VILLAGE GYM FACILITIES

GYM

Do we have to book to use the gym?

There's no need to book to use the gym floor at most clubs, however we will have a maximum capacity for each club and once this number is reached, new attendees will be asked to wait. 

Are there limits to the number of people attending the Club at any one point?

If we have control measures in place to comply with UK Government guidance to ensure that social distancing measures are met within the Club, You'll be able to see the capacity levels for your club when you log into the Member's Area. 

How do I use other Village gyms with my membership and is there an extra cost?

You can use other Village gyms in the Village group subject to you either upgrading your membership or paying a daily guest fee. Please note that access to the Village gyms at Village Hotel Aberdeen, Village Hotel London Watford, Village Hotel Eastleigh and Village Hotel Bracknell requires a daily guest fee in all circumstances.

SWIMMING

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE THE PLUNGE

Can we hire towels?

We encourage all members to bring their own towels. However, towels are still available for hire and are now being washed at a much higher 70 degrees Celsius temperature.

Can children use the pool?

Yes, during junior swim times as normal. Swim times are advertised on local Club pages.

Here are the standard terms that apply to children for your reference:

Each adult member can apply for a maximum of three Junior memberships, for children up to the age of 13 years.

At the age of 16 years, Junior members may choose to pay for an adult membership and use all the facilities (subject to the terms and conditions of membership, the terms and conditions of use and the completion of a General Health Questionnaire prior to using the gym and/or classes), or they can continue as a Junior member until they reach the age of 18 years (on the basis that they are supervised and can only use the swimming pool and attend junior activities).

Children must be supervised at all times as follows:

(i) All children aged 15 and under must be supervised by a parent or guardian, aged 18 or over.
(ii) There must be at least one parent or guardian for every child under the age of 5 years.
(iii) There must be at least one parent or guardian for every two children between the ages of 5 and 8 years.

No child under the age of 16 years is allowed in the pool area unattended.

Children, including Junior members, must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a parent or guardian, unless attending supervised junior activities. Children remain the responsibility of their parent or guardian at all times while on Village premises and their parent or guardian agrees to ensure that each child adheres to the applicable terms, conditions, rules and regulations. Children may not use the fitness and aerobics studio (except during designated, supervised sessions), whirlpool spa, steam room or sauna.

Children over the age of 8 years should use own sex changing rooms.

Is there a membership just for swimming?

No, all membership options include use of all facilities, including the gym classes, and pool area.

CHANGING FACILITIES

FRESHEN UP!

What changing facilities do you have?

Our member changing rooms include a number of lockers, shower cubicles, toilets and wash basins. All female changing rooms have hairdryers, whilst selected clubs also provide hair straighteners. 

There are spin dryers for your swimwear, plus plenty of benches and private changing areas.

PERSONAL TRAINING

SMASH THOSE GOALS.

I have several Personal Training sessions left, can I get a refund if I haven't used them yet? Can I extend the expiry date?

Please discuss this with your personal trainer.

ICE BATH USER GUIDE

Please Read below, before use, for our Ice Bath User Guide:

HEALTH AND SAFETY

YOU SHOULD NOT USE THE ICE BATH IF YOU:
• Have a serious illness, heart condition, or high blood pressure.
• Are taking medication that affects your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• Have a cold, flu, an open wound, sore, or a skin infection.
• Have Raynaud’s syndrome or peripheral neuropathy.
• Have recently eaten a heavy meal (within one hour) or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Have recently exercised intensely. Allow your body to cool down first.
• Always consult a doctor before engaging in cold water immersion if you have any pre-existing health concerns.

BE AWARE THAT:
• Always shower first to clean and prime the surface of your skin, removing lotions, oils and sweat.
• The water temperature in an ice bath can be as low as 0°c-10°C (32-50°F).
Ice indicates <1°c. Ensure that you can tolerate this temperature.
• Dependent on your tolerance, immersion time should never exceed
5 minutes per session, or 3 minutes for 0°c.
• When using an ice bath, you must allow your body to warm up naturally afer each session.
• You must wear appropriate swimwear. Swimwear will not be affected by cold
water immersion.
• You should never submerge your head in the ice bath to avoid the increased risk of cold shock, hair products also contaminate the water.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS:
• Adverse reaction to cold or rapid temperature change resulting in dizziness, fainting, or unconsciousness (cold shock response).
• Hypothermia is possible from prolonged exposure to cold water or if you’re ill-prepared.
• Infection from contamination of the water or ice.
• Slipping injuries caused by wet surrounds or from entry or exit into the ice bath.
• Drowning, especially if experiencing cold shock or cramping.
• Aggravation of existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.

USING THE BATHS

FIRST, PREPARE YOURSELF
• Shower to clean and prime the surface of your skin prior to entering
the water, it’s vital to remove oils, lotions and sweat.
• Ensure that you are well-hydrated. Avoid alcohol or heavy meals
within the last 90 minutes, failure to do so may increase the risk of
hypothermia.
• Never use an ice bath alone. Always ensure another person is present
to monitor your wellbeing.
• Deliberate cold exposure asks you to decide to enter, that your mind
and body want to.
• Relax: Close your eyes and feel and release any tension, relax your
shoulders and jaw - know what you want today from the cold and
listen to your body.

USE THE ICE BATH SAFELY
• The goal is to feel uncomfortable, that you want to get out but feel
safe staying in.
• A typical cold water exposure session is to sit and submerge to your
neck for 1-3 minutes.
• How much you submerge your body, at what water temperature
and for how long are all dependent on how you feel today, this may
change daily - listen to your body.
• Keep your head above water at all times, no head dunking.
• Enter the ice bath slowly and carefully to avoid cold shock.
Never jump or drop in.
• Limit your immersion to 5 minutes maximum, or until you feel
uncomfortably cold, this is typically 2-3 minutes at 0°c-3°c.
• Exit the bath slowly and carefully by first siting on the back deck.
Your limbs may feel stiff at first.

AFTER THE ICE BATH
• Afer exiting, pat the skin with a towel to dry off and warm
up gradually.
• Allow the blood flow to return to your limbs and your body to return
to normal temperature before repeating the process, if desired.
• Air squats, horse stance, walking or siting eyes closed are all ways
to consciously warm-up.
• Feeling cold afer is normal. If you feel any signs of hypothermia
(intense shivering, numbness, loss of coordination, confusion), seek
medical atention immediately.

ARE YOU IN ONE OF THESE GROUPS?

OLDER ADULTS: You may gain some benefits from the use of cold water immersion but should exercise extreme caution due to the stresses on the heart and circulatory system. Older adults should consult with their doctor before atempting cold water immersion.

PREGNANT: Those who are pregnant are advised not to use ice baths or engage in cold water immersion due to potential risks to the developing fetus. Always seek medical advice before considering cold water therapy during pregnancy.

DIABETICS: People with diabetes should check with their doctor before using ice baths or cold water immersion. Cold temperatures can affect circulation and nerve sensitivity, potentially exacerbating existing neuropathy issues. Diabetics should also be cautious as the cold may interfere with their ability to detect warning signs of hypoglycemia.

CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS: Individuals with cardiovascular issues, such as hypertension, heart disease, or circulatory disorders, should avoid ice baths or cold water immersion, as sudden cold exposure can cause a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to adverse cardiac events.

RESPIRITORY DISORDERS: Those with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should exercise caution, as cold water immersion can cause a sudden contraction of the airways, potentially triggering an asthma atack or exacerbating breathing difficulties.

EXPERIENCING HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS: Take it slowly and be mindful, consider cold showers instead of immersion and talk to your GP. It’s essential to approach ice baths cautiously and consider individual factors before deciding if it’s appropriate for you to take an ice bath. If you decide, stay above 5°c for gentle and short immersions.

CHILDREN: The body temperature of young children will drop much quicker than that of older children or adults owing to their underdeveloped thermo-regulatory mechanisms. Children should always be supervised closely by a responsible adult, the amount of time spent in the ice bath should be strictly limited, and they must be warmed up gradually afer the session. Adults must be aware of the dangers of hypothermia in children and ensure early indications of stress are not put at risk.