So I went to Hough End Leisure Centre yesterday and I was a little blown away by their customer service.
The building doesn’t look as impressive as Withington Baths (another great local spot), but inside was a positive panorama of health, fitness and wellness activities just waiting to be tried.
#LoveWithingtonBaths
Image source: Withington Baths
Hough End Leisure Centre has:
- Two swimming pools
- Multiple gyms and fitness classes
- A cafe
- A bar [opening soon]
- Playing fields
- Swimming lessons
- Sauna and steam room
- Fitness gear for sale
- Squash courts
Image source: Hough End changing rooms (unisex)
I could go on about how great Hough End is!
So, let me just tell you what happened to me, quickly.
The friendly receptionist, upon finding out I was just popping in for a look, offered me a tour. She whipped out her walkie-talkie and summoned her colleague, who turned out to be a young Cantonese guy snacking on a cup noodle.
He reminded me a little of myself, in fact.
Image: Screenshot of Withington Baths website July 2024
He gave me such a good tour that by the end I was already gagging to sign off. I have to hold off as money is a little tight at the moment. £45 a month is great value for a membership but of course even signing up for a month might be a little tough.
Contracting a kidney infection, having a psychotic episode, and having mania triggered will do that to a girl.
Anyway, I’m back on social media. I’d love it if locals checked out Hough End, maybe during a #WithyWalk. Apparently it’s had lots of funding plunged into it, and everything certainly looks brand-spanking new.
I had a great chat with the Cantonese staff members serving gym-goers in the cafe, where you can buy a number of snacks, cold drinks and coffee.
Hough End has it all!
When you join, a staff member will give you an induction to the gym.
You’ll soon be pumping iron like Arnie.
Image source: young Arnold in his competitive body-building days
>> Children actually swim for free at Hough End and Withington Baths for free during the school holidays!
So parents: listen up! Hough End is family friendly and you can even grab a cold one in the bar after you’re done being virtuous.
I’ve got plans to hit the sauna, steam room and pool this week. I promise I won’t take photographs, but watch this space! Catherine Julianne Heath is going to work out some rage in Old Moat’s Hough End Leisure Centre very soon.
Message me if you want tips on gear and outfits to take to the gym and don’t want to look overdressed.
[IMAGE]
This piece was written by Catherine Heath
Image: Catherine Heath with Cecilia Belier in London fundraising for HIV support
Founder of Away with Words
Longtime collaborators: KnowledgeOwl
Original artwork can be found at:
