FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q I live some distance from Loddon. Can I use the Gym?
A Yes. Our users come from all over and all are equally welcome.
Q How do I get started?
A Pop in during one of our sessions and have a word with Louise, though she may be busy with another user. She will run you through what you need to do to start exercising, after a small number of necessary health checks.
Q What could prevent me from starting to exercise straight away?
A Several things. High blood pressure, an unusually high heart rate, certain medical conditions. The best thing is to be seen by Louise first and we'll then know whether you can start straightaway or whether you need to see your GP first.
Q I have a medical condition. Would that stop me from using the Gym?
A Possibly though not necessarily. After speaking with Louise you may be asked to see your GP and get a formal exercise referral from him/her. We currently operate a scheme with Chet Valley and Heathgate Surgeries who welcome our contribution to community health and are familiar with our needs.
Q What clothing/footwear should I wear?
A Loose, comfortable clothing, ideally layered so you can remove one when you start to warm up. Comfortable shoes with a good grip.
Q What should I bring with me on my first day?
A A towel and bottle of water.
Q Are there showers and changing facilities?
A No. The ladies' toilet doubles as a disabled loo so is big enough to get changed in, though there isn't anywhere to leave your clothes, such as lockers.
Q Is there a membership fee?
A Yes, we charge £20 a year for Membership, alongside the session fees.
Q Where does my money go?
A We are a not-for-profit gym run by a committee of volunteers. All income goes towards the running of the Gym. Fees alone are currently insufficient to run the Gym and to date we have been supported by other external funding and targeted fundraising.
Q Who are the Committee?
A The Committee is made up of volunteer users covering the duties of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, fund-raising and publicity, along with Louise, our instructor. We can always use extra help particularly if you have skills to offer, eg fund-raising.
Q Can I bring family members, including children?
A We have a lower age limit of 16 but there is no upper limit.
Q I don't like Gyms, which I find intimidating. What makes yours any different?
A Our strap line is "no mirrors, no lycra". What that means in practice is that we provide an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and no-one is made to feel in any sense inadequate. We are particularly proud of this aspect of our Gym.
Q How long is a session?
A We are currently restricting each session to one hour, and at set times, to allow for the cleaning of equipment between sessions.
Q How long can I use each piece of Gym equipment?
A Please be mindful of other users wanting to use the machine you are on. We have at least two of each of the heavier pieces, so there shouldn't be an issue, but if you were planning, eg an extended run, it would be best to clear it with Louise first.
Q Why aren't you open earlier/later/longer?
A We have just added two days meaning we offer times on each weekday. Further extensions will depend entirely on whether we can justify the expense or afford to do so.
A Yes. Our users come from all over and all are equally welcome.
Q How do I get started?
A Pop in during one of our sessions and have a word with Louise, though she may be busy with another user. She will run you through what you need to do to start exercising, after a small number of necessary health checks.
Q What could prevent me from starting to exercise straight away?
A Several things. High blood pressure, an unusually high heart rate, certain medical conditions. The best thing is to be seen by Louise first and we'll then know whether you can start straightaway or whether you need to see your GP first.
Q I have a medical condition. Would that stop me from using the Gym?
A Possibly though not necessarily. After speaking with Louise you may be asked to see your GP and get a formal exercise referral from him/her. We currently operate a scheme with Chet Valley and Heathgate Surgeries who welcome our contribution to community health and are familiar with our needs.
Q What clothing/footwear should I wear?
A Loose, comfortable clothing, ideally layered so you can remove one when you start to warm up. Comfortable shoes with a good grip.
Q What should I bring with me on my first day?
A A towel and bottle of water.
Q Are there showers and changing facilities?
A No. The ladies' toilet doubles as a disabled loo so is big enough to get changed in, though there isn't anywhere to leave your clothes, such as lockers.
Q Is there a membership fee?
A Yes, we charge £20 a year for Membership, alongside the session fees.
Q Where does my money go?
A We are a not-for-profit gym run by a committee of volunteers. All income goes towards the running of the Gym. Fees alone are currently insufficient to run the Gym and to date we have been supported by other external funding and targeted fundraising.
Q Who are the Committee?
A The Committee is made up of volunteer users covering the duties of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, fund-raising and publicity, along with Louise, our instructor. We can always use extra help particularly if you have skills to offer, eg fund-raising.
Q Can I bring family members, including children?
A We have a lower age limit of 16 but there is no upper limit.
Q I don't like Gyms, which I find intimidating. What makes yours any different?
A Our strap line is "no mirrors, no lycra". What that means in practice is that we provide an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and no-one is made to feel in any sense inadequate. We are particularly proud of this aspect of our Gym.
Q How long is a session?
A We are currently restricting each session to one hour, and at set times, to allow for the cleaning of equipment between sessions.
Q How long can I use each piece of Gym equipment?
A Please be mindful of other users wanting to use the machine you are on. We have at least two of each of the heavier pieces, so there shouldn't be an issue, but if you were planning, eg an extended run, it would be best to clear it with Louise first.
Q Why aren't you open earlier/later/longer?
A We have just added two days meaning we offer times on each weekday. Further extensions will depend entirely on whether we can justify the expense or afford to do so.
