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Advance booking for swimming is NOT required - our reception team can check you in. We do recommend checking our app for swim times to help you avoid disappointment though.
It is also possible to use our app to check-in/book on arrival or before your visit. If you do this, there's no need to queue at venues with automated access gates - you can head straight to the gate and swipe your band/card from 30 minutes before the slot you booked into.
🚫 No-shows are common at every gym, which affects everyone. Causes include:
🛠️ We're making improvements:
🚧 Penalties for no-shows might be required. Be ready:
Glasgow City Council faced significant financial challenges during the budget planning for 2023/24, leading to a reduction in funding for Glasgow Life. This compelled us to find savings of £7.15 million. Despite this, we prioritised maintaining services, facilities and activities which maximise access for the greatest number of citizens, offer the greatest positive impact and best serve the people of Glasgow.
After careful consideration, we decided to keep health suites closed due to their high operating costs and the need for extensive upgrades to meet customer expectations. Looking ahead to 2024/25, we face an additional £3.04million in savings. However, our focus remains on maintaining access to gyms, classes and pools across Glasgow, promoting physical and mental well-being for all residents.
We understand this may be disappointing, and we want to assure you that these decisions were made with the community's best interests in mind. Thank you for your understanding.
Imagine booking a fitness class like trying to grab a seat on a crowded bus. There are only a few seats left, and as more people start rushing to grab them, you feel the pressure to secure one, even if you're not sure you really need to be on that bus right now.
The moment you see others rushing, you think, “I’d better get a seat before they’re all gone”, so, you book. Others see the bus filling up even faster and do the same, and suddenly, it’s fully booked. But not everyone who grabbed a seat was certain they needed it — they just didn’t want to miss out.
As a result, the bus appears full, but not everyone will actually show up, and it’s now harder for people who really need to travel to get a seat.
The same happens with fitness classes. When people book just to avoid missing out, the limited spaces fill up even faster, continually making spots seem scarcer than they are. This makes it harder for genuinely committed people to get in and is only made worse when those who did book don’t attend. It just amplifies the pressure to book next time even more.
We recently introduced booking reminders via our app, which led to a small but positive increase in cancellations, freeing up spaces for others 24 and 2 hours before classes start. To further reduce “no-shows” and improve booking, we've been trialling a new waitlist for some of our most popular classes (G-cycle, FT Fit, and Yoga) at Emirates Arena.
For three weeks, around half of waitlisted users have secured a spot before class which shows it works well. However, “no-show” rates stayed high initially, with 40% of spaces left empty despite classes appearing full. After warning repeat no-shows about a penalty for missing three or more bookings, the rate dropped to 31%, still too high.
A system issue meant automatic penalty fees were delayed but these will start next week for those booking but failing to attend three or more of the trial class-types (Yoga, G-Cycle and FT Fit) at Emirates Arena in the preceding 7-days.
We will test the effects of this as well as looking at those who repeatedly book but cancel at the last minute.
You can ensure your attendance is recorded by swiping your card/band at the automatic gates or reception (if you have multiple bookings coming up, they'll all be marked attended). Also, please:
In the days and hours leading up to an activity, many of the original bookings are cancelled. Our booking software includes a waiting list function. It checks every half hour whether spaces have become available and if so, triggers an email offering the opportunity to book to everyone on the list.
Once the emails are sent, the system waits for a response. The booking system can't tell if those receiving them aren't checking their email or have changed their plans/no longer want a space. When this system was switched on it was leading to spaces tied up by the system and there was no way to override this so spaces often remained empty even as the activity started.
In January a technology problem stopped the emails being able to be sent altogether. It meant we had to switch off the waiting list completely otherwise all activities would be stuck half full. Repeated attempts to find the source of the problem with the email system have failed and we're still working on it. We did see more spaces filled by members than when waiting lists were switched on though. Having to manually check for spaces in the hours leading up to the class, whilst not ideal, seemed to work better than a waiting list, even if it was less convenient
We’ll keep working on a fix to the email system, and also new challenge: the growing number of people who book but cancel at the last minute. Until we can resolve these issues, we thank you for your patience.
You may find it helpful to add classes you want a space in to your “Favourites” - this can make it easier to check on them regularly. This video shows how this works:
This is just a leisure swimming session you can attend as an individual or family.
Booking ahead is NOT required but we do recommend checking our app for swimming times to avoid disappointment. You can also book/check yourself in for a swim - that will save time on arrival and means you can head straight to the gate at venues where we have automated access gates (no need to join a queue).
The overall upgrade programme within the pool area at Glasgow Club Scotstoun was reassessed following the initial postponement in March 2020 due to COVID-19.
After careful consideration of the funding available for the project, we re-evaluated the results of the customer survey carried out when the pool refurbishment was first announced in 2019. Based on this feedback and analysis of which areas of the pool were most utilised prior to its closure, the strategic decision was made to remove the health suite facilities from Scotstoun in order to increase available changing facilities and toilet provision for all.
By repurposing the health suite space within Scotstoun pool, we have created a facility which delivers the services we know our users want, and makes better use of Glasgow Life’s budget.
Sorry you're having problems. We've created a step-by-step help guide on our website
If you made a booking that did not require payment (e.g. if the activity was free/included in your membership) it can be cancelled in our app or online booking website.
The 'shopping' process is handled by a different system from checkout/payment. This keeps your card details secure. Human intervention is required to reverse the payment or handle an exchange. By comparison, a booking included in membership costs zero so cancellation is quick and easy.
All Pay As You Go bookings are payable in advance and non-transferrable or refundable, so please ensure when making the booking that you are definitely able to attend. In exceptional circumstances, the manager of the venue or programme running your booked activity, may at their discretion, offer an exchange or refund. We cannot guarantee this will be possible and any refunds approved will be made using the original payment method.
If you've joined online you can pick up a membership card or RFID band on your first visit. Just ask at reception.
Membership cards are free so if yours is lost/damaged please ask for a replacement which will render your original card/band unusable by anyone else.
Your first RFID band is free as a pay monthly member or £2 for Pay As You Go users.
All customers can collect a replacement member card at reception for free.
A replacement RFID band can be purchased at reception for £2
Pay As You Go users may also pay a £2 deposit for an RFID band to be able to use RFID enabled lockers (where these are available) and return the band for a refund of this on each visit. NOTE: With this option, the band is not linked to your account so can only be used with the locker (no other features are available).
Phones and tablets can become too old to be able to support recent versions of the operating system. All apps have a "minimum version" of it they can run on. This keeps the app features current and your information secure. You can check if our app will still run on your device by visiting the app page in your phone/tablet app store:
Sadly, our devices do eventually reach an age where they can’t keep pace with the latest operating system releases. if you aren’t ready for a new phone or tablet, the same email and password you use for the app works on our booking web page. We try and retain compatibility as far as possible. Windows phones are the exception with too small a user-base to justify the development costs of providing an app.
It's a silicone wristband with a microchip in it that stores a unique code that identifies your membership.
At venues with automatic access gates and/or RFID enabled lockers:
You can collect a band from reception when you visit a venue with self-service access control gates and/or RFID enabled lockers - currently available at:
If you’re a Pay Monthly member you’ll get your first band free. If you need a replacement it costs £2
If you visit us on Pay As You Go basis, you can buy your own band for £2. Alternatively you can pay a £2 deposit, refunded when you return the band at the end of your visit. NOTE: returnable bands are not linked to your account so they can only be used to operate the lockers. The other features above require that you buy a band for £2
Cards and fobs have a single function - they let you access the venue. RFID bands have other benefits (above) and offer greater convenience.
RFID bands can be read quicker and from much further away than the barcode on your membership card/key fob. It doesn’t need line-of-sight so you’re less likely to experience difficulty scanning through access gates.
It's fully waterproof so you can swim with it too.
You can buy a new band for £2 or continue to use your membership card and coin operated lockers. If you let us know its lost, we’ll remove it from your account to ensure no-one else can access your personal information or activities you’ve paid for.
Yes, if you stop your membership or you’re simply not using your band, please hand it back at reception so we can reduce waste by recycling it
You can use your band at the access control gates and lockers in Glasgow Club Gorbals, Kelvin Hall, Scotstoun, and Tollcross.
All our gyms also have RFID enabled gym kit so you’ll be able tap your band to access your personal programme, monitor your progress and take part in challenges once you’ve set up a free MyWellness account. Any of our gym team can tell you more and assist you with this.
Members are allocated a band based on the type of membership they choose. This helps us identify younger members and those who maybe new to exercise and need some additional support when accessing activities. It also helps us ensure members are accessing sessions which are appropriate for them and are included in their choice of membership.
Yes, the bands are pure silicone and contain no latex so you can still wear one if you have a latex allergy.
We'll be sorry to see you go and please get in touch first if you think there might be something we can fix for you.
If you have a venue membership paid by monthly direct debit you can simply cancel your Direct Debit instruction to pay "Culture & Sport Glasgow" with your bank (usually possible in a banking app or by phone) at least 5 working days before the next payment is due (7th of each month). You will have access to all the benefits of your membership, up to and including the 5th of the next month and no further payments will be requested. See our updated membership terms for details.
If you have an online-only membership you can visit https://glasgowclub.online and log into your online fitness membership, then under Billing click View or Cancel plans where you'll see a link to cancel any paid membership plan. You'll be asked for a cancellation reason (this feedback helps us keep improving) and have the option to end immediately or retain access until the end of the period you've paid for (usually up to the end of the month or any trial period).
For a few years before the pandemic we ran a loyalty scheme that recognised members who had stayed with us for five years or more. Sadly the majority of the businesses who offered platinum members a discount have folded in the past 18 months and most other services which attracted a discount are no longer available.
We were spending a good deal of time pursuing new offers and discounts, and checking existing ones remained valid. We were also having to issue new plastic cards on a regular basis which takes it's toll on the environment as well as our customer service team's limited time.
With income having been hit so hard and resources overstretched, we're sorry to say we're saying goodbye to the Platinum scheme. It doesn't mean we love our members any less - we're putting our thinking caps on to look at the best way forward with rewards and loyalty in the hope we can come up with something that's both sustainable and exciting.
We have a concession discount that reduces the price of monthly membership and Pay As You Go activities. If you think you meet the eligibility criteria first sign-up for any of our monthly memberships or register for Pay As You Go
Once this is done you can choose to either:
ActivClub membership includes:
Any activity not included can be paid for when you book.
You can compare all our Glasgow Club membership plans to find what's right for you.
In 2020 we launched online fitness and you can now sign up for an online-only membership which might be helpful if it’s not the right time for you to come back in person, or your preferred venue isn’t open.
This remains available and will also continue to be included as part of your venue membership subscription.
For online-only workouts visit Glasgow Club Online to sign up or you canrequest access at no extra charge as a paying Glasgow Club member.
We're keen to see as many annual lump sum payers as possible move to a flexible monthly plan.
Servicing things like reinstatement, cancellation, freezing and 'unfreezing' of memberships has always occupied the majority of our customer service team’s time, and this takes even longer for annual subscriptions, so last year, we made a number of changes. We removed the 12-month minimum-term contract needed to access FitClub membership at just £27 per month, making it our best value membership, with no long-term commitment. We also changed terms and conditions to put the customer in control of their payments.
To stop a membership, whether permanently, or just for a month or two, it's now as simple as cancelling the direct debit instruction with your bank and rejoining again when you're ready. Like most other subscriptions these days there is now no contract, no credit agreement, no risk and no pursuing payment of unpaid membership fees – just a simple monthly payment you can stop and start for yourself.
Annual payers always represented a small, and ever reducing proportion of our members. Payment up-front for a whole year was based on activities and services available at the time, and just like our personal circumstances, we all know these things have been (and remain) subject to considerable change.
The increased flexibility we've introduced has therefore substantially reduced waiting time for customers seeking help with their membership and access to services we provide. This has been vital as we face operating in challenging and unpredictable times. Allowing more transactions to be completed through “self-service” enables us to continue helping those with complex enquiries and needs. Unfortunately annual memberships don't lend themselves well to this approach.
Opening hours vary from venue to venue.
By checking our mobile app or booking website you can see the times your chosen activities are available, and you can book into the sessions which suit you best.
YES!!!
You can compare our membership plans and sign up from home for a monthly plan or Pay As You Go.
We’ve simplified membership terms so you can just cancel your direct debit with your bank and re-subscribe when you’re ready.
If you stop your membership this way and return within 6-months, you’ll pay no admin fee and we’ll honour your current membership price. To take advantage of this, when you come to re-join you need to speak to our customer service team by emailing glasgow.club@glasgowlife.org.uk
Please note:
Yes, if a carer is there to make your visit possible, there's no charge for them and no need to book - just visit reception. We do advise checking our app for swimming times to avoid disappointment.
If however, a carer wants to swim for their own enjoyment, NOTE: anyone in receipt of carer's allowance, can apply for a concession discount
If you have any specific queries or concerns about visiting with the support of a carer or about your needs during your visit, you're welcome to phone the relevant venue to to discuss this in advance:
Yes - we've published info on how to make bookings and its a great help if you can book and pay in advance but we understand that for some activities and for customers without access to the Glasgow Club app or online booking, it makes more sense to phone venues to book, pay, and make enquiries.
We will provide regular updates through our social media channels as well as on the Glasgow Life website.
As a charity, Glasgow Life is hugely grateful for the support it has received during the coronavirus pandemic, which has helped us to continue vital work in communities across the city during the most challenging of times. You can continue to help us by donating here.