10 things to do at the gym to make the most of your membership

Going to the gym shouldn't just be about working out, it can also be a place to meet new people, relax or have fun. Here, we run through our top things you can do to make the best of your gym membership.

1. Relax with a coffee

Take your time and unwind before or after your workout with freshly brewed coffee. With coffee facilities available at all Nuffield Health locations – and many offering on-site cafes – you can enjoy a nutritionally balanced snack or catch up with friends after your exercise class.

2. Enjoy a massage

Combat stress and relieve post-workout aches and pains with a revitalising massage at Nuffield Health gyms' Beauty Suites. Our skilled therapists offer a variety of massage options, including soothing and sports massages, to promote holistic well-being and improve mind-body health.

3. Rejuvenate in the sauna

Experience the therapeutic benefits of steam and unwind in our sauna for some much-needed escape. As your core body temperature rises, the blood vessels dilate, promoting increased blood flow and improved circulation throughout the body. Nuffield Health gyms offer saunas as a relaxing way to enhance your well-being and rejuvenate your mind and body.

4. Take a swimming lesson

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that not only provides a total body workout but can also help to relieve stress. But with one in three adults in the UK unable to swim, it's an activity that many people aren't able to benefit from. Nuffield Health's on-site pools offer swimming lessons for both children and adults, where our expert instructors can help you develop your swimming skills and improve your fitness levels in a safe and supportive environment.

5. Join a fitness class

Group fitness classes are a great way to jump-start your gym routine and have fun while exercising. With a variety of classes to suit different tastes and fitness levels, Nuffield Health gyms provide expert instruction from trained class leaders to ensure you exercise safely and effectively. Whether you're looking for high-intensity cardio or low-impact strength training, gym classes offer an enjoyable way to improve your health and stay motivated.

6. Access our Personal Best Programme

Personal Best is all about helping you achieve your goals. Whatever this looks like for you, we're here to help.

At Nuffield Health, we believe in using a connected approach to health and wellbeing. That’s why we came up with the Nuffield Health Personal Best Programme.

Personal Best is an entirely unique 12-week programme aimed at helping you improve the way you eat, sleep and move. The programme is included is included in your membership at no extra cost, and you'll get free access to:

  • A health history questionnaire
  • A Health check
  • Expert advice on goal setting
  • A personalised action plan
  • A 6 and 12-week progress review
  • Period updates that match your progress
  • A final review of your achievements and next steps

Interested? Click here to learn more about the programme

7. Treat your injury

If you've sustained an injury, staying motivated to exercise can be a challenge. However, it's important to keep up with your fitness routine, and there are options available to help you do so.

At our gyms, we offer access to skilled Physiotherapists who can guide you through a customized program tailored to your specific needs, either in the gym or from home. With their help, you can continue to work towards your fitness goals.

8. Improve your diet

It's common for most of us to consume three meals a day along with snacks in between, which makes it essential to pay attention to the quality of food we're fueling our bodies with. Whether you're preparing for a challenging event or experiencing digestive issues, seeking the guidance of a Nutritional Therapist can be beneficial. Many of our gyms have in-house Nutritional Therapists available to offer customized support and advice to help you make informed choices about your diet, making it easier for you to live a healthier life.

9. Join a club

Our gyms aren't just a place to work out – they're also vibrant social spaces where you can connect with like-minded individuals and explore new interests. Each gym runs its own unique programme of local clubs, ranging from triathlon training to Guinness World Record attempts, as well as cultural events such as Burns Night suppers. If you're interested in getting involved, be sure to check out the notice boards and speak with our knowledgeable staff members at your local gym.

10. Enjoy some "me time"

As a busy parent, finding time for yourself can be challenging. However, at Nuffield Health gyms, we understand the importance of self-care and offer solutions to help you prioritise your health and fitness. Many of our gyms have a fully screened and qualified crèche staffed with trained professionals, leaving you to enjoy some well-deserved 'me time' or energy-boosting exercise. Don't let your busy schedule hold you back – speak to our friendly staff at your local gym to learn more about our crèche services and how we can support your fitness journey.

Last updated Thursday 11 January 2024

First published on Wednesday 30 December 2016