4 great places to get fit in Oxfordshire - plus a free pass

Research reveals that the number one reason why people choose not to exercise is that they don't have the time.  However, communications regulator Ofcom said UK adults spend an average of nearly 9 hours a day on media devices, and 15 hours a week browsing the internet.

So perhaps it's not about not having the time or even finding the time to exercise, but it's about making time for you.

There is no excuse not to make time for you, as Oxford City is lucky enough to host several excellent local leisure centres plus an outdoor heated pool and the famous Ice rink which provide the community with an array of sports and leisure facilities.

Barton Leisure Centre on Waynflete Road is a treasured local leisure facility, which includes a large gym plus a four lane swimming pool, and offers a wide range of group exercise classes. Ferry Leisure Centre in Summertown is a large multi-purpose centre which you can enjoy all year round with two heated indoor pools, excellent gym and sports hall. The sports star in you can also choose to play a game of squash and then unwind in the café.

Gym at Barton Leisure Centre

Pool at Barton Leisure Centre

One of the indoor pools at Ferry Leisure Centre

Sports hall at Ferry Leisure Centre

The exciting news is the transformation of Leys Pools and Leisure Centre on Pegasus Road (formally named Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre) which now incorporates a swimming pool complex. The complex includes an eight lane, 25 metre competition-standard swimming pool, a teaching pool, as well as a sauna and fun water area for children with jets and sprays. The gym, group exercise studios and sports hall have also been redeveloped, making Leys Pools and Leisure Centre a top facility in the whole of Oxford.

25 metre competition-standard swimming pool at Leys Pools and Leisure Centre

Let’s not forget Oxford Ice Rink on Oxpens Road, which also offers a great and fun way to get active - from general skating, disco, family and mother & toddler sessions to skate training and ice hockey.

During the summer Hinksey Heated Outdoor Pool is a popular location for families and swimmers with its large pool, sunbathing areas and café.

Oxford Ice Rink

But what does it take to motivate someone to work out on a regular basis? People are quick to let themselves down when it comes to exercise or being active, but not so quick when it comes to a commitment to a friend, trainer or colleague.  The first step can be as simple as challenging a group of friends to do 30 minutes of exercise a day, or keep it interesting by trying a different fitness activity each day – such as Zumba, Indoor Cycle, or Pilates classes which are available Barton Leisure Centre, Ferry Leisure Centre and Leys Pools and Leisure Centre.

It’s the start of a new year, so there’s no better time to get fit and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle, so why not take up this challenge at your local Oxford City leisure centre? Make time for you and claim your FREE DAY PASS* at www.fusion-lifestyle.com/time-for-you and experience the facilities for yourself.

As a special offer to ring in the new year, Barton Leisure Centre, Ferry Leisure Centre and Leys Pools and Leisure Centre are also offering 2 months free** with their Annual Choice membership, so you can enjoy unlimited access to the facilities in Oxford, for one low cost with no contract. Call or visit one of the centres for more details.

Leys Pools and Leisure Centre
Pegasus Road
Blackbird Leys
Oxford
OX4 6JL

T: 0844 893 3222

Barton Leisure Centre
Waynflete Road
Barton
OX3 8GA

T: 0844 893 3222

Ferry Leisure Centre
Diamond Place
Summertown
Oxford
OX2 7DP

T: 0844 893 3222

www.oxford-leisure.com

* Free Day Pass not available for Oxford Ice Rink

**Terms and conditions apply. See www.fusion-lifestyle.com/Terms_conditions for full details. Free Day Pass available for new customers only.

(Source: Market Force, Non-User Exit Interviews 2013-14 for Fusion Lifestyle & Ofcom)