Gym, classes and fitness
We're dedicated to helping our members stay fit and well in whatever way suits them.
Our gym is a place where you can spend as much or as little time as you wish and get a great workout, with a range of equipment versatile enough to accommodate people of all abilities, ambitions, shapes and sizes.
The gym is open 6.30am - 10.00pm Monday - Thursday, 6.30am - 9.00pm Friday, 8.00am - 7.00pm Saturdays, and 8.00am - 6.00pm Sundays
We offer a range of memberships which give you access to our fitness facilities.
Alternatively, we also welcome day visitors - simply create your free Places membership before visiting.
Our pay as you go gym sessions are charged at £9.70 for non-members.
Take a virtual tour
Want to take a look at our gym and the rest of the centre before your visit? Our virtual tour allows you to explore everything we have to offer.
Group workout classes
We host a range of classes, across all intensities so whatever you’re in the mood for, come along and dance, lift, run & relax with us.
Classes at Riverside Leisure Centre
We operate a range of fitness classes at our centre, both in and out of the pool. Take a look at some of the types of activities we've got for you:
Group cycling
Exciting instructor-led indoor cycling classes that are perfect for beginners to experienced cyclists. A fantastic calorie burner.
Les Mills classes
Les Mills classes are enjoyed all over the world and include Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Balance, Body Attack and Sh’bam.
Circuit classes
High intensity circuit classes using exercises that resemble daily activities. A total body workout to increase fitness levels, fat burning and strength.
Studio classes
Offering a range of intensities from gentle and relaxing to a more intensive workout, you’ll be able to find a class that suits you.
Aqua classes
Classes range from gentle to high impact so you can work hard and enjoy the support of the pool improving strength and fitness.
Gym support
We offer a free one-to-one support session for our members* to help familiarise you with the gym, to get to know your goals and build a bespoke digital programme using state-of-the-art EGYM Fitness Hub & Tanita Body Composition scales. We’ll ensure you leave the session feeling confident and ready to start your programme. The session lasts for an hour and can be booked online.
To make the most of your session, please download the EGYM app before your session.
The EGYM app is available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices. Simply visit the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android and search for 'EGYM' or download via the links below.
You are also welcome to book one free 15-minute programme review a month, just speak to a member of our team.
Our gyms are not always manned, but rest assured support is never far away. Our equipment is labelled with QR codes, which when scanned, provide you with a video tutorial.
For all your digital fitness tracking and programming support, visit the 'digital fitness' section of our Places Leisure app.
Gym etiquette
We want everyone's time in our gym to be as comfortable as possible, so we ask all visitors to remember the below when using the facilities.
- Please help us keep the gym clean by wiping down equipment after use
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the activity you're doing
- Lifting barefoot or in socks is permitted on lifting platforms only
- Make use of our lockers for bags
- Our gym's aren't always manned, so if you require assistance or support when there are no team members on the gym floor, please visit our friendly reception team
- In case of emergency, push the assistance alarm
- During busy times, please be mindful of the length of time you spend on each piece of equipment to allow other gym users to complete their workout
Junior Gym etiquette
- A gym induction must be completed before using the gym
- 1 adult (18 years+) can attend with up to four Junior members and is responsible for the Junior member's conduct
- You must follow all exercise programme advice given by our Fitness team
By following the guidance above, we hope all visitors can enjoy their visits to the gym.
Personal training
Are you doing the same workout each time you come to gym? Are you lacking motivation? Are you not achieving your goals?
If you relate to any of the above, personal training is for you! The clue is the title – Personal training is all about you! With a range of packages & prices available, what are you waiting for?
Ask a member of the team at Riverside Leisure Centre for more details or call us on 01603 671390.
Exercise Referral
Exercise referral scheme
About the programme
Engaging in regular physical activity can positively impact weight management, mental wellbeing, heart health and muscle and joint functions. Being active not only helps manage existing health conditions but also serves as a preventive measure against other health complications.
Exercise Referral offers an ideal opportunity for individuals with long-term health conditions to increase their physical activity and enhance their overall health and wellness.
Our Exercise Referral membership offers an initial 12-week support programme, tailored to empower individuals to self-manage their conditions with increased confidence.
Who is eligible for the Exercise Referral membership?
Individuals with a range of long-term health conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety, osteoporosis and rehabilitation from Covid-19, are welcome to participate in the Exercise Referral Scheme.
How to enrol
If you have a long-term health condition, including those mentioned above, simply consult your GP, nurse, physio, social prescriber or other healthcare practitioner. If you meet the eligibility criteria, they can refer you to your preferred Places Leisure centre.
The Exercise Referral programme comes at a discounted rate & offers great value for money. Please speak to a member of the team regarding prices & payment options available to you.
What is included in the Exercise Referral programme?
Our programme gives you access to expert guidance and exercise prescription from a qualified instructor. Your journey on the programme will include:
- Initial health assessment from a qualified instructor
- Support on exercise goals and techniques
- Personalised guidance and encouragement
- Drop-in supervised support sessions
- Ongoing support & advice
- Access to the gym and swimming pool
- Group exercise classes
We want to support your health for the long-term and you will have the opportunity to continue your membership with us after your 12 weeks programme.
Are you a Health or Social Care Practitioner that would like more information on the Places Leisure Exercise Referral programme? Please click here for more details on referring into this programme.
Exercise Referral is a formalised method of enabling those with certain medical conditions and health risks, to access exercise in a safe and effective manner. Having been referred by a registered health professional you have the reassurance of knowing that physical activity is considered to be appropriate for you.
Wellness programmes
At Riverside Leisure Centre we're dedicated to supporting recovery, rehabilitation and your overall health and wellbeing. That's why we offer several wellness programmes to provide help to those in our community that need it.
Wellness programmes
Our programmes support recovery, rehabilitation and your overall health and wellbeing.
Get in touch to find out about any of our programmes listed below.
Exercise referral
A 3-month all inclusive membership to help you improve health and wellbeing by encouraging people to move in a variety of ways. The referral will gain access to the gym, pool and classes.
To access this membership, we will require a completed Referral Form from a Health Professional.
Phase IV Cardiac Rehab
A 12-week course of cardiac rehab classes, every Monday 12.00pm-1.00pm and Thursday 11.00am-12.00pm. Referrals will have access to highly adaptable circuit-based class and a Phase IV Cardiac Rehab specialist.
A referral form is needed from a Cardiac Phase III Group, Cardiologist or GP to attend these sessions.
Breathe With Ease
Breath with Ease are classes designed to help improve pulmonary conditions such as COPD with an Exercise Referral Qualified Instructor. Sessions are designed with adaptable exercises and longer rest periods to allow for recovery. Classes are every Tuesday 1.00pm - 2.00pm and Thursdays 1.30pm - 2.30pm.
A referral form is needed from a pulmonary rehab team or GP to access these classes.
Junior fitness
We believe a physically active child is much more likely to become a physically active adult. We run the following supervised sessions for children aged 11-15 years to attend:
- Monday to Friday: 4.00pm - 5.00pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 12.00pm - 1.00pm
All junior gym users must complete a group introduction before using the gym independently. These sessions last 30 minutes and can be booked with a member of our team when joining.
Once a junior member has completed their introduction and received programme advice they can attend outside the above supervised sessions with a parent/guardian or appropriate adult (18+) on a ratio of a maximum four juniors per adult.
Big Sister project
Launching on Monday 5th August
Big Sister helps girls aged 9-15 in target areas feel ‘sport ready’ by recruiting a network of ‘big sisters’ to empower and enable girls to enjoy sport, exercise, and physical activity during puberty.
As part of our commitment to helping girls get into activity we are offering a free membership to girls who meet the eligibility criteria*, or a 50% discounted membership for all other girls, which includes:
- Unlimited gym use during Junior Gym hours, which includes a 1:1 gym induction (11-15 year olds)
- Unlimited swimming
- Age appropriate group workout classes including exclusive We Move classes every Monday 4.00pm-4.30pm & 4.45pm-5.30pm
- Friendly on-site team, to support you through your activity
- Free access to Places Leisure App and Virtual Studio which includes a Big Sister channel
To sign up, please visit the centre where a member of the team will be happy to help.
*Proof of eligibility required. Click below for full details.