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Chemistry Research, Durham University
Durham University
Durham
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Gyms in Durham City?

Hello, I'm going to be a postgrad student at Durham this year and was wondering if someone could recommend a local gym that has a pool and free(?) classes? I currently have a membership at a Virgin Active and try to swim five times a week and go to four or five yoga classes a week. (I know that the colleges have gyms but swimming and yoga are my preferred activities as I am recovering from any injury.)


I have looked on the websites of a few gyms that I found on google but would appreciate personal recommendations.

The ones I have found are:
- Raddison Blu Hotel Pace Health Club
- Marriott International Fitness Club
- Lifestyle Fitness, Freeman's Quay

Thank you!
(edited 6 years ago)
Original post by studentin11
Hello, I'm going to be a postgrad student at Durham this year and was wondering if someone could recommend a local gym that has a pool and free(?) classes? I currently have a membership at a Virgin Active and try to swim five times a week and go to four or five yoga classes a week. (I know that the colleges have gyms but swimming and yoga are my preferred activities as I am recovering from any injury.)


I have looked on the websites of a few gyms that I found on google but would appreciate personal recommendations.

The ones I have found are:
- Raddison Blu Hotel Pace Health Club
- Marriott International Fitness Club
- Lifestyle Fitness, Freeman's Quay

Thank you!


Definitely look at Freemans Quay first. It is run by the council, and offer a student discount at the start of the year during the freshers fair. It has the only swimming pool (that is big enough to actually swim train in) and friends I know have said the gym is quite good. They have a lot of classes (yoga probably one of them).
Chemistry Research, Durham University
Durham University
Durham
Visit website
Original post by studentin11
Hello, I'm going to be a postgrad student at Durham this year and was wondering if someone could recommend a local gym that has a pool and free(?) classes? I currently have a membership at a Virgin Active and try to swim five times a week and go to four or five yoga classes a week. (I know that the colleges have gyms but swimming and yoga are my preferred activities as I am recovering from any injury.)


I have looked on the websites of a few gyms that I found on google but would appreciate personal recommendations.

The ones I have found are:
- Raddison Blu Hotel Pace Health Club
- Marriott International Fitness Club
- Lifestyle Fitness, Freeman's Quay

Thank you!


You can see gyms with pools here

Bannatyne has one
https://www.payasugym.com/search?products=pools&location=durham&distance=20
https://www.payasugym.com/gyms-in-durham/bannatyne-health-club-durham-pool-details


I would always look where they are in relation to where I live and the uni.Location is key to using.

Freemans Quay as the council facility is less exclusive but has a 25m pool, which is bound to be way larger.

It also has classes. It only has Yoga 2x a week but has Pilates on other days which should be good for you.

The alternative is you can join Freemans quay just for the pool its about £22 a month and find Toga classes elswhere. I doubt the others have sufficient classes as they wont have the large numbers plus they will be more expensive and have a smaller pool. they might be a bot more exclusive though.

The cost of Freemans for students is £300 a year.

A timetable is here.

Doesnt seem to be downloading but ive seen it and it says Pilates 4x a week and Yoga 2x.
http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/20594/Freemans-Quay-Leisure-Centre-GX-Timetable/pdf/GXFreemansQuay.pdf
http://www.durham.gov.uk/gx


The Marriott is 17m pool + £45 a month.

Try and get a free day pass for the ones you are interested in .
Reply 3
Can't believe the Marriott one is 45 quid a month. It is the worst gym in the city for sure!

Best one for luxury/relaxing - Radisson

Best one for gym facilities - Maiden Castle

Best for general use/Classes/swimming - Freemans Quay

Also remember each college has a gym, which might be enough for what you need and will be very cheap indeed
Reply 4
Looks like I will stick to Freeman's Quay as I mostly just want to swim. Thanks for all the help! :smile:

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