Fitness & health
Sessions and classes for all
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 flexible three-month deals to all-inclusive options including access to our thermal spas.
Alternatively, we also welcome pay as you go visitors to our fantastic gym.
Our gym is open at the following times:
- Monday to Thursday: 6.30am - 10.00pm
- Friday: 6.30am - 9.00pm
- Saturdays and Sundays: 8.00am - 6.00pm
Gym support
Elevate, a 3 step fitness pathway, is free to all of our Northumberland members where you will work with one of our fitness experts to achieve your fitness goals in just three simple steps.
These bookable, one-to-one sessions, will help you familiarise yourself with the gym, get to know your goals and introduce you to a training programme which you can follow.
Use the button below to find out more about Elevate:
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.
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.
From Kettlebell classes, to Les Mills Barbell classes, to low-impact Agewell sessions, designed for our more senior visitors, we've got the activity for you.
All classes can be booked online or via the Places Leisure app.
Group cycling
Our group fitness studio hosts a number of Studio Cycling classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Improve your cardiovascular fitness with minimal impact on any of your joints.
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 3:45pm - 4:30pm for 11 to 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 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.
Junior fitness
We run the following junior gym sessions for children aged 11-15 years to attend:
- Monday - Friday: 4.00pm - 4.45pm & 4.45pm - 5.30pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 12.35pm - 1.35pm
Junior members, aged 14 years and above can also attend fitness classes which do not involve weights when accompanied by an adult.
All junior gym users must complete our free ELEVATE Junior induction to be shown how to use the appropriate equipment and complete a health questionnaire before using the gym independently.
Following completion of the ELEVATE session, juniors can access our gyms when accompanied by an adult over the age 18 outside of our specified sessions.
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 Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre for more details or call us on 01670 620200.
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 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
Mams on the move
Our Mams on the Move programme is fantastic for keeping expectant mothers, and new mams, as well as their babies, healthy and active.
At Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre we offer Mamatone classes, for mums looking specially designed classes to suit their needs.
Mams on the Move
Our Mams on the Move sessions are designed to support mams-to-be, new mams and their babies to be healthy and active, whilst having fun at the same time!
The specially curated ante and post natal classes are led by fully qualified pre and post natal instructors, with sessions ranging from pilates, to aquanatal and baby classes.
As well as the fitness aspect of the classes, Mams on the Move is the perfect way to meet new mums and share your experiences of becoming new mothers.
To find out more about Mams on The Move, please email jemmaburt@pfpleisure.org.
Frequently asked questions
Who are Mams on the Move classes for?
Mams on the Move classes and courses are for mams-to-be, new mams and their babies.
We also offer brand-new fun classes so your baby/toddler can get active and have fun too!
Do I need a Places Leisure membership to join the Mams on the Move sessions?
What is fantastic is that all Mams on the Move classes are included in your membership, but can also be joined on a pay as you go basis.
Where do the Mams on the Move sessions take place?
Our Mams on the Move sessions take place at some of our centres including Blyth, Berwick, Wentworth (Hexham), Morpeth and Concordia (Cramlington).
If you're a Places Leisure member, you can access any Mams on the Move session at any of the above centres.
Wellbeing walks
Our free wellbeing walks are a perfect way to meet others and enjoy the outdoors, with weekly organised short and friendly walks in Northumberland.
Wellbeing walks
Our free weekly wellbeing walks are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, with our team of volunteer walk leaders here to welcome you to our free walking activities taking place across Northumberland. If you are ready to join our groups, there is no need to book, simply turn up at one of the below locations - arriving a little earlier to check-in with the walk leader on your first walk.
Frequently asked questions
When do the walks take place?
Wellbeing walks in South East Northumberland
Concordia Leisure Centre, Cramlington - Monday, 10am
Morpeth Sports & Leisure Centre - Tuesday, 10.30am
Ashington Leisure Centre - Wednesday, 10am
Blyth Sports Centre - Thursday, 10am
Newbiggin Sports Centre - Thursday, 10am
Pegswoord Community Hub - Friday, 10am
Wellbeing walks in West Northumberland
Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham - Monday, 10am
Stocksfield Cricket Club - Monday, 10am
Wark Post Office - Tuesday, 10am
Ponteland Leisure Centre - Tuesday, 10.30am
Coigns Corner, Corbridge - Wednesday, 10am
Bellingham Market place - Wednesday, 10.30am
Tyne Riverside Park, Prudhoe (every 2 weeks) - Thursday, 10.30am
Wellbeing walks in North Northumberland
Alnwick Market Place - Wednesday, 10am
Amble Town Square - Tuesday, 1.30pm
Cheviot Centre, Wooler - Thursday, 1pm
Do I need a Places Leisure membership to join a walk?
No, however we do ask that if it is your first walk with us that you arrive early as there will be a couple of registration forms to complete with our walk leader.
Are refreshments provided on the walks?
No, however you are welcome to bring your own as we will often have a short break whilst out on our walks.
Who can I contact to find out more?
Please email us at northumberland@pfpleisure.org.
Places Leisure App
Free access to the brand-new Places Leisure app with all memberships Make and manage bookings, access free virtual workouts, enjoy digital fitness, news, blogs, and so much more!