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
Members can benefit from our one-to-one Activate and Focus sessions to get you familiar with the gym, get to know your goals and build a personalised programme using state-of-the-art EGYM technology, all included within your membership.
Sound exciting? Visit the webpage below for everything you need to know.
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.
*One-to-one support sessions are free of charge to Premium Plus memberships, Premium memberships and Gym Only memberships. For Places Members, One-to-one Introductions are included in the casual entrance fee rate.
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.
Accessibility in the gym
Accessibility is important to us at Riverside 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 Riverside 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 first floor gym offers a range of cardio and resistance machines which can be adapted for wheelchair users to train efficiently and is accessed by lift, alongside our changing facilities.
We also have a free weights area with functional equipment including dumbbells, resistance bands, battle ropes and slam balls that can be incorporated to provide a more varied workout.
Wheelchair adaptable equipment
We're proud to provide a number of pieces of equipment that can be adapted for wheelchair users, including:
- Technogym Excite 700i upper body bike
- Technogym multipower smith machine
- Technogym cable crossover
- Pulse chest press
- Pulse seated row
Other equipment
In addition to the above, our gym is home to a number of other machines that can be used by people who are able to transfer into a chair, or those with less severe mobility issues:
- Octane X-Ride
- Life Fitness recumbent bike
- Life Fitness upright bike
- Technogym seated leg press
- Life Fitness seated pulldown/row
- Life Fitness leg curl/leg extension
- Life Fitness seated shoulder press
- Life Fitness weight benches
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our team.
Contact Us
Move Through Menopause
Starts Monday 28th April
Developed proudly with our partner, Menopause Movement, this 12-week course is designed to help People stay strong, energised, and in control throughout perimenopause and menopause.
We provide a safe, welcoming environment for those participating to gain an informed, evidence-based understanding of menopause, including what happens during each stage and how fitness can aid menopause symptoms.
- £49.99 for members
- £75 for non-members - includes a complimentary 12-week Premium membership
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 induction 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 induction 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.
An induction will need to be completed at each centre to be used.
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 Monday 4.00pm - 5.15pm
- 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.
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.
What our customers say
Christopher Dunlop, 61
Having caught Covid in November 2021, I experienced long covid symptoms with the most enduring symptom being chronic fatigue. Prior to catching Covid, I had always been active, with regular walking, swimming and cycling. Two years later, my strength and endurance were still far below the levels they had been at. If I pushed too hard my fatigue got worse, and I’d also put on weight. I felt Covid had added 10 years to my age. But something changed for the better around 2½ years in and I found I was able to start gently pushing my exercise levels again. As a result, I was referred to Riverside Leisure Centre to help regain my strength and fitness in an exercise referral programme.
Having discussed my condition with my adviser, I have enjoyed trying new ways of improving my strength and fitness - the gym is well equipped and friendly, and I have also enjoyed Pilates classes and swimming. I am feeling significantly stronger and fitter and this is helping me in my day to day life, such as being able to do more housework and gardening without exhausting myself.
I have greatly appreciated the support from Matt Smith, who amongst other things devised a gym programme for me. Matt is professional, approachable, quick to respond to queries and I trust his advice.