We are aware that as a new or existing member you may have a few questions that need answering, here you will find our most Frequently Asked Questions and answers.
Using the leisure centres
Where is my nearest Oldham Active Centre?
What are your opening times?
How can I become a member?
Can I have a look around the facilities before I join?
What is included in my membership?
Which membership is right for me?
How can I book my gym induction?
How do I book an exercise class?
What do I need to wear to exercise?
Memberships, subscriptions and Pay & Play
Where are my membership terms and conditions
An up to date version of your terms and conditions are available on the web site here
If I make a booking and can’t attend what should I do?
If you are unable to attend a booking you need to cancel it as a minimum 2 hours before the activity starts.
As detailed in our terms and conditions https://oclactive.co.uk/membership-terms-and-conditions/ in section 2.2 we have a process to manage those people that book exercise classes and then do not turn up or cancel the session. When this happens, it can be frustrating for other customers that may have been unable to book a slot and the space goes unused. A Class Dishonour has been introduced and will mean if a customer books and fails to attend a class, and email notification will be sent outlining the infringement. In the future, as per the terms and conditions, we may introduce charges and the removal of booking rights until the charges are paid.
If you are a member and booking classes, please ensure you record your attendance when you arrive and if you are unable to attend then please make sure you cancel the booking (as a minimum of 2 hours before the activity starts).
As a fitness member, can I bring guests to sporting activities like badminton as part of my membership?
Yes – if you have a membership that includes sporting activities like racquet sports or bowls, you can bring non-member guests with you. Each will be required to pay a guest fee. For details on the fees head to our pay and play price page
How do I suspend my membership?
Please refer to your membership Terms and Conditions here
How do I cancel my my membership?
Please refer to your membership Terms and Conditions here for information on cancelling your membership. To apply for a cancellation complete our online cancellation request here
Where can I find the casual Pay and Play Prices?
All our casual pay and play prices can be viewed here
Why has the active card been removed?
One of the main changes we have made this year is to remove the active card. In the past we had two tiers of pricing with the ‘Standard’ pricing and our ‘Active Card’. With the majority of customers now needing to register and book activities we have removed the active card and simplified and harmonised the prices to Standard and Concessions (Concessionary prices provide a discount on the standard prices for those groups that are eligible i.e 65+).
Post 19th July – FAQs following releasing of restrictions
Do I need to book my activities?
From 19th July, the requirement to book Gym, Sauna and Swim sessions will be removed and once again will be available to you as they were prior to covid restrictions. Only Exercise Classes, Racquet Sports and Bowls will be bookable, as it was prior to Covid.
As a member, can I fast track through the turnstiles?
Yes at Royton and Oldham we will be back using turnstiles so members can access quicker.
Will Capacities of sessions increase?
We will be moving to full capacities as of the 19th of July meaning there will be much more availability in our gyms, pools, studios and sports halls.
Will bubbles and same household sessions remain?
All bubble and same household sessions will be removed and regular activities put back in place such as splash sessions and family swims.
Will the cleaning regimes remain the same?
Hand sanitising stations will remain in place across our sites. This is for the convenience of all our staff and customers and is to maintain a more hygienic environment regardless of covid.
In order to maintain a highly hygienic environment, we will keep in place the same customer cleaning protocol in our gyms and studios. This protocol provides each customer with individual cleaning items and are required to wipe down their own equipment and clean as they go round the facility completing their workout. This is of course in addition to our regular programmed staff cleaning regimes.
Are the gyms being staffed at all times?
Yes – We will continue to staff all our gyms at all times, the team are there for you for support and advice and will ensure the gym environment is safe and fit for use.
Will I need to book a health suite, sauna steam session?
Sauna and steam areas will not be bookable, however there are maximum limits on the number of customers that can use the facilities at any one time. As such a band system will be in place to manage these numbers. Access to the sauna therefore must be made through the centre receptions.
Radclyffe Athletics Track and Saddleworth School offered classes as a new offer will this remain?
Exercise Classes will continue at Radclyffe in its sports hall, all Oldham Active members can access classes at Radclyffe as part of their membership even if they have a single site package.
We will continue the classes at Saddleworth School Sports Hall up to the school holidays and we will explore restarting them early September.
Will outdoor classes remain?
All outdoor classes will discontinue as we bring full capacity classes back to our studios and halls
Will there be restrictions on sport bookings such as badminton and bowls?
No – all restrictions on these activities will be lifted and Bowls, badminton and table tennis all return to normal procedures and capacities.
Covid related FAQ’s
Do I need to cancel if I can’t attend?
By cancelling in advance you’ll be giving other customers an opportunity to enjoy your session and keep fit and healthy. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Have opening times changed?
Opening times are the same. However all sessions need to be booked online, through the app or via the contact team.
Are you restricting numbers in activity sessions?
Yes. We are limiting the number of people in the gym at the same time, class sizes have reduced or classes may have been moved to larger areas of the centre to enable more people to safely join. We also have restricted numbers in the pool with maximum lane capacities to help keep everyone safe and to conform to government advice on social distancing measures.
We have also reduced the amount of sessions you can book, to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy our facilities. You will be able to book one, gym, class or pool session each day up to eight days in advance. However, if on the date of your visit there are additional sessions available you may book a second activity. Members will not be able to book more than two sessions per day.
Will I need to book to attend a session?
Yes, all sessions will need to be pre-booked before you attend. If you are a member, you can book sessions using your login details on our online booking system through the website or app. Alternatively you can book over the phone by calling 0161 207 7000.
If you are not a member but have an Oldham Active card you can book sessions using your login details on our online booking system through the website or app. Alternatively you can book over the phone by calling 0161 207 7000.
If you are not a member and you do not have an Oldham Active card, you can either sign up to a membership or sign up to an Oldham Active card which is free until October 2020. Once you have signed up, you will be given login details and you will be able to book classes similar to the above.
How do I book a session?
Members can book sessions using your login details on our online booking system through the website or app. Alternatively you can book over the phone by calling 0161 207 7000.
Oldham Active card holders can book sessions using your login details on our online booking system through the website or app. Alternatively you can book over the phone by calling 0161 207 7000.
Non members or card holders can either sign up to a membership or sign up to an Oldham Active card which is free until October 2020. Once you have signed up, you will be given login details and you will be able to book classes similar to the above.
How long will my session last?
Sessions are various lengths but in general lane swimming is a minimum of 45 minutes, gym sessions are 75 minutes and exercise classes are specific to the type of class. Head to the timetables to see details for each activity.
Can I freeze my membership?
If you wish to apply for a free freeze to your membership please email us at info@ocll.co.uk. Please provide the First and Last name, Date of Birth and postcode for the account to be frozen also please state the duration, either 1 or 2 months that you want the freeze to be applied for. Following the freeze your membership will automatically be reinstated.
What membership options do you have?
For information on our current membership options please check our memberships page
Can I still sign up to a membership if I am a new member or my old membership has lapsed
Yes, we have simplified our membership options so it is easier for more people to stay active and enjoy our facilities. Please visit our memberships page for more information
Can I use the showers and lockers?
Yes, but where possible we ask you to shower at home.
Can I use the hairdryers?
No – in line with guidance and the rationale they can spread germs we have turned or removed the hairdryers.
Do I have to use the lockers, or can I take my belongings onto poolside?
Please utilise the lockers.
Is the cafe open?
Yes, but only for takeaway with a limited menu. Vending machines are also in use.
Are water fountains working?
Yes bottle feeds are on, but mouth taps are switched off. As such we advise you to bring your own water.
Can I have a tour/trial session?
If there is capacity in the team to do this then maybe (concierge should not tour) and we will not be offering trial sessions at the moment in time.
Are you temperature checking?
Can I book more than 1 session per day?
Access and usage will be reviewed and amended where appropriate
Scenarios
Customer turns up to go into the gym at 11am and asks if there is space on the evening 6pm pump class – concierge says ‘yes’ and tells the customer they can book it on the app or, if quiet, at reception.
Customer turns up to do a HIIT class 6:30pm and swipes in at reception and asks if the pool is free, the next session for the pool starts at 7:15pm – 8:15pm, the receptionist sees they have only booked the one session and then informs them ‘yes’ they can attend any time FROM 7:15pm after they have done their Yoga.
Customer at home in the morning books a gym session for that day at 5pm and a swim at 7:15pm – this is fine
Customer finishes a Zumba class at 6pm and comes out and wants to book a spin that starts at 6:15pm that her friend is doing, if reception/concierge is quiet they can book them in and they can go in or the customer can jump on the app and book themselves.
The sessions booked on that day have had up to 8 days for customers to book so the spaces are not in demand and we should let people take advantage of them on the day.
When will the restrictions be lifted?
Do I have to queue to enter the building?
Do I need to arrive earlier for my booked session?
If a member breaches guidelines what should I do?
I am over 70, am I allowed to still attend?
I usually workout with a friend, can I still do this?
Yes
Can I pay cash for the sessions?
Do I need to wear a face covering?
Who is excluded from wearing face coverings?
- Children under the age of 11 (Public Health England do not recommended face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
- people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
- employees of indoor settings (or people acting on their behalf, such as someone leading part of a prayer service) or transport workers – although employers may consider their use where appropriate and where other mitigations are not in place, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidelines
- police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public
- where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
- if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
- to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others – including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity
There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering:
- if asked to do so by staff for identification
- in order to take medication
- if you are undertaking exercise or an activity and it would negatively impact your ability to do so
- if you are an elite sports person, professional dancer or referee acting in the course of your employment
More information can be found here