Have a few to share from my experiences.
Altrincham leisure unfortunately is being refurbed so will no doubt go for the awful changing village with everything in cubicles just like urmston did a few years ago.
A lesser known gym is ‘BeActive’ in Urmston. Formerly George carnall centre, this place still has an open communal shower set up. Square room, 3 on one wall, with 2 more facing them.
Walked in on a couple of guys with semis here, which is always nice. The door in to the changing room makes a right racket so you can always hear when someone enters or leaves. Used to shower with a mate after going to the gym when we were 14/15 here but never had the balls to take our shorts off. So pathetic looking back showering in shorts!
Still enjoy total fitness altrincham. Towels only in the sauna and unwrap when you’re sat down is fine in the changing room sauna. Is cubicle showers (half with no doors), but I like to leave my towel on the hooks by the entrance and walk naked to and from the further shower.
Hoping to try stretford again soon as I believe that is still communal.