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 everyone.
The gym is open 6:30am - 9:30pm Mondays - Fridays, 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturdays, and 7:45am - 9:30pm on Sundays.
We offer a range of memberships which give you access to our fitness facilities.
Alternatively, we also welcome day visitors - find out how to create your free Places membership and claim your day pass.
Pay as you go
We also welcome day visitors to our gym and fitness facilities, with pay as you go options available. To visit, you will first need to create a free Places membership.
Current prices
- Adult gym session £12.60
- Senior, student and disabled gym session £7.00
- Junior gym session £6.20
Over 50s sessions
We offer a discounted rate of £5.45 for Over 50s at the following times;
- Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:00am - 12:00pm
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Other discounts may apply. Contact us for more information on 0208 772 9577.
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 Balham 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 Bodypump, Bodycombat and Bodybalance.
Aqua classes
Aqua Zumba and Aquafit classes throughout the week provide a different group workout option for those preferring a pool to a studio.
Take a look at our class timetable to find the one for you. Prices are available to view on our timetable.
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.
*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 priced at the casual entrance fee rate.
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.
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 Balham Leisure Centre for more details or call us on 0208 772 9577.
Are you a personal trainer looking for a space to rent? We invite self-employed trainers to contact us to arrange a visit, just drop us an email.
Accessibility in the gym
Accessibility is important to us at Balham 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 Balham 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 and functional equipment like dumbbells 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:
- Rugged interactive cardio wall
- Technogym arm cycle
- Matrix wide cable machine
- Power rack
- TRX
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:
- Matrix bench press
- Benches
- Recumbent cycle
- Octane seated x-ride
- Matrix shoulder press
- Life Fitness preacher curl
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 Monday 4.00pm - 5.00pm
- 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.
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.
Wellness programmes
We have a range of other programmes designed to support recovery, rehabilitation and your overall health and wellbeing.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
For those recovering from heart attacks, heart surgery and cardiac interventions. To access these classes you need to be either referred by your phase III cardiac team or via your GP using the BACPR cardiac rehabilitation referral form.
Stroke Rehabilitation
Open to stroke survivors at any stage of their stroke recovery journey, run by a specialist qualified instructor. Clients with other neurological conditions can also be referred.
Interested in our programmes?
To find out more about the below sessions, please contact the team on 0208 772 9577 or contact us using the link below.
Health suite
Take time to completely relax and unwind in our beautifully tranquil health suite, featuring an steam room, and a relaxing, skin-purifying sauna.
You’ll never want to leave!
Our sports clubs
We have a range of sports clubs available at Balham Leisure Centre who are always looking for new members.
Sport Clubs at Balham Leisure Centre
Our centre is used by a variety of sports clubs that offer a wide range of sports and activities for you to enjoy.
Leander Swimming Club
A competitive swimming club for children aged 4-18 years old
Please contact admin@leanderswim.com for more information
Playball
A great activity club to introduce young children to sport through various age appropriate programmes that take a multi-activity approach
Please contact gavinmarks38@hotmail.com or call 02081232217