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.
Pay as you go
We welcome non-members to use our gym on a pay as you go basis.
Prices to access the gym:
- Adult gym session £10.00
- Junior gym session £5.00
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
- 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 Blackwater 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:
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 and Body Attack
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.
Older adult classes
Enjoy moving to the music in our motivating classes, great for mind, body and soul. Find our older adult sessions in the timetable below.
Take a look at our class timetable to find the one for you. Prices are available to view on our timetable.
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)
- Unlimited swimming
- Age appropriate group workout classes including exclusive We Move classes every Tuesday 5.00pm - 5.30pm for 9-12 year olds and 5.30pm - 6.00pm for 13-15 year olds
- 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.
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 Blackwater Leisure Centre for more details or call us on 01621 851898.
Exercise referral scheme
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 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.
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 learn about the world of fitness.
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 - Friday 4:15pm - 5:15pm
- Saturday & Sunday 10:30am - 11:30am
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.
An induction will need to be completed at each centre to be used
11-15 year olds can then access the gym during supervised sessions and once initial induction & programme cards have been received they can come along to the gym anytime.
Children must be accompanied by a 18yrs+ who is either a Parent, Guardian or sibling, ratio max 4 junior members per adult.