I have never been to a leisure centre and would not know what to do when I got there.  Have you got anything for beginners?

Yes!  We understand that it can be very daunting for those who have never exercised in a leisure centre or who are returning to exercise after a long time.  If you fancy trying a gym session, we will start you off with an Active Starter session.  During your session the instructor will ask you what you want to get out of exercise.  You will come away from your Active Starter session with a clear understanding of your reasons for exercising, how to use all of the machines and a programme of exercise to suit your needs.

Do not forget there is always at least one instructor in the gym who is on hand to give you help and advice should you require it.

We also have beginner workout classes in our sports centres that offer a workout programme.

Swimming is an easy activity to start off with.  Most adults know how to swim, however if you need any tuition, we can provide that for you too!

There is nothing for my age group.  I am in my 50s and I want to exercise with people my own age.  What do you suggest?

At our leisure centres, we have lots on offer for the older age group!  Our Active Living sessions are designed specifically for you! 

Choose from social activities such as badminton, squash, short mat bowls and table tennis, low impact aerobics sessions, and sequence dancing!

There are Active Living swimming and gym sessions where you will be with like minded people your own age who are keen to stay fit and healthy for years to come, whilst enjoying exercise in a social, friendly environment!

Do not forget to purchase your Passport to Leisure card and benefit from concessionary prices.

I cannot exercise at a leisure centre as I have young children to look after.  Do you have anything for children?

Yes!  We have a crèche at Queen’s Leisure Centre, Moorways Sports Centre and Springwood Leisure Centre, who also have an Activity Club for older children.  The prices are very reasonable starting at £1.50 for one hour! 

During the school holidays, there are activity schemes on at our centres called Active Fun.  Most of these run from 9am to 3pm every day, giving you plenty of free time during the day to have a swim, go to the gym or a game of squash with a friend!

We also have children’s coaching courses and sports clubs taking place at all the centres, which means they can get involved in a sport whilst you are getting active!

I would like to become a member of a gym, but all of these membership schemes on offer are just too expensive  . . .

We offer an affordable alternative to private leisure centres that may charge anything up to £71 for an individual monthly membership.  There are a variety of different options to choose from - Gym Workout and Swim, Gym and Swim and Workout and Swim. You can take out an individual, joint or off peak membership. You can pay monthly by cash or direct debit, or annually by cash. There are no expensive joining fees and all cards include off peak squash!

There are some great benefits with a Goldcard – you will get a free Active Starter session with an instructor with Goldcards that include use of the gym and are paid for by direct debit or one annual cash payment.   What’s more, our Goldcard can be used at Queen’s Leisure Centre, Moorways Sports Centre and Swimming Pool, Springwood Leisure Centre and Shaftesbury Sports Centre.

The Goldcard is great value - for example a monthly Gym and Swim Goldcard, paid by direct debit is £26.80.  Call Sport and Leisure for more information on 01332 641263 or pop in to your local leisure centre.

I do not want to be part of a membership scheme.  Can you pay each time you visit?

That is great because as well as the Goldcard, we have a Passport to Leisure Scheme where you can pay as you play and benefit from great discounts.  The card costs £11.35 for one year for an adult, £5.80 for juniors and concessionary groups such as over 60s, full time students and unemployed, or £22.75 for a family which may consist of up to two adults and three children, giving the family a maximum of five cards.

You may be eligible for a Recreation Passport to Leisure, which gives you free use of some activities during off peak periods.  You must be a Derby resident for this card and be in receipt of certain benefits. 

Find out more at your local leisure centre or call Sport and Leisure on 01332 641263.


I do not drive and find it difficult to get to my nearest leisure centre.

All of Derby City Council’s leisure centres are on bus routes so are easy to get to. Queen’s Leisure Centre is located in the city centre and is a short walk from the bus station. Moorways Sports Centre and Swimming Pool are on bus route 41, alternatively buses 60 and 61 towards Chellaston, stop at Allenton shops, which is a five minute walk from Moorways.

Buses for Derby College Sports Centre leave from stand B3 on Albert Street, outside the Market Hall in the city centre.    

To get to Shaftesbury Sports Centre take the 38 bus from stop L3 on the Morledge, outside the County Court in the city centre.

Buses 22 and 26 leave from stop L6 on the Morledge, outside the old city centre bus station to Springwood Leisure Centre.

Is there anywhere to park my car if I drive?

Yes!  Springwood Leisure Centre, Moorways Sports Centre and Swimming Pool, Derby College Sports Centre and Springwood Leisure Centre all have spacious car parks for customers to use.  Parking for Queen's Leisure Centre is available close to the centre in Chapel Street or Bold Lane car parks.

I am too busy!  I work full time as well as being a full time mother in the evenings!  How can I get active?

There are half hour classes, which will give you enough time to get to the centre and back to work again in your lunch!  Speak to your employer about work life balance.  Healthy active employees results in motivated more productive employees! 

Alternatively go for a swim or take a colleague with you and have a game of badminton!  Do not forget the weekend either – drop the kids off at a friend’s or their grandparents or be active with them.  There is no excuse - if you want to be active you will find the time!