I think you're best bet would be those you mentioned - either Ripped Gym in Basildon or Ab-salute at Lakeside.
I've trained at both gyms and personally prefer ab-salute slightly more, although it's the most cluttered/untidy gym I think I've ever trained at, lol.
Great equipment in both gyms though and have everything you could need/want.
Ripped has all hammer strength stuff (I think they basically have every piece), lifefitness selectorized/stack machines, dumbbells go up to 120kg I believe (jordan brand)....
Ab-salute has a great mixture of stuff - hammer strength, watson, life fitness, some custom plate loaded machines, dumbbells go upto 100kg or so I believe (watson brand). They also have a deadlift platform with bumper plates, strongman equipment (stones, viking press..etc.) and even astroturf track for sled work...etc.
If you're mostly into bodybuilding - then either gym will certainly cater for your needs, but if you're looking to do other types of training (strongman, crossfit..etc.) then absalute would probably be the better choice as they tend to cater for that.
I'd also consider what days/times you'll be training though as both gyms do tend to get a bit cramped at peak times, especially absalute as it's a little more "closed" in terms of space compared to Ripped.
My advice would be to pop down and try both of them out. I think they're both £5 or £6 for a day pass.
Another option is to join both, but do the PAYG option on both memberships. I believe it's about £50 for the joining fee, then you just pay like £2.50-3 per session, so you're looking at around £40-45 per month if you train 4 days per week....but then you have the option of training at both gyms.
Hope that helps
All the best mate
