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Frequently asked questions

In this section we answer some questions that have been asked of University of Bristol reception staff.

  1. How can I become a Member?
  2. How can I become involved in Sport at University?
  3. How and where can I make a booking?
  4. How often can I book?
  5. Can I bring a guest and how much will it cost?
  6. How long is a booking for in the main hall?
  7. How long is a session of Squash?
  8. PULSE Gym and Free Weights Inductions?
  9. Are you open to the public?
  10. What is Pilates?
  11. What is the difference between Pilates mat class and equipment based Pilates?
  12. I am injured - who should I see, the physio, the osteopath, or someone else?
  13. Exercise Classes - do I need to book in advance?
  14. Membership Renewal and Refunds
  15. Athletic Union
  16. Lost Students Cards
  17. Lost your Membership Card
  18. Forgotten Sport Membership Cards
  19. Customer Comment Forms
  20. No Shows - Low Numbers?
  21. Valuables and Belongings where can I store them?
  22. Can I hire sports equipment

1. How can I become a Member?

     External memberships:

2. How can I become involved in Sport at University?

There are many ways to become involved in sport at the University, depending on your competitive level and commitment. Here a few options:

3. How and where can I make a booking?

4. How often can I book?

As often as you like, but not for more than one time slot.  This is to prevent back to back bookings, thus restricting use by others. N.B. consecutive / back to back / double bookings which result in your playing longer than one time slot are not allowed. Failure to comply to this rule may result in membership or financial penalties.

5. Can I bring a guest and how much will it cost?

Yes one guest is allowed per sports member.

Please note, External Guests are not allowed in the PULSE Fitness Suite except during Vacation periods when our Open Door policy allows members of the public to access the gym after an induction - one off payment of £5.00, has been undertaken.

6. How long is a booking for in the main hall?

Each session is generally 45 minutes but this includes time for setting up and taking down equipment.  Therefore each session normally lasts for 40 minutes.

7. How long is a Session of Squash?

Each session lasts for 40 minutes at the Bristol Grammar School and 45 minutes at Kingsdown Sport Centre.  Please check the booking times available at each site on separate information sheet.

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8. PULSE Gym and Free Weight Inductions

Existing University of Bristol Inductions are valid for the period of study.  It is compulsory for every new member to undertake an induction (£5.00) to the use of equipment in the gym.  A separate induction is also required to use the free weights and will incur an additional cost (£5.00) to undertake.   

What is an induction? The induction is a short session covering the basic principles of fitness training along with the correct techniques to be used when using a selection of the more difficult to use machines.

Why do we have inductions?

  1. An induction is the minimum health and safety requirement laid down by the Fitness Industry Association to ensure safe usage of exercise machines and sports equipment.
  2. An induction or introduction to exercise machines is required before use of equipment at all British Universities and most gyms in other sectors.
  3. The induction is a chance for you to meet the staff and find out what services they offer to help with your training.
  4. At the induction you will be made aware of the rules and regulations of the gym area.

Why do we charge extra for the inductions?

Not all people who buy a sports pass use the gym or free weights room.  Therefore a small charge of £5 is made to cover staff costs and admin to those who do wish to use the gym with a sports pass.

Towels: You are required to bring along a gym towel.  You will not be able to use the gym without a towel.  No Towel - No entry.

9. Are you open to the public?

Yes - all Exercise to Music classes are open to the public, as are all of the services provided by the Sports Medicine Clinic.  Non-members can also play in the Sports Hall and Squash Courts but only as a Guest and with a member for £5.00. 

Members of the public can join the sports centre under the various membership schemes we have on offer, in addition Introductory offers run throughout the year.

10. 'What is Pilates?'

Pilates works the entire body.  It focuses on the core, postural muscles of the body (stomach and back) and incorporates these into all of its exercises.  The body is therefore always balanced and protected.  Exercises are slow and controlled and range in difficulty from easy to extremely difficult.  

11. 'What's the difference between a Pilates mat class and equipment based Pilates?'

A mat class has 12 people in the class, and follows a set format.  Equipment-based Pilates is on a 1:1 basis and content depends on the specific needs of the client.  Equipment-based Pilates allows for more detailed assessment of the client's physical weaknesses and strengths and a more finely tuned exercise programme.

12. 'I am injured - who should I see, the physiotherapist, the osteopath, or someone else?'

Book into the OPEN CLINIC (0117 928 8810) for Indoor Centre and (0117 962 6718) for Coombe Dingle - it is free and offers a 10-minute consultation with either a physiotherapist or an osteopath. 

Open clinic times:-
Indoor Sports Centre:    Mondays 5.30 p.m. and Thursdays 10.30 a.m. Times are subject to change, we therefore advise you check current times for both the Indoor Centre and the Coombe Dingle Sports Complex on the numbers above.

13. Exercise Classes - do I have to book in advance?

It is strongly advisable but not compulsory as some classes are more popular than others to book in advance.

14. Membership Renewal and Refunds

Please read Terms and Conditions of Membership - separate sheet.  Refunds are only considered if you leave the University, or, if you have a serious illness that prevents you from using the facilities (Doctors certificate will be required).

We do not offer termly or part year memberships other than those published. 

If your course has a mandatory year away from study you will need to purchase a pass for the year(s) leading up to the year away and then purchase again for the year(s) following.  If you opt to purchase a three year pass and you have a mandatory year abroad within those three years your pass will Not be carried forward and no refunds will be given.

Example: A four year programme with a mandatory 3rd year away - you will need to purchase a one or two year pass  (the flexibility is yours) and then purchase a one year pass when you return to Bristol for your final year(s).

15. Athletic Union

The Athletic Union is based in the Student Union Building on Queens Road and is used by a variety of sports clubs and societies.  Please check which clubs are based at the Centre and which are based at the Union before purchasing a Sports Pass.  For further information please contact the Athletic Union Club directly.  Details can be found on the AU website http://www.bristolau.co.uk or call (0117) 954 5874 for details.

Athletic Union Club fees are payable on top of the Sports Pass.  The Club fees are individually set by each club through a student club committee structure.

Sports Club membership

It is now mandatory to purchase a Sport & Activity Pass if you intend to play for a University Sports Club which uses University facilities for training and matches. In return the University books pre-allocated times for your sports clubs.

Athletic Union membership

As part of the continuing partnership arrangements with the Student Union you will also be required to pay a mandatory fee to become a member of Athletic Union if you want to play for a University Sports Club (54 clubs to choose from). AU membership fees helps cover the cost of insurance, travel and some club development activity.

16. Lost Student Cards

You can get replacement Student Cards at the Arts and Social Sciences Library on Tyndall Avenue.  A replacement card will cost £10.00.

17. Lost Membership Cards (non-student)

Staff - at the Arts and Social Sciences Library on Tyndall Avenue - £10.00 to replace.

Staff Family, Associate and External Membership cards (Gym Only, Off Peak Gym Only, Vacation, Squash Only and Universal) - at the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, Tyndall Avenue

Pool Only - at the Swimming Pool, Student Union buidling, Queens Road, Bristol.

Tennis Only - at the Tennis Centre, Coombe Dingle, Coombe Lane, Bristol.

18. Forgotten Membership Cards

In the interest of security within the University of Bristol, you are urged to carry your university card with you at all times on UoB property.  Failure to present your card at the Sports Centre Reception on arrival may result in your being refused entry.  A small charge is payable at reception if you have forgotten your card without photo ID  (currently £2.50).

19. Customer Comment Forms

If you would like to comment on the standard of facilities and service available please complete a Customer Comment Form - which may be found near the Reception desk at the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, Tyndall Avenue.

20. No Shows - Low Numbers?

Failure to play a booked slot will result in a £3.00 charge to the person who booked the slot.  The minimum number required on court for any team game is six (6), fewer than six will result in a £3.00 charge to the person who booked the slot.

21. Valuables and Belongings where can I store them?

Valuable and belongings can be stored in the secured lockers situated in both male and female changing rooms and along the PULSE corridor opposite the studios.  Please bring along a £1.00 coin (returnable) or purchase a Locker coin - £1.50 available from the main reception at the Indoor Centre.  These can also be used at the pool and at the Coombe Dingle Sports Complex.

Please do not leave any items in the lockers overnight, items left overnight will be removed the following morning and held in the lost luggage office.

22.  Can I hire sports equipment?

Squash and Badminton racquets may be hired with your sports membership pass for £1.50 plus £5.00 deposit.

 

 

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