Fitness classes

See our Leisure centres re-opening page for information on how to use our leisure centres safely and the changes in how you will enter, move around and leave the building.

Book a class or gym session

You can also contact your leisure centre to book over the phone if you have a leisure membership only. See our Fitness classes page to view our timetables.

Non members

If you don't have a leisure membership, you can still book and pay for your sessions online but you must have a Thrive card. Login or register to book your class, gym or weights session online.

If you don't have a Thrive card, you can order this online free of charge, using the promotion code COMEBACK. Simply request your leisure centre membership online and select 'Leisure Card Adult' (normally £5). Once you've placed your order, you'll be given your membership number and you'll be able to register to book your session.

Lost cards (members and non members)

If you've lost your card, please email csleisuremanagement@durham.gov.uk. We'll order a replacement card for you, and also give you your membership number so that you can login or register to book your session.

Information about your session

Gym slots are one hour in length. This includes time taken to enter and leave the building, and we aim to give you a workout time of 50 minutes.

You can book up to two sessions in a day, either fitness classes, gym or weights sessions or a combination of these. At the end of each session, you must leave the leisure centre and re-enter, following our entry procedure.

As part of our interim Covid-19 fitness class programmes, you can book any class in any leisure centre regardless of what group your membership is in. We have changed the names and descriptions of some of our fitness classes - see our Fitness classes.

Cancel if you can't attend

Please remember to cancel your class or session if you're not able to attend. If possible give a minimum of 12 hours notice, so that someone else can book the place. Login to your account, as if you are going to book your class, gym or weights session online to cancel your session.

How to use the leisure centres safely

We have extra staff in our leisure centres to support you in following the new arrangements.

We have signs in place to help you move safely around the centre and have a strict cleaning regime in place along with extra hand sanitiser and cleaning stations.

Some of our gym equipment has been moved and safety screens put in place to help you socially distance, and we are limiting the numbers of people and movement during classes.

What you must know before you arrive

To ensure your safety and the safety of others, you must:

• Pre-book your gym sessions and classes (you can book up to seven days in advance).
• Arrive five minutes before your session start time - if you arrive late, you will have to re-book a later session.
• Arrive wearing clothing sutable for your activity - changing rooms and showers are closed and lockers are not available.
• Bring your own mats and blocks for fitness classes and belts and chalk for the gym as these are not provided. Where available you can buy mats in our centres for £10.
• Bring your own drink - water fountains are not available.

Please do not attend if you are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 - see what to do if you think you have coronavirus, which includes common symptoms.

Only wear a face covering if you want to - it isn't recommended while exercising because it may reduce your ability to breathe properly while exercising.

How to enter the building

• Follow social distancing signs that are displayed outside and inside our leisure centres.
• You may need to queue outside until your session is due to start. 
• Our staff will give you guidance on entering the building.
• On entering, you must sanitise your hands, scan your card and check-in with our team. When you check-in, we'll confirm that we have your correct details, so that we can support NHS test and trace.

How to leave the building

• You must leave the building before the end of your booking slot - please make sure you are ready to leave ten minutes before the end. We will work with you to help you leave on time.
• If you are attending a fitness class, your coach will tell you when to leave the building.

Additional support

If you require extra support to access our leisure centres, or if you attend with a carer please contact your leisure centre to arrange.

Timetable

Class availability may change - when you book your class, gym or weights session online, you will see what's available.

Abbey leisure centre

Consett leisure centre

Freeman's Quay leisure centre

The Louisa centre

Meadowfield leisure centre

 Newton Aycliffe leisure centre

Shildon-Sunnydale leisure cenntre

Spennymoor leisure centre

Teesdale leisure centre

Class descriptions

We have changed the names and descriptions of some of our fitness classes. Your coach has designed your class to be as static and effective as possible to maintain social distancing.  

Strength class

Strength is very important at this time. This class will encompass either body weight exercise or hand weights and will follow a structure to help you build muscle in a unique way. Bodypump is part of our strength group, choreographed to music Bodypump helps you become lean and tone muscle- your kit will be at your station for the class. 

Aerobic fitness

Enjoy our cyclenergy and Bodycombat classes within this genera. Cyclenergy is a high-intensity workout on a stationary bike which improves the cardio vascular system, body composition and a class you can set your own pace. Bodycombat is a mixed martial arts class choreographed to music, Kick and punch your way to fitness and fun. 

Mind and Body

Our mind and body sections will include Pilates/Yoga and Bodybalance to help clear and de stress. Pilates works on a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance. Pilates emphasizes on posture alignment, core strength and muscle balance. Yoga will improve respiration, energy and vitality, great for centring the mind and increasing flexibility. Bodybalance encompasses Tai-chi, yoga and Pilates choreographed to music, relaxing and strong at the same time. 

Functional and Gentle Functional movement

To capture a lot of our classes such as leg/bums and tums and Gentle circuit/aerobics we have renamed these classes to 'functional' to welcome everyone. These classes will focus on movements based on real-world biomechanics. Taking the body through all planes of movement and taking care of our joints and core. 

HIIT

Our HIIT classes now include Metafit/HIITSTEP and our coaches very own blend of HIIT class. 30 minutes long to work as hard as you can! Body weight exercises designed to keep you burning calories long after your workout is complete. HIITSTEP is new to us and is an award-winning workout designed to give you great results with great beats! 

Dance

At some of our facilities we have Zumba and Zumba step. Inspired by Latin dance and music a form of exercise/dance to high tempo music, fun energetic and social.  

Membership

If you have a leisure centre membership, we are writing to you to explain your membership options (due to Covid-19). You will either receive this by email or post. If you have not heard from us by 10 August, please email csleisuremanagement@durham.gov.uk, and include your name and membership number. Your membership number is on your Thrive card.

If you are interested in becoming a member, see our Leisure centre memberships page for more information.