Safer, Better, Stronger

Our gyms, leisure centres and libraries are all currently open as normal.

To ensure that we can all stay safe, we will continue to take steps to protect our customers and colleagues.

As part of our Safer, Better, Stronger commitment, we have created a plan to keep everyone in our community healthy. Our approach has been developed with the help of industry experts and focuses on the following:

Hygiene and cleanliness – increased cleaning schedules as well as ensuring hand sanitation points are readily available at all our facilities.
Face Coverings – are optional although we encourage their use in busy communal areas . In some UK locations face coverings remain mandatory, where this is the case clear signage will be in place.
Increased ventilation – increased the ventilation into our indoor activity spaces such as our small sports halls and dance studios.
Booking system – we encourage everyone to book activities in advance to avoid queues and minimise contact between people entering and leaving our locations.
Play your part – from cleaning equipment before and after use to staying home if you feel unwell, you can help keep everyone stay safe by playing your part.

In line with government guidance, there are additional coronavirus rules in place at our Belfast locations. For more information on Belfast click here.

Along with the safety measures and all the efforts from our staff, when visiting any of our locations, it’s important that you follow our local safety rules to ensure we can keep the community healthy and make sure we continue to stay open for everyone to enjoy.

Quick links

Gyms and Leisure Centres

Gym

All our gyms are open as usual and you are able to do all of the normal activities that keep you healthy and happy. When you attend the gym, we ask that you:

Wipe down all equipment before and after use with the cleaning materials provided
Respect others’ personal space at all times
Bring a sweat towel, along with your own water bottle and hand sanitiser
Listen to our staff and follow their instructions

Fitness Classes

Our fitness class timetables are now back as normal so you can get back to enjoying your favourite class and instructor. When you attend a class, we ask that you:

Wipe down all equipment before and after use with the cleaning materials provided
Respect others’ personal space at all times
Bring a sweat towel, along with your own water bottle and hand sanitiser
Listen to our staff and follow their instructions
Remember that if you fail to attend or cancel less than 4hrs prior to the start of your booking you will incur a £3 charge and have your future booking rights blocked until this is paid off.

Swimming Pools

All our swimming pools are now fully open as usual. To ensure we continue to allow as many people as possible to access our pools and have a safe and enjoyable experience you will need to book your swim using the Better UK app, website or in a centre. When you attend the swimming pool, we ask that you:

Respect lane discipline and other swimmers space
Remember to bring the correct change for the lockers as some of our centres are now cashless and change will not be available from staff.

Check you comply with our swim safely rules to ensure the safety of everyone

If you’re new to Better, you can start a membership here.

Memberships and Bookings

In line with our current safety measures, you’ll need to make a booking to visit any of our gyms or leisure centres. To find your nearest centre and see what classes and sessions are available, head to our ‘Find a Centre’ page. Once you’ve chosen your location, you can make a booking via our website or by downloading the new Better UK app.

Memberships

As a charitable social enterprise, we rely on the amazing support of our members - without you, we would not be able to operate. Membership also benefits you.

Becoming a member means you’ll be able to access our gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes, plus discounts on a range of activities. Additionally, our no-contract memberships give you the flexibility to use our facilities as you choose. To sign up and find out more, click here.

If you’re not ready to join us in person or would like to incorporate some home workouts into your daily routine, take a look at our Better at Home page. Here you’ll find a series of online workouts and classes to keep you motivated and moving.

Libraries

All our Libraries are now open as usual. You can find the nearest library to you by using our helpful Library-Finder tool.

When you visit our libraries, you’ll be able to:

Browse and borrow books, DVDs and other resources
Book a computer
Use the printer and photocopier
Study in the library
Access all People's Network PCs

You’ll also be able to access the many activities and programmes available at your local library without the need to book.

Our Library Safety Policy

We are doing everything we can to ensure our libraries are as clean and safe as possible. As part of our Better, Safer, Stronger commitment includes:

Extra cleaning throughout the day
Hand sanitisation stations at entrances and exits
Screens between desks and counters
Cashless services

If you’re not ready to join us in person we have several alternative services available.

Our Library Takeaway service is still operating at some locations, along with our volunteer-led Home Library scheme. You can check what services your local centre is offering here. You can also access a wide range of online resources with your library membership.

General FAQs

For more information about all of our facilities and services, visit our Help Centre page. There you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about bookings and membership as well as general information about our locations across the UK.