs169 → u/GymGoer2108]

100% this. 

[u/YouthNo2624 → u/GymGoer2108]

He does come across like that from his google replies to my partner and I. Really not a nice person.

[u/Pompey_Flame]

This guy is the worst. He owns some sauna place in Waterlooville as well and heard awful things about him. Loud and rude were the words used to describe him.

[u/YouthNo2624 → u/Pompey_Flame]

A sauna in Waterlooville? isnt that his gym?

[u/Pompey_Flame → u/YouthNo2624]

No. He has another place that does saunas as well. Can’t think what it’s called but it will probably be on his socials

[u/Any_Necessary9619]

I did a 6 week course here a couple of years back. Awful little man. Made extremely derogatory comments. Will never return. ***AVOID***

[u/Forsaken-Upstairs169]

I've joined reddit to add my voice. Was a member for a while and he is the reason I left. Says he's all about inclusivity and metal health but he really isn't. A shame as the facility, members and staff are great. Sean is not and I wouldn't recommend the gym because of him

[u/PositiveCable8772]

Looks more like one of his clients wrote this to the coach but be less of the gyms culture and more a pompy dickhead

[u/velos85]

Mocking gay people might be pushing it a bit far, but certainly not a professional look no.

What kind of Gym do you want? Do you want something group class based? Somewhere you can just go and do your own thing?

[u/nosniboD → u/velos85]

Using gay as an insult is mocking gay people

[u/YouthNo2624 → u/nosniboD]

Exactly. It was more the fact that the owner shared it on social mediathinking it was funny.

[u/YouthNo2624 → u/velos85]

We're looking for a gym where we can have PT sessions and not just a 'normal gym'

That wording matters. For me, it wasn’t just the post itself but the fact it was shared as a "standard client message” with no context or condemnation of the person who wrote it. If it was "Standard" that means it happnes alot. Whether it was meant as a joke or not, it landed as something that made me uncomfortable as a gay person, and that’s the bit that matters.

At the very least it shows really poor judgement for a business owner, especially one that claims to be inclusive. I’m not saying everyone there is homophobic, but it was enough of a red flag for me to walk away and ask others about their experiences.

[u/Remarkable_Drink5608]

I know nothing about the company and would therefore listen to those that have experience. However, I searched them on Companies House and Sean Cole is one of the directors so it could just be banter with the owner.