The Heights Leisure Centre is located on the main road leading into Sandown (The Broadway). It is a large building which was opened on the 25th March 1982. The leisure centre has many activities on offer all priced at a fairly reasonable rate. Listed below are the things that The Heights has to offer and a little bit about it.
Swimming ... There is both a children's pool and a regular pool both of a good size although neither full size pools as the large pool measures in at 25 meters. The children's pool however it lovely and warm and Jack does love having a splash around there. The pool is open long hours although it is best to check the timetable as there are classes or lane swimming booking up both pools on some days. For an adult swim you are looking to pay £2.90 pence and half that for a child. Although children under 3 can swim for free. If you buy a full membership card (£33 per month) swimming
is free or you can alternatively just buy a swimming membership card (£16.50 pence). Swimming lessons are available for all different age groups and are offered at different times through out the day. I can honestly say I don't know too much about prices but a quick call to the reception would be all it would take to find out.
Gym... The gym is open everyday and has good opening hours of 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 10pm on a Sunday. They have recently opening a section of the gym called the "Tone Zone". This is where anyone can use this part of the gym without having an induction as there are more gym trainers in this area to help people out and guide them in their fitness programmes. Both the standard gym and the Tone Zone have a good range of equipment and the most popular items such as the rowing machines and the tread mills have three of each. The gym itself is not that large and thus the reason for opening up the Tone Zone (and closing down the bar that was once there). A session in the gym will cost a little over £5 but again this is free if a membership (£33) has been paid.
Aerobic Classes... There are aerobic classes on everyday even on the weekends and these are included free in the Leisure Centre membership card or will cost £4.20p each. Most run for an hour although there are a few that are just a half hour blast. The class times and schedules vary and it is always best to pick up a timetable from the reception area. The classes are mainly on in the morning from 9.15am or in the evening from 6pm. There are no evening classes on at the weekends. The classes available are things such as BLT (Bums, Legs and Tums) where you get a full body work out, Hi-Lo moves and grooves a class that has a lot more dance moves in than aerobic moves. These classes are really great fun and are taught by people who are fun and really know what they are doing. The majority of people who attend these classes are women although the odd man does join in and no one seems to bat an eyelid! There are also aerobic classes that are taken in the small pool. They have special ones for post natal women or expectant mothers but there are standard classes for everyone too. These cost the same as the standard aerobic classes and again are on at different times throughout the day.
Health Suite... The Health Suite at the Heights comprises of a Sauna, Jacuzzi, Steam room, Needle shower and Spa pool. Spending some time in this area does really help to relax and ease away any tension that you may have. The cost of attending the Health Suit is around £4 but I feel it is well worth this price and again owners of the Heights membership card will be able to get in free. The opening hours of the Health suite are again very long and would surely meet most people's needs opening at 8am till 10pm weekdays and Sundays and 8am to 7 pm on Saturdays.
Squash Courts... The heights has five separate squash courts available for booking and per adult would cost £3.20p therefore costing £6.40pence for a two person game lasting 40 minutes. There are both rackets and balls for hire although you can indeed bring your own. There is a viewing gallery above all the courts where anyone can stand and watch a game is they so desire. The leisure centre has squash leagues where people of different ages and abilities can join. The games for the leagues take place on Monday evenings from 5o clock so Monday evening is a no go for booking a private game.
The Bistro (Café)... The Café does have good positioning in the leisure centre and has large glass windows overlooking the large pool. There sell a lot of healthy things to eat in here but still do sell things such as chips or chocolate! The prices are reasonable and I think it is a good place to come and watch the swimmers and enjoy a well made cup of tea.
The Crèche... Now I use the crèche facilities a lot and if this option wasn't available to me then I think I would hardly be able to attend any classes at all. At first I was rather dubious about leaving Jack in the care of these ladies but after my first visit my fears all vanished. The cost of the Crèche is £2 for a maximum of 2 hours a price that I feel is very reasonable. The Crèche has just changed its hours as it used to open on a Saturday morning but now it is just open Monday to Friday 9 till 2.30pm. The staff in the crèche are all wonderful and Jack loves going there. There are so many toys to play with and Jack usually ends up bringing a picture out with him. You do have to stay on site when leaving your child at the crèche but this just means you cant pop off and do your shopping in peace!! I think the crèche is wonderful and Jack often cries when it is time to go home!!!
All in all I think the Height Leisure Centre is brilliant and a 5 star rating it most certainly deserves. A HIGH RECOMMENDATION from me and I would say if you are on the Isle of Wight then it is the top Leisure Centre to go to. The facilities are brilliant and the staff are all friendly and helpful too.
I hope this has been of some help to you. Thanks for taking the time to read.
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