Sport and Recreation

FAQs

  • Membership

    Will I get a card when I join?

    If you are a student, you will use your student card to access all sports facilities. If you are a staff member you can use your staff card. If you are an alumni or public member you will receive a blue membership card after you join.

    What is the latest time I can enter the gym?

    There is no set last entry time but please leave yourself enough time to warm-up and cool-down properly before and after your sessions so you don’t have to rush. Also give yourself enough time to shower and get changed.

    Does the University have a swimming pool?

    No, the University doesn’t have a swimming pool.

    Am I able to freeze my membership?

    We cannot freeze a membership.

  • General

    What are the off-peak times?

    During term time the off-Peak times are Monday to Friday until 4pm, Saturday and Sunday all day. Vacation periods are all off-peak.

    How do the lockers work?

    The lockers work on a padlock system. We sell padlocks at reception or you can bring in your own one. Please ensure you’re lock is of adequate size – ask at reception for details. Please note: we do not allow members to take their belongings into the gym or fitness classes.

    Belongings should not be left in the lockers overnight – if this occurs then the lockers will be emptied and the contents will be put in lost property.

    How do I join a University sports club?

    All of the sports clubs are run through the Student Union. Information can be found at www.upsu.net.

  • Using the gym

    Do I have to have an induction?

    Yes, every new member has to watch our gym induction video before using the gym facilities. You can request to have a physical gym induction with one of our trainers if you prefer. You do not need a gym induction if you are just going to use your membership for fitness classes or racket sports.

    Are there any women-only times in the gym?

    There are no women only times in the gym however due to the layout of the equipment, there are areas which contain equipment more suited to women which are away from the free weights area which is largely used by men.

    What is the difference between personal training and a personal programme?

    In a personal programme an instructor will discuss your training goals before being taking you in the gym to assess your current abilities. The instructor will then write you a programme to complete over the next 6-8 weeks. In Personal Training you will discuss your goals at length, have fitness tests and the trainer will then personally guide you through workouts adding motivation, knowledge and variety.

    How old do I have to be to use the gym?

    All users have to be over 16 years of age to use gym.

    Is the gym air conditioned?

    Yes, it is fully air conditioned.

    Can I watch TV in the gym?

    Yes we have televisions on each floor of the gym.

    Can I bring a friend with me to use the gym as a one-off?

    Everyone who uses the gym must have a gym induction first. Once they have completed the induction then they can pay for a single session.

    Am I allowed in the gym if I forget my ID card?

    As long as you have another form of photo ID – i.e. driving license etc then we can allow you to use the facilities.

  • Attending a fitness class

    How do I book onto a class?

    Members can book online, by phone or in person at St Paul’s Gym or Spinnaker Sports Centre receptions. You can only book on the same day as the class takes place and you cannot book a place for anyone else.

    Does the class programme change and if so how regularly?

    We have a term-time and a vacation timetable, both of which can be viewed on our website. On the rare occasion of instructor illness a class may be adapted to suit the skills of the replacement instructor.

    Are there male/female only classes and when are they?

    There are no male/female only classes however the timetable provides a variety of classes which can be enjoyed by men or women.

    How do I know what the classes mean and how difficult are they?

    All of the class details are on our website or in our Sport and Recreation brochure. All classes are grouped into the following categories: Cardio and fat-burning, Combination classes, Conditioning/toning and Holistic (mind/body). The classes are suitable for all abilities. (The 5 week-courses are progressive and are paid for separately).

    How old do I have to be to go to a class?

    All class users must be over 16 years of age.