Sports Centre

The University of Sussex Sports Centre may be less flashy than the nearby Falmer Sports Complex, but I tend to choose it more often.
The fitness centre’s selection of cardio equipment includes several of these really awesome cross-trainers…They’re elliptical machines with optional ramps and give a pretty intense workout.
The weight machines are set up more like a circuit training room — all neatly spaced out around the edges, instead of crammed in to each other like in the Sports Complex. And although the cardio machines don’t have televisions built in, they do overlook one of the sports halls for some live entertainment.
The Sports Centre runs several fitness groups and drop-​in classes throughout the year, which are a good way to mix up your workout and prevent boredom. Also available on site: A Therapy Room that releases the relaxing scents of aromatherapy each time the door opens. I’ve yet to take advantage, but the prices seem quite reasonable. Perhaps that will be a Christmas gift to myself.

I’ve had pretty good experiences at Sussex Uni’s sports centre, especially as they often do good discounts. Also look out for ‘Health Week’ which takes place on campus every spring — have a free health check (weight, blood pressure etc…) and get 10 free passes to the gym/​exercise classes! In fact, these free passes were the only reason I ever ventured to the gym itself, which is small but often quiet during the day (the bigger gym is up the hill — Falmer Sports Complex). The exercise classes are the main selling point for me, as I need someone to force motivation into me for exercise! The gym can get boring, unlike a good hour session of ‘Cardio Kick’! (Think 30 girls — and maybe one poor lonely boy — ‘huuh’-ing to Kung Fu fighting… fast as lightning… — great for de-​stressing in the midst of essay deadlines!). Alas, those classes have stopped (can’t think why), though you’ll still find Boxercise which is fun (although don’t expect to much adherence to actual kick boxing rules), as well as more typical offerings — yoga, spin, circuit training, aerobatone etc. All in all, a good resource on campus, but I’d prefer to run (walk) around the south downs trails instead of the treadmill myself.

I’ve only attended two gyms throughout my life — including this one -, so I don’t really have many points of comparison to rely upon. That said, this is certainly the best gym I’ve ever been a member of. The price is very affordable — you can get a year’s membership for just £130 -, the service is friendly and efficient, and the amount of gym equipment available for use is very good. Even during busy times there’s plenty of different machines to use, including a plethora of running machines, cycles, rowing machines, and weights. Definitely comes highly recommended.