Gym, classes and fitness
We're dedicated to helping our members stay active in whatever way suits them. That's why we've developed a comprehensive plan to ensure we can provide you with the support you need.
We offer a range of memberships to suit you, depending on your needs, from Swim Only deals to our all-encompassing Premium Plus membership.
Alternatively, we also welcome day visitors - simply create your free Places membership before visiting.
Our pay as you go sessions cost £10.00 for adults, £6.40 for seniors and £6.40 for 11-15 year-olds.
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. Read our full footwear policy here.
- 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.
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 Ongar 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
Ride like the wind with our group cycling classes. You’ll feel like you’ve had a workout with one of these sessions.
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.
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.
Pool classes
Classes range from gentle to high impact so you can work hard and enjoy the support of the pool improving strength and fitness.
Take a look at our class timetable to find the one for you. Prices are available to view on our timetable.
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 Ongar Leisure Centre for more details or call us on 01277 363969.
Accessibility in the gym
Accessibility is important to us at Ongar Leisure Centre. As such we offer a range of equipment for wheelchair users, or people with limited mobility that has adjustable settings and can be used safely with appropriate support.
Accessibility information at Ongar Leisure Centre
Our friendly gym team are here to help. If you are interested in using the gym please do not hesitate to Contact Us. We’ll book you in for an appointment with a member of the team who can show you around the gym and work out a programme that meets your needs.
Our gym offers a range of cardio and resistance machines which can be adapted for wheelchair users to train efficiently.
We also have a free weights and functional training area with equipment including kettlebells, dumbbells, resistance bands and medicine balls that can be incorporated to provide a more varied workout.
Wheelchair adaptable equipment
We're proud to offer a range of Technogym equipment that can be adapted for wheelchair users, including:
- Dual adjustable pulley
- Chest press
- Low row
- Shoulder press
- Upper body erg
In addition, our Octane X Ride machine can also be used by those who are able to transfer from a wheelchair or those with less severe mobility issues.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our team.
Contact Us
Big Sister project
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 gym induction (11-15 year olds)
- After initial gym induction, unlimited access to the gym at any time when accompanied by an adult aged 18+
- Unlimited swimming
- Age appropriate group workout classes including exclusive We Move classes every Tuesday at 4.00pm - 4.30pm (9 - 10 years) and 4.30pm - 5.00pm (11 - 15 years).
- 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 enquire, click the button below and complete the form, a member of the team will be in touch
*Proof of eligibility required. Click below for full details.
Meet our Big Sister ambassador
Ella Brown
Exercise Referral
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.
Proudly supporting the We Are Undefeatable movement
Exercise Referral programme
About the programme
Engaging in regular physical activity can positively impact your health in a variety of ways, whether that's weight management, mental wellbeing, heart health or muscle and joint mobility.
Being active not only helps manage existing health conditions but can also help to prevent future health conditions.
Exercise Referral at Places Leisure offers an ideal opportunity for People with long-term health conditions to increase their physical activity and enhance their overall health and wellbeing in a personalised way.
Who is eligible?
Individuals with a range of long-term health conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety, and osteoporosis are welcome to join the programme.
How do I sign up?
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.
What is included?
Our programme offers expert, personalised support tailored to you to increase your physical activity and enhance your long-term health and wellbeing.
Your journey 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, swimming pool, and group workout classes
We empower our Customers to build sustainable, long-term habits that go beyond a 12-week programme to ensure you build healthier habits for life. That's why you'll receive a discounted membership during and after your programme so you can continue your journey with us.
Junior fitness
We run the following supervised sessions for children aged 11-15 years to attend. An induction must be completed as part of the first visit:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 4.15pm - 5.15pm and 5.15pm - 6.15pm
- Saturday & Sunday 11.00am - 12.00pm
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.
An induction will need to be completed at each centre to be used
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.