Recent social media posts
02/06/2026
We spend a lot of time talking about physical and mental health but social wellness matters too ❤️
Feeling connected, supported and valued plays a huge role in our overall wellbeing.
Whether it's family, friends, teammates or even caring for a pet or plant, having something or someone to show up for gives us purpose.
And it works both ways. Encouragement, praise and a simple "you've got this" can have a real impact on confidence, motivation and self-esteem.
Because wellness isn't just about how strong your body feels, it's also about how connected your life feels ✨
30/05/2026
Summer is here and open water swimming is calling ☀️🌊
But while wild swimming can be fun and refreshing, open water comes with real risks.
Before you take the plunge this season, make sure you know how to stay safe around water 🛟
Follow the latest RLSS water safety guidance and build your confidence in and around the water.
Enquire at your local centre about swimming lessons for all ages and abilities 💙
🎥 Bedworth Physical Activity Hub
29/05/2026
More than 1,200 visitors joined us last Saturday for our community fun day as the much-loved outdoor pool officially re-opened for the summer season 🙌
Families enjoyed a packed day of activities including:
⚽ Freestyle football sessions with Jamie Knight
🛶 Canoe taster sessions
🎶 Live DJ music
🧸 Teddy Bears’ Picnic
🎈 Balloon modelling
👾 Monster mascot meet-and-greets
It was fantastic to see the local community come together and make the most of the sunshine, water activities and entertainment throughout the day ☀️
💬 “The atmosphere was brilliant and it was great to welcome both returning customers and new visitors experiencing the lido for the very first time,” said Ashley Miles, General Manager at Aldershot Lido.
Here’s to an amazing summer ahead 💙
28/05/2026
👟 A bad sports bra can ruin a workout… so why aren’t we talking about it more?
This week, Jo and Michelle are joined by Lucy Horsell, co-founder of PEBE Sports Bras, to discuss the challenges women face when it comes to sports bras and how PEBE is changing the game.
From the company’s beginnings to the thinking behind the product, this episode explores why better support matters and what makes these sports bras so different.
A must-listen for anyone passionate about women’s fitness, comfort and confidence 💛
Listen here 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x2UdF
26/05/2026
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this half term? 👀☀️
We’ve got loads of awesome activities happening across our centres to keep little ones busy all week long, from ice skating and soft play to family activities everyone can enjoy.
With the warm weather sticking around too, a dip in the pool definitely wouldn’t go amiss 😎
Check out what’s on at your local centre and make the most of half term with us!
➡️ https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/
21/05/2026
🗣️ Helen Marney, Director of Community Participation and Health at Swim England, highlights the importance of swimming lessons giving children the skills to be safe in the water, she said:
"Every summer, families head to the water together, and every summer, tragedies occur that could have been prevented. We want to change that.
Swimming lessons are not just a childhood milestone, they are one of the most important things a parent can do to keep their child safe and not just in the pool, but on holiday, at the beach and around open water.
If your child is not yet in lessons, start now. If they are, keep them going, water confidence doesn't happen overnight, but when it does, everything changes for your child, and for your whole family." 💙
Find swimming lessons near you https://brnw.ch/21x2GAA 📍
18/05/2026
"It's important to have swimming lessons because if you're sinking on a ship you know how to swim." 💬
From everyday fun to unexpected moments, knowing how to be safe in the water saves lives. 💙
Discover lessons near you - https://brnw.ch/21x2B16 🏊
16/05/2026
When they walk in wearing goggles, a swim cap, flip flops and carrying a towel…
Reception: “And what session are you here for today?” 👀🏊
16/05/2026
Counting down to the summer holidays? So are we! ☀️
Swimming lessons taken now help children build real water competency giving families the chance to make the most of every moment, in pools, at beaches and around any bodies of water. 💦
Because the best summer memories are made in the water 💙
Find the right swimming lessons for your child 👇
https://www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/
15/05/2026
"When your child is confident in the water, everything changes. You stop worrying and start making memories."💬
When children are water competent, families can truly enjoy time together around the water 💙
Swimming lessons help children learn how to stay calm, float and manage themselves, essential skills whether you’re on holiday or close to home.
Not sure where to find lessons? We’ve got you covered ✅
👉 https://brnw.ch/21x2wFK
14/05/2026
☀️ The Summer of Lidos is in Full Swing!
From spring dips to summer splashes, our outdoor pools are officially waking up!
Whether you're looking for an outdoor workout or a family day in the sun, here is the state of play across our national lido portfolio:
✅ Northcroft Leisure Centre Lido: OPEN and making waves since March!
✅ Ashby Leisure Centre and Lido: OPEN and ready for you since May 2.
⏳ Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre & Letchworth Lidos: Reopening Saturday, May 23.
⏳ Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre (Outdoor pool): Summer season begins May 23.
⏳ Aldershot Lido: Reopening Saturday, May 23.
From lane swimming under the sun to our famous Doggy Splash sessions returning this September, we’re making sure everyone (including our four-legged friends!) can stay active outdoors this year.
📍 Plan your visit: Demand is high for the warmer months! We recommend booking in advance via the Everyone Active app or our website to secure your spot!
13/05/2026
🧠 Growth starts where comfort ends.
This week, we revisit some powerful podcast moments exploring the YOU+ Brain principle of taking on new challenges and pushing beyond your limits.
🧪 Oli Patrick and Steph Heath break down the science behind why challenging yourself is so important for your mind and wellbeing.
🎖️ Paul Minter, former Royal Marine and founder of Head Up, shares the challenges he’s faced both during and after military life.
🌍 And Tim Franklin reflects on grief, resilience and what it takes to run around the globe.
An inspiring episode about mindset, resilience and the power of stepping into the unknown.
13/05/2026
Spending time in water can play an important role in supporting mental wellbeing 🏊♀️💧
Swimming can help improve mood, build self‑esteem, support better sleep 😴 and reduce stress.
Research shows that swimming has helped many people reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression 🧠 and feel more connected to others 🤝
Whether indoors or outdoors 🌿, swimming offers space to breathe, move and belong.
We’re proud to support people, clubs and communities to enjoy the mental health benefits of being in water 💙
12/05/2026
😎 Walking into the gym full of energy…
Fast forward an hour later and your gym buddy is practically carrying you out after THAT session 🫠💪
Nothing beats the feeling of putting in a real shift!
12/05/2026
Swimming lessons aren’t just about learning to swim ⭐
They’re about helping children gain the skills they need to be safer around pools, beaches, lakes and open water – wherever summer takes them ✅
Find your local pool: https://brnw.ch/21x2q4I
11/05/2026
"Children generally love the water. You want them to have fun in water. But you want them to know how to stay safe in it if they were to get themselves into trouble." 💬
The best family memories are made in the water 🌊
Start swimming lessons now and help your family enjoy a safer summer wherever you are. 💙
📍 Discover pools near you: https://brnw.ch/21x2nV6
10/05/2026
☀️ Summer starts with water safety ☀️
As families look ahead to the summer holidays, our new campaign is reminding parents not to leave water safety until the last minute.
The time to start swimming lessons is now. 💧
Fronted by Michael Gunning, the campaign highlights the difference between a child who can just splash and one who is truly water safe, able to stay calm, float and cope in open water.
Those skills take time to build. ⭐
Swimming lessons started now help families enjoy the summer later!
Find out more information: https://brnw.ch/21x2lUt
09/05/2026
Have fun. Be free. Stay Grippee 💙
Slipfree® shoes are designed for real leisure centre life, from the changing rooms and showers to poolside and play areas.
✅ Non-slip soles
✅ Easy to swim in
✅ Protection against verrucas
✅ Soft, flexible comfort for all ages and all adventures
A simple way to feel safer, steadier, and more confident every visit.
Shop Slipfree® at your local Everyone Active centre*
*subject to availability
08/05/2026
🚧 A new era for leisure in Cannock Chase has begun 💪
A major £2.8million refurbishment programme is now underway across leisure facilities in Cannock Chase following the launch of Everyone Active’s new partnership with Cannock Chase District Council.
Over the next six months, improvements will be made at:
🏊 Rugeley Leisure Centre
⚽ Fives Pavillion & Sports Ground
⛳ Chase Leisure Centre & Cannock Park Golf Course
The first project is already underway at Rugeley Leisure Centre, where a brand-new group cycling studio featuring 18 Technogym bikes is being installed 🚴
💬 “The refurbishment works across the contract are hugely exciting and will ensure we deliver the state-of-the-art facilities our customers deserve,” said Dan McLean, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active.
More exciting upgrades, including major gym refurbishments and new facilities, will be announced soon 👀
06/05/2026
✨ Creating space for women and girls to thrive
This week, Jo is joined by Caroline Odogwu, co-founder of She Is You, a social impact organisation dedicated to helping women and girls fulfil their potential.
They explore the inspiring dance programme running at one of our centres in Sutton, how it works, and the powerful impact it’s having on the local community.
A brilliant conversation about confidence, opportunity and the power of movement.
Listen here 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x2fBj
05/05/2026
POV: your PT starts following you on social media 👀
Suddenly you’re posting gym selfies, water bottles and “early morning workout” stories…
Meanwhile, your camera roll says otherwise
Who else can relate? 😅👇
02/05/2026
Sliding into the bank holiday like… 😎
Make the most of the extra day and turn it into something feel-good.
🏊♀️ Dive into a family swim
🏋️ Hit the gym and boost your energy
🧗 Try something new like climbing
🏸 Grab your mates for a game in the sports hall
🚴♂️ Get moving with a group fitness class
However you spend it, make it count and make it active.
Find your local centre here 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x27PC
01/05/2026
Ad | We’re proud to announce that Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Team GB sprinter and TV personality, is officially our first-ever YOU+ Ambassador 💥
This exciting partnership marks a new chapter in our mission to support holistic health and longevity, going beyond fitness to focus on the six pillars of YOU+ wellbeing.
Harry will be working alongside expert partners in physiology, psychology and breathwork to help inspire more people to take a balanced approach to their health, while also starting his own YOU+ journey.
💬 “A balanced approach to health is everything… I’m excited to show that wellbeing is about much more than just what happens in a gym, pool or studio,” said Harry.
From elite sport to everyday wellness, this is about helping everyone take control of their health 💙
👉 https://www.everyoneactive.com/content-hub/our-membership/what-is-you-plus/
30/04/2026
Our swim teachers don’t just teach lessons. They change lives 💙
From first splashes to confident strokes, they put their heart and soul into every single session.
Early mornings, endless encouragement, celebrating the smallest wins… it all adds up to something really special.
This is a shoutout to the team behind the scenes who bring the energy, the patience and the passion every day.
We see you and we appreciate you 🏊👏
Address
Bobby Moore Way
Barking
IG11 7HW
To get to Bobby Moore Way in Barking for the gym/physical fitness centre and cafe, you can take the District Line or Hammersmith & City Line to East Ham station and then take a 5-minute bus ride on the 325 towards Prince Regent DLR station. Get off at Jenkins Lane bus stop and walk for 2 minutes to reach your destination.
Alternatively, if you plan to drive, you can take the A13 until you reach Goresbrook Interchange. Take the A1306 exit towards Dagenham East and continue straight onto Choats Road. Turn left onto Jenkins Lane and then turn right onto Bobby Moore Way. There is parking available nearby at Abbey Retail Park or at Abbey Leisure Centre itself.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
6:30am - 10pm |
| Tuesday |
6:30am - 10pm |
| Wednesday |
6:30am - 10pm |
| Thursday |
6:30am - 10pm |
| Friday |
6:30am - 10pm |
| Saturday |
8am - 8pm |
| Sunday |
8am - 8pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Review 1 (The Independent, February 2020):
"The Abbey Leisure Centre is a great place to get fit and relax. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and the classes are led by knowledgeable instructors. The cafe offers healthy options for post-workout snacks or meals. Overall, a fantastic facility."
Review 2 (TimeOut London, March 2021):
"Abbey Leisure Centre is a clean and well-maintained fitness centre with a good selection of equipment. The staff are friendly and helpful. The cafe provides tasty food options, albeit slightly limited in variety. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area."
Review 3 (TripAdvisor, May 2021):
"I've been going to the Abbey Leisure Centre for over a year now and I love it. The gym has everything I need for my workouts and the pool is always clean and not too busy. The cafe is amazing with its healthy options like smoothie bowls and vegetarian wraps."
Review 4 (Google Reviews, June 2021):
"The gym at Abbey Leisure Centre is great but the cafe needs improvement. I found the prices to be expensive for what was on offer and the service was slow."
Overall, recent reviews of Abbey Leisure Centre have been positive with customers commending the gym's modern amenities and knowledgeable instructors as well as praising the cleanliness of the pool. However, one review mentioned that prices at the cafe were steep while another remarked on limited food options available there.
