Lifestyles FAQs
The joining process
-
+
Have you been a member before and are looking to re-join Lifestyles?
If you've had a membership with us before, please visit your nearest Lifestyles centre and speak to a member of staff to re-join.
-
+
How do I join?
You don't have to be a member to enjoy our facilities - but it will save you money if you do. There's no joining fee and you can join online or at your local centre.
Although you select a particular centre when joining, you can use the facilities across our 10 centres.
Your membership terms and conditions apply across all centres irrespective of the one that you have chosen. If the council has to close a particular centre for any reason, and this happens to be the one where you joined, you must continue to pay your membership fee and refer to the membership terms and conditions in respect of cancelling your membership and any other obligations you have as a Lifestyles member.
-
+
What benefits do I get from joining Lifestyles?
The fantastic benefits of joining Lifestyles include no joining fee, unlimited access to all centres, different packages to suit you and you can book your favourite activity or fitness class up to 7 days in advance.
-
+
How much is it to join Lifestyles?
As our monthly price differs for each membership, please check our join pages to see the monthly and pay as you go options.
-
+
Can I see the inside of a Lifestyles centre before I join?
Yes, we would love for you to come down to a Lifestyles Centre for a look around.
-
+
Do you offer a multi-site membership?
Yes, when you become a member of Lifestyles you are able to use all 10 sites.
-
+
What are my payment options?
We have 3 simple methods of payment to suit yo:
- Direct Debit: First payment is made at time of joining giving you instant access to our facilities.
- Annual payment: One off payment, (pay 10 months for the price of 12).
- Monthly pay as you go: Valid for 1 calendar month from date of purchase.
-
+
Can I delay the start of my membership?
Yes. For example, if you're already tied in to a contract at another gym that requires you to give a notice period, you can delay the start of your membership with Lifestyles during the online joining process.
-
+
Is there a cooling off period?
If you join online there is a 14 days cooling off period – if you change your mind you will receive a full refund.
-
+
Can I become a member online?
It’s a really simple process – and it’s all handled here on the website. Join online - from the main menu, select your type of membership, choose the Lifestyles site you wish to join, and away you go. You’ll be a member in just a few simple steps. You can even join and delay your membership starting date by up to 1 month.
-
+
Is the website secure?
Yes, the sign up section of the website is secure, and any details entered will be encrypted before being sent to the server. We assure you that your personal and banking details will be kept private.
-
+
If I join by direct debit when does the first month’s payment come out of my bank?
If you start your agreement on or before the 10th day in the month we will calculate your first fee on a daily basis (this will be labelled ‘pro-rate slider’) to cover your use until the end of that month. We will take the first Direct Debit from your bank on the first of next month.
If you start your agreement after the 10th day in the month we will again calculate a fee on a daily basis for the remainder of that month, and will also charge the full monthly (Cycle) fee to cover the following month. The first Direct Debit collection from your bank will not then be until the 1st of the month after that. For example join on 15th September your first payment will not be until 1st November.
-
+
What happens if I have problems while trying to join?
If you experience problems while trying to join, please choose your preferred centre and select the 'contact us' link and we’ll be in touch.
-
+
Can I pay by cash or card?
Lifestyles accept cash and most major bank cards. Visa Credit, Visa Debit, Visa Electron, MasterCard and Maestro.
-
+
Do you offer student discount?
Yes, we offer student discounts at our centres. You must provide identification at any Lifestyles centre and be in full time education to qualify for this discount.
-
+
Do you have a corporate scheme?
If you are a business in Liverpool and employ more than 10 people, register with Lifestyles so your staff can sign up to our Corporate Membership - saving them 20% each month on direct debit memberships.
-
+
What benefits will I get if I refer a friend?
Lots of our members find it easier to stick to regular training plans and meet their fitness goals when they visit with someone else. Refer a friend to a Lifestyles membership and receive 1 month free.
-
+
Can I cancel my membership?
If you wish to cancel your membership with us you must complete a cancellation form at the centre where you joined. We will then take a further two payment collections from your bank account. During this time, you will be able to continue to use the facilities until the end of the month in which we collect the last of these amounts.
Please note we do not accept cancellations online, by email or by phone.
-
+
What if I cancel my Direct Debit before you have taken the last two payments?
If you have cancelled your Lifestyles Direct Debit membership with your bank before we have taken your two final payments you will receive a letter requesting payment for the outstanding cancellation fees under section 1.3 of your membership agreement. You can pay the cancellation fee online.
Your first visit
-
+
What should I bring to my first visit to the centre?
We know you can’t wait to get started, but we also know that joining up sometimes feels quite intimidating. On your visit, please remember to bring training equipment e.g. running shoes or a swimming costume if your first session is the swimming pool, your membership card and a water bottle.
-
+
I joined online - will I get a membership card?
Yes. On arrival to any Lifestyles centre, please ensure you bring the email you received when joining. This will have your unique reference to collect your membership card at the centre.
-
+
I joined online - can I begin to use the facilities straight away?
As per 1.7 of the membership terms and conditions, your membership will be treated as pending until we have approved identification status and eligibility. If you have been a Lifestyles member before and have any outstanding debt on your account, this must be paid before your membership is activated.
-
+
Do I need to bring my membership card on each visit?
Yes, your card or wristband is required for each visit. Please show it at reception so it can be swiped. If you fail to present your membership card or wristband, you'll be charged a non-member rate.
-
+
Are the changing rooms and showers easy to find?
As with all areas of Lifestyles, they are clearly signposted and you will be directed to them from the main entrance of each site.
-
+
What if I need help when I'm in the centre?
Our staff are on hand to answer any queries and help you with any questions you may have.
-
+
I'm disabled - will I have problems getting into any Lifestyles centre?
We have full disabled access at our centres.
-
+
I'm a member and I booked online - can I skip the queue?
No. You have to swipe your membership card at reception for any activity.
Fitness suite
-
+
I've never been a member of a gym before. Will someone explain how to use the equipment?
Absolutely - one of our highly qualified instructors will guide you through your induction and ensure you are confident in using the equipment. Our instructors are always happy to share their knowledge and help you reach your goals- just ask!
-
+
What is the minimum height restriction to use the gym?
The minimum height to use all equipment in the lifestyles gym is 4ft 7in (140cm).
-
+
Why do I need to have an induction when I've used a gym before?
All our customers have an induction before using the gym. It is to find out if there are any medical or other conditions which could be affected by gym training, and to ensure all our customers are comfortable and safe using all the equipment provided.
Classes and booking
-
+
How do I book a class?
You can book classes in three ways:
- The easiest way is to book online.
- Phone – you can call your local site and reception can make the booking on your behalf, please bear in mind that at busy times this may take longer than usual.
- In club – visit reception who can get you booked in. We actively encourage members to set their account up and use the online system for their classes.
-
+
Who can book classes online?
All our members with an active membership which includes group exercise classes and have access to the online booking service.
-
+
How do I access the online class bookings service?
If you're an existing member or new joiner you will receive a welcome email with a login and a link. The link will take you to the bookings page where you can book classes at your chosen site, using the login provided. If you have not received your welcome email, please check your junk mail otherwise contact any Lifestyles reception or see our bookings information.
-
+
How do I inform the club of any medical conditions they should be aware of before I attend a class?
Please ensure you inform the class instructor of any medical conditions before the class begins.
-
+
What is the minimum age for group exercise classes?
The majority of our classes are open to 13+ years, however we would advise you speak to one of our instructors to discuss that specific classes will be appropriate. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult when attending group exercise classes.
-
+
What's the earliest time I can make a booking for as an off-peak member?
The earliest time you can make a booking is at the earliest your membership will permit entry. This will be when the centre opens you wish to make a booking for.
-
+
Can I book onto a class at a peak time if I'm an off peak member and enter the club before 4pm?
No you will not be able to book any class at a peak time. If you wish to attend a class in peak times, upgrade options are available.
-
+
How does the waiting list work?
If a class that you would like to attend is fully booked, you will be offered the option to join the waiting list online. If you join the waiting list, you will receive an email or phone call to confirm that you are on the waiting list on a ‘first come first served’ queue. If you're unable to attend please cancel yourself out of the class in the normal way.
-
+
Why do you have a late cancellation policy?
Classes that are pre-booked yet remain unused are a major frustration to those members that were unable to book and participate and then see spaces available. One of the aims of our booking policy is in the interest of all members to maximise the opportunities to participate by reducing the high volume of no shows and late cancellations so more members will be able to take part.
-
+
Why 24 hours' notice?
To allow enough time for another member to book.
-
+
What if I am unable to attend a class for a reason outside of my control?
If we have 24 hours’ notice before the start of the class then you are entitled to a refund or credit note. If less than 24 hours’ notice is given then no refund applies. The policy needs to be fair and consistently applied.
-
+
What happens if the club cancels the class with less than 24 hours’ notice?
The club will inform you and a late cancellation fee will not apply.
-
+
Why can’t I join into an exercise class if I’m late and spaces are available?
There are certain classes that, due to the nature of the activity, would be unsafe for you to take part in if joined late. To ensure a duty of care to our members we will not allow them to participate if the instructor believes this could present a health and safety risk.
-
+
How will I be notified that I have received a late cancellation
Providing you have supplied an up-to-date email address then you will receive an email for each one you receive and also an email to notify you that your booking rights have been temporarily suspended should you incur multiple late cancellation within a time frame.
-
+
What if the booking system is down?
If the booking system is down we will ensure that no inappropriate late cancellations will be recorded.
Other questions
-
+
How do I change my bank details if I pay my membership by direct debit?
You will be required to complete a new bank amendment form, which are available at all Lifestyles sites.
-
+
I have lost my membership card, what do I do?
If you have lost your membership card, please report this to reception at any site as soon as possible. You will receive a replacement card at a charge of £3.00.
-
+
Can I change to a different membership deal?
Yes, you can amend your membership by filling out an amendment form available at reception.
-
+
I am receiving benefits - do I get a discount?
Concession rates are available for individuals or families who meet the eligible criteria. Proofs of awards dated within the last 12 months are required when applying for your membership. Please contact reception at your local leisure centre for more information on criteria.
-
+
I have a complaint, what do I do?
In the first instance raise your complaint with the appropriate Duty Manager, most complaints can be resolved quickly at this stage. If after speaking to the Duty Manager you are still not satisfied, you will be advised on what to do next.
-
+
I don’t want to become a member can I come along and pay to use the gym?
Yes, you can. The cost for casual access to the gym is £6.60 per session and you must have an induction before you use the gym.
-
+
Where can I find information about parties?
See our parties page.
-
+
Can I change my direct debit payment date from the 1st of the month?
Lifestyles only process one BACS run each month therefore unfortunately the direct debit payment date cannot be altered.
-
+
How do I update my email address and contact details?
If you have never registered an email address with us please speak to a member of the reception team to update your details or email us at lifestyles@liverpool.gov.uk and we will be happy to make the changes for you.
Please keep us up to date with any contact details changes, such as home address, contact telephone number, email address, emergency contact and change in medical conditions.
-
+
Are there lockers in the changing rooms? Do I need to bring my own lock for them?
There are lockers in each of the changing rooms. We have half and full lockers. Lockers are coin return in all centres.