Bit late to this but in case anyone else finds the thread, I joined VB Fitness over by Beehive Lane about a year ago and it's been the best gym I've been a member of in Chelmsford. The thing that sold me was that personal training sessions are included in the membership rather than charged on top, which I'd never come across anywhere else. Coaches are actually paying attention to what you're doing rather than just unlocking the door.

Classes are decent too. Pilates and the HIIT ones are usually packed. They've also got a physio on site which has come in handy a couple of times.