Young Person’s Membership – from just £18.50 a month!
If you’re under 16 and looking to stay in shape, you can join as a Young Person member and gain access to swim sessions, classes, and the gym. You’ll also get the benefit of advanced booking up to 7 days in advance. Our memberships are divided into two age groups 13 and 14+ years – so you can find the one that is right for you. Ask in centre for more information and begin your fitness journey with us today!
All users of the gym are required to complete a gym induction in which our team of fitness professionals will provide guidance for safe use of the equipment.
Customers under the age of 13 are restricted from using our gyms or buying a new young person’s membership.
How to Sign Up
Sign-up process for 13+ years
Parents or guardians of young people under 16 must sign the UK Active Teen Gym Health Declaration and membership application form. They should also inform us in writing about any changes to the information provided or any special requirements of the child. Please bring proof of age.
At each visit, all young people under 16 will be given colour-coded bands to help the staff members identify their age and determine their permitted activities.
- For individuals aged 13, an orange band will be issued at entry.
- For individuals aged 14+ years, a blue band will be issued at the time of entry.
Induction process
Members must complete a gym induction before using the gym. Qualified (minimum NVQ L2 in Fitness Instructing) or *suitable staff members always supervise the gym floor.
- For 13 year olds, you must complete Elevate 1.
- Elevate 1: General information, CV introduction and Fixed resistance training.
- For any young person 14+ year olds, the program is divided into two parts:
- Elevate 1: General information, CV instruction and Fixed resistance training.
- Elevate 2: Free weight induction.
The sign-up process for 16+ years
OCL’s policy states that individuals 16+ are considered adult members. However, parents or guardians are required to set up a Direct Debit payment.
Induction process
Following the member induction program, members 16+ will have access to all gym equipment, fitness classes, swimming pools, and leisure centre facilities.
Use of gym equipment
Gym Equipment
Cardiovascular Equipment
From 13+ years:
- Before using the CV equipment, you must complete an induction program with one of our qualified instructors.
- Young people can only use CV equipment that can be adapted to match their specific size requirements.
Resistance Equipment
From 13+ years:
- You must complete a specific induction program before using the resistance equipment during Staffed Gym sessions
- Can only use resistance equipment that is adjustable to match their size requirements.
- Pins, not plates – No fixed kit with plates can be used. Only machines whose weight is modified using pins.
Free Weights Equipment & Smith Machine
From 14+ years:
Young people under 14 year-old cannot use the free weights or the Smith machine.
Gym Equipment 16+ years
Members 16+ have access to all gym equipment, fitness classes, swimming pools, and leisure centre facilities.
Note: Oldham Active treat a 16-year-old as an adult member.
Exercise Classes
The information below lists the exercise classes that 11-15 year olds can attend as a registered “Pay and Play” visit.
Along with class’s that you can attend as part of a Young Person’s Membership (13+).
Class instructors will receive training to determine the age of participants through the use of colour bands and conduct a verbal age screening before every class.
However, participation in Spin classes is subject to the junior being able to safely operate the bike.
Swimming
Swimming Pool Activities
Normal Oldham Active Swimming entry policy applies to all pool sessions.
- Aquacise / Aqua Jog Classes
- Swimming Teachers Association (STA) has stated that children aged 8 years + can participate in water-based classes this will include:
- Aquacise
- Aqua jog
- Aqua Zumba
- Aqua4health
General Swim Sessions
Participants need to be 16 years + to attend any Adult or Adult only lane session.
We are committed to inspiring young people in Oldham to live healthy lifestyles.
Childhood obesity has been increasing for more than three decades and has become a common problem. In Oldham, this issue is particularly concerning, with almost 25% of 4-5-year-olds being overweight or obese and 10% being obese. The numbers are even higher for 10-11-year-olds. Therefore, it is essential to take measures to address this problem. Reducing childhood obesity can have various benefits, including improved academic performance, behaviour, self-esteem, social responsibility, and better health.
We want to improve their well-being and instil healthy habits and lifestyle choices at an early age. It is why Oldham Active has updated our approach for ages 13 year-old and upwards, enabling them to access a broader range of activities more frequently. We first introduced Young Person’s Membership in October 2021. Since launching, its popularity has grown and Oldham Active currently has over 1500 young members across its five facilities in the borough.
Safety and ethics are of the utmost importance regarding children and physical activity. To address this, we have launched an all-inclusive policy based on best practices from other leisure trusts, our experience, and expert guidelines such as Quality Leisure Management’s Young Persons Use of Fitness Gym 2016 and the ACSM Guidelines for Resistance Training For Kids 2016.
