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 - find out how to create your free Places membership and claim your day pass.
Our current pay as you go rates are as follows:
Adult: £10.00
Older adults: £6.40
Adults (with disabilities): £4.60
Junior: £6.40
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 personalised workout plan. 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.
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.
*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.
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 Waltham Abbey 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.
Low impact classes
Our low intensity classes are just as important as our high energy offering. Our Social Lively Classes are ideal for those looking to keep active and socialise with others! 40 - 45 minutes of fun, gentle, chair based exercise followed by a complimentary hot drink and chat in our café.
Les Mills classes
Les Mills classes are enjoyed all over the world including BODYBALANCE, a yoga, tai chi, Pilates workout that builds flexibility and strength, and BODYPUMP, a barbell class that strengthens your entire body.
Virtual cycling classes
Workout in your own time, with regular classes throughout the day our virtual Les Mills RPM cycling offers flexibility for busy lives
Take a look at our class timetable to find the one for you.
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?
Meet your PTs
We've got a great team of personal trainers at Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre. Meet the team...
Marek Tonder
Are you ready for a transformation? I'm here to help you achieve the best version of yourself!
I am a graduate of Roehampton University in Sport and Exercise Science, and I specialise in strength and conditioning, building muscle and losing fat. With my support I will help you shape your body, raise your self-confidence and energy level. Together, we will break down all barriers and overcome challenges!
Let's start this amazing journey towards a better version of yourself!
To book in with Marek, contact marektonder@pfpleisure.org
James Willis
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit" I have a passion in seeing people achieve their goals and exceed them. In my time as a personal trainer, I have coached a range of clients from beginners to prize winning athletes. When working with me, you will break any boundaries that you have set yourself and work harder than you thought you ever could. Whatever your goal and whatever your level, book in with me and let's work to achieve your success!
To book in with James, contact jameswillis@pfpleisure.org
Connor Jackson
I believe weight training is essential when it comes to looking and feeling stronger. Whether you're a beginner who lacks confidence or the experienced weight lifter who has hit a plateau, I am here to help you achieve that toned look. I’m a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer who aims to help men and women build confidence with their resistance training
To book in with Connor, contact connorjackson@pfpleisure.org
Ella Brown
I help women and mums become strong, confident & unstoppable! As a mum of two who’s been through my own transformation, I understand the juggle of life and fitness. My tailored programs focus on strength, confidence, and long-term results that fit your lifestyle. Let’s work together to unlock the strongest version of you— inside and out!
To book in with Ella, contact ellabrown@pfpleisure.org
Laura Parrick
Breaking the myth that ‘weights make you bulky’ one rep at a time. Helping you to build strength, confidence and your ideal physique through weight training. Let me show you what’s possible.
To book in with Laura, contact lauraparrick@pfpleisure.org
Chelsea Sampson
I specialise in fat loss and building a lean, toned body and trust me I have first hand experience in every stage of the process! I will provide you with all the knowledge and encouragement to live an active, healthy lifestyle in a fun, easy and sustainable way.
To book in with Chelsea, contact chelseasampson@pfpleisure.org
Ask a member of the team at Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre for more details or call us on 01992 761540.
Accessibility in the gym
Accessibility is important to us at Waltham Abbey 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 Waltham Abbey 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 offer free parking with accessible bays and accessible changing facilities including changing places.
Wheelchair adaptable equipment
We're proud to provide a number of pieces of equipment that can be adapted for wheelchair users, including:
- Precor Top Xt Concept II ski erg
- Technogym cable cross over
- Technogym dual access pulley
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:
- Technogym low row
- Technogym lat pulldown
- Technogym chest press
- Technogym shoulder press
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our team.
Contact Us
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.
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 5.15pm-5.45pm for 11-15 year olds. From 31st March the classes will be every Monday 4.45pm - 5.15pm (9-11 years) and 5.30pm - 6.00pm (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.
Junior fitness
We run the following supervised sessions for children aged 11-15 years to attend:
- Monday - Friday 3.30pm - 4.15pm and 4.15pm - 5.00pm
- Saturday and 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.