Club Guidelines

Our Club Guidelines

So everyone gets the best possible experience

We want every visit to feel welcoming, safe and enjoyable- so it truly feels like your club. These simple guidelines help us look after one another and keep the space running smoothly, so everyone can make the most of what’s possible.

General Club Etiquette

Let’s keep our clubs friendly and respectful. Please avoid language or behaviour that could intimidate, upset or offend others. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t challenge it yourself - Team Members will help.
Your membership fob or QR code is for your use only. Knowing exactly who’s in our clubs helps us keep everyone safe, so sharing access isn’t allowed and may result in membership cancellation.
Please keep your contact details up to date so we can reach you if we need to.
If your personal circumstances change, or you’re no longer legally permitted to be a member, let us know as soon as possible.
Wear appropriate workout clothing and clean, closed-toe footwear. If you choose to work out without footwear, you do so at your own risk. We also ask that clothing and accessories are suitable for a shared space and won’t cause offence.
Many members use their phones for workouts or content, which is fine by us. But please be mindful of others’ privacy and always ask permission if someone may appear in your shot.
For everyone’s comfort and privacy, the use of mobile phones and cameras is not permitted in changing rooms or on poolside.
If you’re feeling unwell, please skip your visit and come back when you’re feeling better.
Our clubs, including car parks and outdoor areas, are smoke- and vape-free.
Glass containers aren’t allowed in gym, studio, changing rooms or pool areas. Please use non-glass bottles or cups.
Make sure you arrive hydrated and fuelled for your session. Your workout readiness is your responsibility.
For safety reasons, please don’t attend the club under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.
If you bring a buggy or wheelchair, please park it safely in the designated areas when not in use. Please secure them appropriately, as we can’t take responsibility for personal belongings.
We carry out weekly fire alarm tests as part of our legal responsibilities. In the event of an evacuation, follow Team member instructions and exit via the nearest fire exit. Please don’t return to changing rooms until advised it’s safe.

Gym, Classes & Courts

When using equipment, please refer to safety signage and guidance.
Set equipment up correctly and use weights suitable for your ability. If you’re unsure how something works, our Team is happy to help.
Avoid dropping weights and always return them to the racks after use.
For safety reasons, under 16s aren’t permitted in free-weight areas.
Please fully switch off all cardio machines after use to keep everyone safe.
Please wipe down equipment after use with the cleaning products provided.
Return weights and equipment to the correct storage areas so everyone can find what they need.
If you’re new to a class, have an injury or medical condition, speak to the instructor before starting.
Arrive on time for classes. For safety, you may not be able to join once the warm-up has finished.
Group exercise classes can be booked up to 6 days in advance from 8:00am via the app or at your primary club. Classes have maximum capacities and booking is required.
Classes are for members aged 16+ unless otherwise stated.
Squash courts can be booked up to 6 days in advance at your primary club or 24 hours in advance at other clubs, for a maximum of 2 hours.

Personal Training

Once you’ve chosen your Personal Trainer, you’ll complete a PT validation form at reception confirming your sessions. Each session will be signed off at reception after completion.
PT sessions delivered by Total Fitness Personal Trainers (in branded uniform) must be paid by card at club reception or in the Total Fitness app if available. Please don’t pay cash or use a trainer’s personal payment device.
If you’re working with a self-employed PT, their own sign-up and payment process will apply.

Pool Areas

Please shower before entering the pool.
Food isn’t allowed poolside. Non-glass drinks for hydration are welcome.
No running, jumping or diving in pool areas.
Follow lane-swimming direction signage and lifeguard guidance at all times.
Avoid swimming within two hours of eating and consult a doctor if unsure whether swimming is suitable for you.
Appropriate swimwear is required in pools and heat treatments.
Shaving, oils and salts aren’t permitted on poolside.
Please don’t pour water onto sauna heating elements or take flammable items inside.
Sauna and steam rooms close 30 minutes before club closing; pools close 15 minutes before.
The Hydro Pool is for relaxation and recovery, please keep your head above the water.
Use steps and handrails when entering or exiting pools and the Hydro Pool.

Changing Rooms

Please use the single-sex changing rooms appropriate to you. Alternative arrangements may be available on request.
Children under 8 may change with a parent or guardian. Children aged 8+ should use their own sex changing room.
Lockers are for use during your visit only. Please bring a padlock.
Please secure your belongings. We can’t take responsibility for items left unattended.
Hair dye isn’t permitted in sinks or showers.

Car Park

Parking is available for members while visiting the club. Please park in marked bays only and don’t block access routes or emergency exits.
Overnight parking isn’t permitted without approval from the Club General Manager.
Some clubs use ANPR systems. Where in place, signage will be displayed and registration details must be logged on each visit.
Observe speed limits and watch for pedestrians, cyclists and children.
Disabled and parent and child bays should only be used where appropriate.
Bikes should be secured in the bike racks provided and not brought into the building.

Thrive Café

If you have allergies or dietary requirements, please let a Team Member know when ordering.

Juniors

To make sure younger members stay safe and supported, our junior guidelines are aligned with UK Active guidance (December 2025).

Children must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian aged 18+. Supervision means they’re always in sight and within reach.
Parents and guardians are responsible for their child’s behaviour while in the club.
Children aged 4-15 must collect a wristband on entry and follow the in-club Kids Guidance.
Children under 4 aren’t permitted in the gym, even in a buggy or car seat.
Under 16s can attend during set hours and must be supervised unless taking part in a supervised children’s activity.
Pre-activity forms must be completed before a child’s first session.
Parents or guardians must sign children in and out of classes and remain in the club and contactable throughout.
Under 16s may use squash courts when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Pool Guidelines for Juniors

Family swim times

Monday-Friday: 8.00am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-8.00pm
Weekends & Bank Holidays: 8.00am-6.45pm
Children under 16 are permitted poolside during these times only.
Please don’t attend if you or your child has had an upset stomach within the last two weeks.
Each parent or guardian may supervise a maximum of two children, provided: weak or non-swimmers are wearing an approved British Standards buoyancy aid, or children are competent swimmers.

Supervision by age

Children under 8 must be accompanied in the water by their parent or guardian.
Children aged 8-14 must be supervised either in the water or from poolside. Poolside supervision is only permitted if the parent or guardian confirms with the lifeguard that the child can swim 25 metres unaided.
Children aged 8 and over may use the main pool for lane swimming when appropriately supervised, depending on their ability.
At busy times, or if the family pool is unavailable, we may allow children of any age to use the main pool.
For safety reasons, under 16s aren’t permitted to use the hydro pool, sauna, Sanarium or steam room.
Babies and young children must wear a reputable swim nappy where appropriate. Swim nappies are available to purchase at reception.
Pool steps are for access only and must not be sat on, played on or jumped from.

Swim Academy by Total Fitness

Our Swim Academy is designed to help children build confidence in the water in a safe, supportive environment. Swim Academy Baby lessons are available for children from birth to 3-4 years old.

Please ensure your baby or child arrives with appropriate swimwear. We’ll provide all other equipment, including flotation aids.
Please arrive on poolside 5 minutes before the lesson starts and remain poolside throughout, in case support is needed for toilet breaks or illness.
Your baby or child must be supervised at all times while in the club, including on poolside and in the changing rooms.
Swim buddies are supervising adults (over 18) attending with your child. They must be authorised by you and are expected to supervise your child throughout their visit. We may share feedback on your child’s progress with them.
While we can’t guarantee the same instructor every week, we do guarantee that all lessons are delivered by qualified instructors.
Please don’t attend lessons if you, your swim buddy or your child are unwell, or within 48 hours of the last symptoms of norovirus.

Baby Lessons

Babies must wear a reusable neoprene swim nappy in the water.
You or your swim buddy must be in the pool at all times in suitable swimwear and a competent swimmer.
Only one adult per child is permitted in the pool, and each adult may supervise one child only.

Swim Academy Membership Discount

Total Fitness members receive 15% off Swim Academy lessons. To qualify: Both you and your baby or child must be active members.
The same email address must be used for membership and lesson booking.
Discounts apply only to children for whom you are the legal guardian.
If either you or your child stops being a member, the discount will end from that date. We’ll confirm the updated lesson fee in writing within 30 days.
Lesson fees are collected via recurring card payment, separate from your Total Fitness membership, unless we advise otherwise in writing.