Washington Leisure Centre

There are a handful of places left for all classes tonight! 5.30pm Zumba, few bikes remaining for Group Cycling 6.30pm and 6.30pm Bodypump as well as 7.30pm Aqua Book now!

There is only 1 place left for our Small Group Training taster session this Sunday at 11.00am. This is a 6 week course that starts Oct 14th 11.00am Sign up on the day you will recieve a 10% discount 😀 (£39.00 members and £45.00 non members)

Kick start your Tuesday morning early with 6.35am Group Cycling (limited bikes left) 10.00am legs,bums and tums 11.00am Aqua 5.30pm Group Cycling 5.30pm and 6.30pm Yoga 7.35pm Metafit Do not forget to book to ensure you have reserved your place.

Personal trainers create a specific workout plan just for you based on what you want to achieve. ... A professional trainer teaches you the proper way to perform each exercise movement in your routine. ... Will motivate you ... will offer/show you a variety of exercises. All this and more from having a 30min or a 1hour session with a Personal Trainer. Are you wanting to have a Personal Trainer session but scared or worried that it would be to hard?... Then why not book a FREE 30min session and find out for yourself what a PT session entails. Do this now, as the saying goes there is NO harm in trying! #EAPT
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#mondaymotivation

Spaces are going fast for tonight's classes 5.30pm Legs,bums & tums 6.00pm Circuits, 6.30pm Pilates and 7.30pm Bodypump Book now and dont forget you can now book uptill 5mins before start of class 😀

However old you are, a balanced exercise regime is vital.Here is why you should still be lifting weight whether youre 25 or 65 https://www.everyoneactive.com/…/benefi ts-lifting-weights-…/

FREE 30 minute sessions are available with any of our 4 Personal Trainers, ask next time you are in the gym for more details or call the centre on 03330 050 154 #EAPT

How have you found the press up challenge #30DayChallenge if you would like to continue working your upperbody,with our varied,muscle defining training plan https://profile.everyoneactive.com/traini ng-plans/11

*Customer Notice* Dont forget that Sunday 30th September 10.00am Group Cycling will be ran as Virtual due to instructor working the BIG WALK!

Sunday 30th September and Sunday 7th October 10.00am Zumba and 11.00am Clubbercise are both cancelled Sorry for any inconvenience

Customer notice...due to unforeseen circumstances our flumes will not be in operation this evening. Pools are open as usual. Aploogies for any inconveniance caused.

Friday fit tip

If anyone would still like to come along for 6.30pm Group Cycling class we will run a virtual instead

Date and time: Sunday 4th November 2018 09:00-15:45 Venue: Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis & Wellness Centre. This is a ticketed event where members and non-members can book/pay for a ticket and find out more information through Eventbrite see link http://bit.ly/2LWrLW3

First class of the day 9.30am Group Cycling (few bikes left) 11.00am Aqua: Boxercise 5.30pm: second Group Cycling class at 6.30pm or Bootcamp and then time to glow in Clubbercise 7.30pm

Well I have to disagree with these negative comments. I’ve just started using the centre and I think it’s great. It offers a heck of a lot more than other centres I’ve been to and it’s reasonably priced. It’s cleaner than a private bannatynes I used to go to.

Visited this leisure centre last week and found the staff very polite and the facilities up to date and very hygienic. The staff in the leisure centre cafe were very friendly and polite with the added bonus of a play area for my grandson. Will be returning to the pool in the school holidays as my grandson thoroughly enjoyed the slide which was well supervised by the pool attendants.

The 5 Star rating is for the gym.

Pam and her team have created an amazing environment for people to obtain their goals from weight loss to fitness and muscle building.

The first thing you notice when you enter the gym is the friendly atmosphere and just how nice and clean the place is kept. The regulars have always got a smile on their faces and a cheeky comment, but always in good fun and it’s what gives the place it’s fabulous atmosphere.

I personally highly recommend the gym, and the Personal Trainers are a really friendly bunch and are always happy to help.

Thankyou to washington lesuire centre for the donations towards our easter raffle at usworth colliery nursery school. It is much appreciated and promotes a healthy lifestyle to our children. A big thankyou from the whole school team!!

Thankyou so much to all the coaches at the Washington leisure centre for helping make Peter Browns summer time so fun and special. I can only highly praise all the coaches (especially Katie and Mandy) for being absolutely brilliant (and patient!) with Peter. He loved sports camp! Thankyou all again. Nothing but an absolutely positive experience all round. ����

On behalf of Washington Forge Rotary Club I would like to express our appreciation to the management and staff of the Leisure Centre for the excellent support and co-operation during our annual Swimathon yesterday. A great effort by all of the swimmers - all to raise funds for the Sunderland Autism Outreach Team and other local good causes. Thank you.

Me and my daughter have been going to the leisure centre the last few weeks for the roller skating, brilliant atmosphere,we've enjoyed it that much we now have our own skates! Highly recommend! �

Joined the gym this week couldn't be more helpful - great service :-)

I took my little boy to his first football session last night and he loved it. I was a bit worried about him just wanting to run around and not listening to the instructor with his being so young (2 year old) but the instructor said if he wanted to run round kicking the football that was absolutely fine as long as he was enjoying himself. By the end of the session he was even joining the other children sitting down talking to the instructor. We will definitely be returning �

I love working out here and there’s always a friendly face to give you advice. It’s a really good environment to get you motivated to work out.

I go to most of the circuit training classes when I can with my daughter, always have a great time,the staff are very nice and helpful, had one member of staff very kindly asked me if I was ok after I hadn't been to classes for 2 weeks with being on holiday and using stomach muscles I forgot I had,I was in a bit of pain,it was lovely that he was concerned about me. Thank you.xx

Great gym as well as proving amazing facilities and classes that have such a lovely atmosphere and motivating spirit, would definitely recommend!

First visit tuesday with the 3 grandaughters and found it was great for what we need had a baby pool for the youngest who's learning to swim. Slides for the eldest who loved it and the pool was great, a tad cold but it is February guys.. that's north haven ditched and joining us all for this one. And if you don't wanna travel or have an issue ...use another one.... I for one give it a high five�

Been going to this gym for over a year now staff all helpful and facilities are brill. The gym has everything needed great cardio machines as well as weight machines. The gym staff are always there to help if needed and keep the gym looking spotless and clean. The swimming facilities are great and are fab to go to after a long gym session especially with the steam and sauna room which is great for recovery. Reception staff are lovely too and cope good over pressure as it can get very busy at times.

Been a member of this gym since the new year and its the best thing ive ever done. The gym is always clean and the equipment is easy to use. The exercise classes are fantastic, varied and come included in my membership. The online booking is so quick and easy to use. Parking is a bit of a mare sometimes but theres plenty other parking available a short walk away.

I can see there is a lot of negative comments about WLC however my children love there swimming lessons. Heather and Tim are great at what they do and most importantly my children enjoy it. I also have a full membership for gym and swim and I never find anything a problem. I can always swim lengths even when lessons are in place and I go to the gym either early mornings or evenings and again never had any issues.

My only negative is the parking. Many times I have had to park at the bowling ally and walk round. But this is not a major issue. I would recommend WLC to anyone. It has all the right equipment and you don't get pestered by staff which I got a lot at JD Gym.

How cold though!!! I was really excited to go as I am 9 months pregnant and had to give up exercise classes so thought swimming was a good alternative however was so cold had to get out earlier that I had planned.

Think it's ridiculous to have to pay the full membership fee of £36 a month to then have to pay extra for activities. Even worse when you have to pay £2 for a USED shuttle for badminton aswell as £1.50 for a unsuitable racket.

Shocking state considering the place has only been open since may 2015'. Bike shelter outside vandalised also sofa in reception deliberately damaged.

Shoes frequently worn in changing and pool area.

Dirty changing rooms people leave nappys and food in them .

Management seem to have no authority to manage standards of hygiene .

Pool stinks of unwashed people and overpowering nasty perfume . I had to leave after swimming only eight lengths a few days ago as I could not stand the horrible smell . Minging bloke having a shave in the sauna yuk !!

Litter left in showers

Shame really as could be a really nice place . Hygiene management required.

Shocking ! Bought goggles for my son at reception £15 acidently left them in showers rang up next day to be told they throw away everything that's left due to cross contamination only on this page wlc says it's self has a lost and found in centre so what's up with that and then to have comments removed when asked about it no reply just deleted !! �� Only wanted to know why keep some things but not others ?

My grandsons 6th birthday party was held here on Sunday 16th October. It was a football themed party for 18 children. To start with they double booked which meant our party only had 1 hour football instead of 90 minutes. The very young girl who supervised the football was totally out of her depth and the children were bored. The room for the food was a meeting room and all of the meeting paraphernalia was left out. There were 3 tables but only one table cloth so we had to run to Sainsbury's to buy some. The food bags contained one filled roll a packet of crisps and a small chocolate bar. Again we had to supplement. All in all a poor experience never to be repeated and I would never recommend this place for a child's party. Oh and one of the receptionists was rude!

Joined a few month back in March> I have given it what I consider a fair trial I used to swim 30 lengths at least 3 times a week at my old club here I am lucky if I manage 60 a month. It is so child and profit orientated its hard to believe it is actually a public pool. My big regret is paying up front for the year The water is cold to the point of creating real problems and pain that is when you can actually get to swim. Yesterdays visit was a nightmare I had to wait for 5mins to get a cubicle to change in and they were filthy. The pool was so full and also lessons on it would have been impossible to swim. I went for a sauna instead when I came out and went for a shower the 3 showers available and the cubicles opposite were all being used and about 4 families waiting to use them. 3 showers for all those families ??? not surprised the place is always crowded. Today was the final straw I arrived for a swim eventually got a parking space only to find a queue of about 20 + waiting at the front desk to even get in and both pools already at bursting point. This is to stressful apart from wasting time and money to get there. Surely even 30 minute adult only time slots would give changing rooms time to empty and staff a chance to tidy them up. Aged 70

I was there yesterday morning with my sister daughter and neice and nephew we quite happily went in small pool as my daughter can't swim well and after about 20 mins we got told the small pool was closed I wasn't happy about that as we all had to go in big pool which was packed if reception had mentioned that the small pool was going to be closed would have arranged something else

As an organisation they have no standards. The building is invariably dirty, it is a running joke amongst members what is broken this week. This week it is the sound system in the spinning room, third session this week not working properly.

Today I attended a party with a inflatable course in the pool. It was a disgrace from start to finish the kids were playing on the inflatable when it started to deflate which caused panic as kids could have suffocated. The 3 lifeguards if that's what you could call them just stood there like they didn't have a clue. At this point my friend who was distraught and very upset and approached a female lifeguard who needs training in customer service as her attitude was appalling towards the events that happened. Then a young guest started to lose his breathe in the deep end and again the lifeguards just looked and did nothing until I started to shout all 3 obviously need training I nearly had to jump in. All the young boy was given was a rope surely the lifeguard is trained to jump in again disgusting attitude from the girl I even heard her talking to her colleague using foul language about my friend. My friend is now left out of pocket for what I can only say was absolute carnage. Each member of staff involved today need training in both health and safety and customer service. All of the events that happened today is on cctv so hopefully the necessary training will be done. I'm very disappointed with the 3 lifeguards and also the so called manager and will be taking the matters further!!!

This place is getting worse by the week. Summer time Cafe hours are reduced from closing at 7pm to 6pm....that is if the staff don't decide to shut up shop 20 minutes early!

Terrible today, went swimming for the first time here and they cut our time short by 15 minutes to blow up an inflatable thing for a party, disgrace

Our kids attend swim lessons here, the pool and building itself are lovely. The swim instructors are also pleasant- apart from the odd few. The reception staff however leave alot to be desired. Never seem to have a clue when asking anything. Our daughter moved up a stage today and I asked to buy the certificate for her - expecting it to be filled in like it is in other centres. It was passed over blank not even an effort made to complete it- think they need to invest in either some better staff or better training if they want to keep their customers happy. Could also do with sending reminder emails or text messages regarding renewing swim lessons for those who don't pay by direct debit as this is also a service that they lack compares to other everyone active centres.

My daughter signed up for the Children's Gymnastics. Really excited, she has been coached/instructed by a worker who has no patience with the children, shouts at them and basically looks like she doesn't want to be there. Even mouthing obscenities at other people (which didn't go un-noticed)



Not only that, but the actual sessions themselves are pathetic. A 45 minutes warm up and one turn on the balance beam. Not really inspiring children to get into Gymnastics.



Please do not sign up for these classes. Look around for somewhere that actually does Gymnastics and for an instructor who actually wants to enjoy themselves and teach actual gymnastics!!



An absolute shambles.

Moved to Washington recently so brought my daughter over from everyone active in Hetton which is fab. She had been in preschool stage 2 but is now old enough for proper stage 2. They recommended trying stage 1 first as she had a few weeks off due to having grommets fitted. I asked about moving up after 8 weeks of no progress and they said she wasn’t ready yet. I found this confusing because on the list of what she should be able to do, I knew she could easily do all of it. Went back to Hetton and within 1 week she was moved up to stage 2 without me even asking. Also the pool is very very noisy with all the parents standing around which I think if off putting for small kids. People go into the changing rooms with shoes on and ignore the blue bags provided yet staff say nothing. It’s much scruffier than Hetton despite being the same company. The viewing/seating area is tiny and some of the staff on reception can be a little bit rude.

Last week After been in the pool a good half hour and my girls enjoying the slides, the life guards changed and the young blond life guard banned my daughter for using it for being 7 not 8?? But at the bottom was a height chart that she was about 5/6 inches over, my daughter sobbed and sobbed, I challenged and said but she’s over the limit she said sorry my rules, I spoke to two more lifeguards who said yeah sure she can go on, but at the top the blonde lifeguard said nope I’ve made my mind up??? Is it age or height?? Confused angry mother, I will be returning as I’ve got swimming passes and we normally love it

Just signed my son up for the gym booked induction in my son has turned up but no teacher think this is so wrong quick to take my money but not to help my son out

It is the most vile and horrific place I have ever been. The staff are nothing short of rude and obnoxious, especially the reception staff! All of which have a bad attitude! I have been taking my girls swimming for about a year now because of convenience and it never gets any better. The place is filthy. The changing rooms are disgusting, they are never regularly checked and I have not seen them cleaned once. On my latest visit (25.8.17) I had a member of reception be totally rude, a fitness team member scream like a banshee at me across the room because I walked through the barrier instead of the turnstile (a disgusting way to speak to anyone let alone a customer) there was wet swim nappies on the floor when I first went in the changing rooms. I took my girl to the toilet (also filthy) wet toilet roll on the floor in each cubicle and the entire floor soaked. When going back into the changing room to get dry I pulled the baby change down to dry my 1year old and 3 wet urine soaked nappies on the tray. Bins are totally sticky with hairs stuck on and full to the top. I was there at 9.30am. Clearly hadn't been emptied from the day before. I would urge anyone not to use this leisure centre and go elsewhere if possible.

I've been a member of Washington for 15 years using the gym & classes. The staff have always been a tad temperamental however today I was stunned the way I was spoke to by 1 of the reception staff who offered to help me erm that'll be once she's finished putting her lippy on in the mirror!! Hmmm I dare say it might be time for a new gym!!

I wouldn't bother signing a child up for the swimming lessons unless Andy is there all the time, the cover changes each week with no consistency or clue what the kids are doing, when asking the staff on the desk who are the actual instructors you're met with disdain for interupting their conversations. I mean imagine actually having to do your job, it must really be a novelty for them...... Going to look elsewhere for lessons for my daughter where she will actually learn to swim.

I have rated one star as I couldn’t rate 0.

My partner and I went swimming today with five children, aged one to eight. The receptionist, who responded as though we’d interrupted something much more important than her doing her job, asked us each child’s age. We paid and went to swim. After changing five small children we headed to the pool area and noticed the small pool was closed for swimming lessons, something the friendly receptionist could have mentioned to us before we’d interrupted her day. Two of the children were too small to reach the floor and the youngest was shivering after 10 minutes. A third of the big pool was closed for swimming lessons so the space left was rather crowded.

All in all this was not a pleasant swimming experience. We won’t be visiting again and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Firstly, my daughter had her mermaid flippers in the pool for 30 minutes, then a woman in a black skirt and top (who was sitting on a life guard seat) who supposedly was a life guard came over and said she wasn't allowed it in the pool. Fair enough! Until a beany water ball gets thrown and just misses my face, don't mind once! But then twice, it hit my son on the head! Nothing gets said off the lifeguard thought..... won't be coming back, first time visit since it's renewed and the staff wernt helpful at all

Dear Washington leisure



I can not believe that a building that was only opened in 2015 is in such disrepair and filthy. As a local resident, I and others are your biggest cheering squad but I simply cannot stand by and say nothing any longer.

The place will not last another three years if you continue to manage it the way you do, currently it is filthy and everything is broken - shame on the management staff.

Whilst some staff are lovely I feel they are fighting a losing battle with a poorly managed building and colleagues who are not up to standard.

I beg you to do something about this building and service as I and others want this service to remain in Washington, however at present the future is bleak you ought to be ashamed of yourselves.



Yours

local resident

Came Saturday morning at 10am, I checked online before coming to check timetable. Paid at reception for 2 adults 1 child and baby(free but i did tell her there was a 10month old) then went to the changing room and got changed, to then walk out and see the baby pool was closed. Asked a life guard why and with an awful attitude said "did you not look at reception there is a poster" so we got redressed and went to the reception for a refund whilst there we saw no posters stating it was closed Saturday morning. And like I said I checked online before leaving the house. The receptionist did not apologise once for not letting us know (whilst I had my daughter in my arms) she 100% knew there was a baby. Ended up going to birtley baths and had a great time � will not be returning due to staff attitude.

Well I have to disagree with these negative comments. I’ve just started using the centre and I think it’s great. It offers a heck of a lot more than other centres I’ve been to and it’s reasonably priced. It’s cleaner than a private bannatynes I used to go to.

Visited this leisure centre last week and found the staff very polite and the facilities up to date and very hygienic. The staff in the leisure centre cafe were very friendly and polite with the added bonus of a play area for my grandson. Will be returning to the pool in the school holidays as my grandson thoroughly enjoyed the slide which was well supervised by the pool attendants.

The 5 Star rating is for the gym.

Pam and her team have created an amazing environment for people to obtain their goals from weight loss to fitness and muscle building.

The first thing you notice when you enter the gym is the friendly atmosphere and just how nice and clean the place is kept. The regulars have always got a smile on their faces and a cheeky comment, but always in good fun and it’s what gives the place it’s fabulous atmosphere.

I personally highly recommend the gym, and the Personal Trainers are a really friendly bunch and are always happy to help.

Thankyou to washington lesuire centre for the donations towards our easter raffle at usworth colliery nursery school. It is much appreciated and promotes a healthy lifestyle to our children. A big thankyou from the whole school team!!

Thankyou so much to all the coaches at the Washington leisure centre for helping make Peter Browns summer time so fun and special. I can only highly praise all the coaches (especially Katie and Mandy) for being absolutely brilliant (and patient!) with Peter. He loved sports camp! Thankyou all again. Nothing but an absolutely positive experience all round. ����

On behalf of Washington Forge Rotary Club I would like to express our appreciation to the management and staff of the Leisure Centre for the excellent support and co-operation during our annual Swimathon yesterday. A great effort by all of the swimmers - all to raise funds for the Sunderland Autism Outreach Team and other local good causes. Thank you.

Me and my daughter have been going to the leisure centre the last few weeks for the roller skating, brilliant atmosphere,we've enjoyed it that much we now have our own skates! Highly recommend! �

Joined the gym this week couldn't be more helpful - great service :-)

I took my little boy to his first football session last night and he loved it. I was a bit worried about him just wanting to run around and not listening to the instructor with his being so young (2 year old) but the instructor said if he wanted to run round kicking the football that was absolutely fine as long as he was enjoying himself. By the end of the session he was even joining the other children sitting down talking to the instructor. We will definitely be returning �

I love working out here and there’s always a friendly face to give you advice. It’s a really good environment to get you motivated to work out.

I go to most of the circuit training classes when I can with my daughter, always have a great time,the staff are very nice and helpful, had one member of staff very kindly asked me if I was ok after I hadn't been to classes for 2 weeks with being on holiday and using stomach muscles I forgot I had,I was in a bit of pain,it was lovely that he was concerned about me. Thank you.xx

Great gym as well as proving amazing facilities and classes that have such a lovely atmosphere and motivating spirit, would definitely recommend!

First visit tuesday with the 3 grandaughters and found it was great for what we need had a baby pool for the youngest who's learning to swim. Slides for the eldest who loved it and the pool was great, a tad cold but it is February guys.. that's north haven ditched and joining us all for this one. And if you don't wanna travel or have an issue ...use another one.... I for one give it a high five�

Been going to this gym for over a year now staff all helpful and facilities are brill. The gym has everything needed great cardio machines as well as weight machines. The gym staff are always there to help if needed and keep the gym looking spotless and clean. The swimming facilities are great and are fab to go to after a long gym session especially with the steam and sauna room which is great for recovery. Reception staff are lovely too and cope good over pressure as it can get very busy at times.

Been a member of this gym since the new year and its the best thing ive ever done. The gym is always clean and the equipment is easy to use. The exercise classes are fantastic, varied and come included in my membership. The online booking is so quick and easy to use. Parking is a bit of a mare sometimes but theres plenty other parking available a short walk away.

I can see there is a lot of negative comments about WLC however my children love there swimming lessons. Heather and Tim are great at what they do and most importantly my children enjoy it. I also have a full membership for gym and swim and I never find anything a problem. I can always swim lengths even when lessons are in place and I go to the gym either early mornings or evenings and again never had any issues.

My only negative is the parking. Many times I have had to park at the bowling ally and walk round. But this is not a major issue. I would recommend WLC to anyone. It has all the right equipment and you don't get pestered by staff which I got a lot at JD Gym.

How cold though!!! I was really excited to go as I am 9 months pregnant and had to give up exercise classes so thought swimming was a good alternative however was so cold had to get out earlier that I had planned.

Think it's ridiculous to have to pay the full membership fee of £36 a month to then have to pay extra for activities. Even worse when you have to pay £2 for a USED shuttle for badminton aswell as £1.50 for a unsuitable racket.

Shocking state considering the place has only been open since may 2015'. Bike shelter outside vandalised also sofa in reception deliberately damaged.

Shoes frequently worn in changing and pool area.

Dirty changing rooms people leave nappys and food in them .

Management seem to have no authority to manage standards of hygiene .

Pool stinks of unwashed people and overpowering nasty perfume . I had to leave after swimming only eight lengths a few days ago as I could not stand the horrible smell . Minging bloke having a shave in the sauna yuk !!

Litter left in showers

Shame really as could be a really nice place . Hygiene management required.

Shocking ! Bought goggles for my son at reception £15 acidently left them in showers rang up next day to be told they throw away everything that's left due to cross contamination only on this page wlc says it's self has a lost and found in centre so what's up with that and then to have comments removed when asked about it no reply just deleted !! �� Only wanted to know why keep some things but not others ?

My grandsons 6th birthday party was held here on Sunday 16th October. It was a football themed party for 18 children. To start with they double booked which meant our party only had 1 hour football instead of 90 minutes. The very young girl who supervised the football was totally out of her depth and the children were bored. The room for the food was a meeting room and all of the meeting paraphernalia was left out. There were 3 tables but only one table cloth so we had to run to Sainsbury's to buy some. The food bags contained one filled roll a packet of crisps and a small chocolate bar. Again we had to supplement. All in all a poor experience never to be repeated and I would never recommend this place for a child's party. Oh and one of the receptionists was rude!

Joined a few month back in March> I have given it what I consider a fair trial I used to swim 30 lengths at least 3 times a week at my old club here I am lucky if I manage 60 a month. It is so child and profit orientated its hard to believe it is actually a public pool. My big regret is paying up front for the year The water is cold to the point of creating real problems and pain that is when you can actually get to swim. Yesterdays visit was a nightmare I had to wait for 5mins to get a cubicle to change in and they were filthy. The pool was so full and also lessons on it would have been impossible to swim. I went for a sauna instead when I came out and went for a shower the 3 showers available and the cubicles opposite were all being used and about 4 families waiting to use them. 3 showers for all those families ??? not surprised the place is always crowded. Today was the final straw I arrived for a swim eventually got a parking space only to find a queue of about 20 + waiting at the front desk to even get in and both pools already at bursting point. This is to stressful apart from wasting time and money to get there. Surely even 30 minute adult only time slots would give changing rooms time to empty and staff a chance to tidy them up. Aged 70

I was there yesterday morning with my sister daughter and neice and nephew we quite happily went in small pool as my daughter can't swim well and after about 20 mins we got told the small pool was closed I wasn't happy about that as we all had to go in big pool which was packed if reception had mentioned that the small pool was going to be closed would have arranged something else

As an organisation they have no standards. The building is invariably dirty, it is a running joke amongst members what is broken this week. This week it is the sound system in the spinning room, third session this week not working properly.

Today I attended a party with a inflatable course in the pool. It was a disgrace from start to finish the kids were playing on the inflatable when it started to deflate which caused panic as kids could have suffocated. The 3 lifeguards if that's what you could call them just stood there like they didn't have a clue. At this point my friend who was distraught and very upset and approached a female lifeguard who needs training in customer service as her attitude was appalling towards the events that happened. Then a young guest started to lose his breathe in the deep end and again the lifeguards just looked and did nothing until I started to shout all 3 obviously need training I nearly had to jump in. All the young boy was given was a rope surely the lifeguard is trained to jump in again disgusting attitude from the girl I even heard her talking to her colleague using foul language about my friend. My friend is now left out of pocket for what I can only say was absolute carnage. Each member of staff involved today need training in both health and safety and customer service. All of the events that happened today is on cctv so hopefully the necessary training will be done. I'm very disappointed with the 3 lifeguards and also the so called manager and will be taking the matters further!!!

This place is getting worse by the week. Summer time Cafe hours are reduced from closing at 7pm to 6pm....that is if the staff don't decide to shut up shop 20 minutes early!

Terrible today, went swimming for the first time here and they cut our time short by 15 minutes to blow up an inflatable thing for a party, disgrace

Our kids attend swim lessons here, the pool and building itself are lovely. The swim instructors are also pleasant- apart from the odd few. The reception staff however leave alot to be desired. Never seem to have a clue when asking anything. Our daughter moved up a stage today and I asked to buy the certificate for her - expecting it to be filled in like it is in other centres. It was passed over blank not even an effort made to complete it- think they need to invest in either some better staff or better training if they want to keep their customers happy. Could also do with sending reminder emails or text messages regarding renewing swim lessons for those who don't pay by direct debit as this is also a service that they lack compares to other everyone active centres.

My daughter signed up for the Children's Gymnastics. Really excited, she has been coached/instructed by a worker who has no patience with the children, shouts at them and basically looks like she doesn't want to be there. Even mouthing obscenities at other people (which didn't go un-noticed)



Not only that, but the actual sessions themselves are pathetic. A 45 minutes warm up and one turn on the balance beam. Not really inspiring children to get into Gymnastics.



Please do not sign up for these classes. Look around for somewhere that actually does Gymnastics and for an instructor who actually wants to enjoy themselves and teach actual gymnastics!!



An absolute shambles.

Moved to Washington recently so brought my daughter over from everyone active in Hetton which is fab. She had been in preschool stage 2 but is now old enough for proper stage 2. They recommended trying stage 1 first as she had a few weeks off due to having grommets fitted. I asked about moving up after 8 weeks of no progress and they said she wasn’t ready yet. I found this confusing because on the list of what she should be able to do, I knew she could easily do all of it. Went back to Hetton and within 1 week she was moved up to stage 2 without me even asking. Also the pool is very very noisy with all the parents standing around which I think if off putting for small kids. People go into the changing rooms with shoes on and ignore the blue bags provided yet staff say nothing. It’s much scruffier than Hetton despite being the same company. The viewing/seating area is tiny and some of the staff on reception can be a little bit rude.

Last week After been in the pool a good half hour and my girls enjoying the slides, the life guards changed and the young blond life guard banned my daughter for using it for being 7 not 8?? But at the bottom was a height chart that she was about 5/6 inches over, my daughter sobbed and sobbed, I challenged and said but she’s over the limit she said sorry my rules, I spoke to two more lifeguards who said yeah sure she can go on, but at the top the blonde lifeguard said nope I’ve made my mind up??? Is it age or height?? Confused angry mother, I will be returning as I’ve got swimming passes and we normally love it

Just signed my son up for the gym booked induction in my son has turned up but no teacher think this is so wrong quick to take my money but not to help my son out

It is the most vile and horrific place I have ever been. The staff are nothing short of rude and obnoxious, especially the reception staff! All of which have a bad attitude! I have been taking my girls swimming for about a year now because of convenience and it never gets any better. The place is filthy. The changing rooms are disgusting, they are never regularly checked and I have not seen them cleaned once. On my latest visit (25.8.17) I had a member of reception be totally rude, a fitness team member scream like a banshee at me across the room because I walked through the barrier instead of the turnstile (a disgusting way to speak to anyone let alone a customer) there was wet swim nappies on the floor when I first went in the changing rooms. I took my girl to the toilet (also filthy) wet toilet roll on the floor in each cubicle and the entire floor soaked. When going back into the changing room to get dry I pulled the baby change down to dry my 1year old and 3 wet urine soaked nappies on the tray. Bins are totally sticky with hairs stuck on and full to the top. I was there at 9.30am. Clearly hadn't been emptied from the day before. I would urge anyone not to use this leisure centre and go elsewhere if possible.

I've been a member of Washington for 15 years using the gym & classes. The staff have always been a tad temperamental however today I was stunned the way I was spoke to by 1 of the reception staff who offered to help me erm that'll be once she's finished putting her lippy on in the mirror!! Hmmm I dare say it might be time for a new gym!!

I wouldn't bother signing a child up for the swimming lessons unless Andy is there all the time, the cover changes each week with no consistency or clue what the kids are doing, when asking the staff on the desk who are the actual instructors you're met with disdain for interupting their conversations. I mean imagine actually having to do your job, it must really be a novelty for them...... Going to look elsewhere for lessons for my daughter where she will actually learn to swim.

I have rated one star as I couldn’t rate 0.

My partner and I went swimming today with five children, aged one to eight. The receptionist, who responded as though we’d interrupted something much more important than her doing her job, asked us each child’s age. We paid and went to swim. After changing five small children we headed to the pool area and noticed the small pool was closed for swimming lessons, something the friendly receptionist could have mentioned to us before we’d interrupted her day. Two of the children were too small to reach the floor and the youngest was shivering after 10 minutes. A third of the big pool was closed for swimming lessons so the space left was rather crowded.

All in all this was not a pleasant swimming experience. We won’t be visiting again and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Firstly, my daughter had her mermaid flippers in the pool for 30 minutes, then a woman in a black skirt and top (who was sitting on a life guard seat) who supposedly was a life guard came over and said she wasn't allowed it in the pool. Fair enough! Until a beany water ball gets thrown and just misses my face, don't mind once! But then twice, it hit my son on the head! Nothing gets said off the lifeguard thought..... won't be coming back, first time visit since it's renewed and the staff wernt helpful at all

Dear Washington leisure



I can not believe that a building that was only opened in 2015 is in such disrepair and filthy. As a local resident, I and others are your biggest cheering squad but I simply cannot stand by and say nothing any longer.

The place will not last another three years if you continue to manage it the way you do, currently it is filthy and everything is broken - shame on the management staff.

Whilst some staff are lovely I feel they are fighting a losing battle with a poorly managed building and colleagues who are not up to standard.

I beg you to do something about this building and service as I and others want this service to remain in Washington, however at present the future is bleak you ought to be ashamed of yourselves.



Yours

local resident

Came Saturday morning at 10am, I checked online before coming to check timetable. Paid at reception for 2 adults 1 child and baby(free but i did tell her there was a 10month old) then went to the changing room and got changed, to then walk out and see the baby pool was closed. Asked a life guard why and with an awful attitude said "did you not look at reception there is a poster" so we got redressed and went to the reception for a refund whilst there we saw no posters stating it was closed Saturday morning. And like I said I checked online before leaving the house. The receptionist did not apologise once for not letting us know (whilst I had my daughter in my arms) she 100% knew there was a baby. Ended up going to birtley baths and had a great time � will not be returning due to staff attitude.

Well I have to disagree with these negative comments. I’ve just started using the centre and I think it’s great. It offers a heck of a lot more than other centres I’ve been to and it’s reasonably priced. It’s cleaner than a private bannatynes I used to go to.

Visited this leisure centre last week and found the staff very polite and the facilities up to date and very hygienic. The staff in the leisure centre cafe were very friendly and polite with the added bonus of a play area for my grandson. Will be returning to the pool in the school holidays as my grandson thoroughly enjoyed the slide which was well supervised by the pool attendants.

The 5 Star rating is for the gym.

Pam and her team have created an amazing environment for people to obtain their goals from weight loss to fitness and muscle building.

The first thing you notice when you enter the gym is the friendly atmosphere and just how nice and clean the place is kept. The regulars have always got a smile on their faces and a cheeky comment, but always in good fun and it’s what gives the place it’s fabulous atmosphere.

I personally highly recommend the gym, and the Personal Trainers are a really friendly bunch and are always happy to help.

Thankyou to washington lesuire centre for the donations towards our easter raffle at usworth colliery nursery school. It is much appreciated and promotes a healthy lifestyle to our children. A big thankyou from the whole school team!!

Thankyou so much to all the coaches at the Washington leisure centre for helping make Peter Browns summer time so fun and special. I can only highly praise all the coaches (especially Katie and Mandy) for being absolutely brilliant (and patient!) with Peter. He loved sports camp! Thankyou all again. Nothing but an absolutely positive experience all round. ����

On behalf of Washington Forge Rotary Club I would like to express our appreciation to the management and staff of the Leisure Centre for the excellent support and co-operation during our annual Swimathon yesterday. A great effort by all of the swimmers - all to raise funds for the Sunderland Autism Outreach Team and other local good causes. Thank you.

Me and my daughter have been going to the leisure centre the last few weeks for the roller skating, brilliant atmosphere,we've enjoyed it that much we now have our own skates! Highly recommend! �

Joined the gym this week couldn't be more helpful - great service :-)

I took my little boy to his first football session last night and he loved it. I was a bit worried about him just wanting to run around and not listening to the instructor with his being so young (2 year old) but the instructor said if he wanted to run round kicking the football that was absolutely fine as long as he was enjoying himself. By the end of the session he was even joining the other children sitting down talking to the instructor. We will definitely be returning �

I love working out here and there’s always a friendly face to give you advice. It’s a really good environment to get you motivated to work out.

I go to most of the circuit training classes when I can with my daughter, always have a great time,the staff are very nice and helpful, had one member of staff very kindly asked me if I was ok after I hadn't been to classes for 2 weeks with being on holiday and using stomach muscles I forgot I had,I was in a bit of pain,it was lovely that he was concerned about me. Thank you.xx

Great gym as well as proving amazing facilities and classes that have such a lovely atmosphere and motivating spirit, would definitely recommend!

First visit tuesday with the 3 grandaughters and found it was great for what we need had a baby pool for the youngest who's learning to swim. Slides for the eldest who loved it and the pool was great, a tad cold but it is February guys.. that's north haven ditched and joining us all for this one. And if you don't wanna travel or have an issue ...use another one.... I for one give it a high five�

Been going to this gym for over a year now staff all helpful and facilities are brill. The gym has everything needed great cardio machines as well as weight machines. The gym staff are always there to help if needed and keep the gym looking spotless and clean. The swimming facilities are great and are fab to go to after a long gym session especially with the steam and sauna room which is great for recovery. Reception staff are lovely too and cope good over pressure as it can get very busy at times.

Been a member of this gym since the new year and its the best thing ive ever done. The gym is always clean and the equipment is easy to use. The exercise classes are fantastic, varied and come included in my membership. The online booking is so quick and easy to use. Parking is a bit of a mare sometimes but theres plenty other parking available a short walk away.

I can see there is a lot of negative comments about WLC however my children love there swimming lessons. Heather and Tim are great at what they do and most importantly my children enjoy it. I also have a full membership for gym and swim and I never find anything a problem. I can always swim lengths even when lessons are in place and I go to the gym either early mornings or evenings and again never had any issues.

My only negative is the parking. Many times I have had to park at the bowling ally and walk round. But this is not a major issue. I would recommend WLC to anyone. It has all the right equipment and you don't get pestered by staff which I got a lot at JD Gym.

How cold though!!! I was really excited to go as I am 9 months pregnant and had to give up exercise classes so thought swimming was a good alternative however was so cold had to get out earlier that I had planned.

Think it's ridiculous to have to pay the full membership fee of £36 a month to then have to pay extra for activities. Even worse when you have to pay £2 for a USED shuttle for badminton aswell as £1.50 for a unsuitable racket.

Shocking state considering the place has only been open since may 2015'. Bike shelter outside vandalised also sofa in reception deliberately damaged.

Shoes frequently worn in changing and pool area.

Dirty changing rooms people leave nappys and food in them .

Management seem to have no authority to manage standards of hygiene .

Pool stinks of unwashed people and overpowering nasty perfume . I had to leave after swimming only eight lengths a few days ago as I could not stand the horrible smell . Minging bloke having a shave in the sauna yuk !!

Litter left in showers

Shame really as could be a really nice place . Hygiene management required.

Shocking ! Bought goggles for my son at reception £15 acidently left them in showers rang up next day to be told they throw away everything that's left due to cross contamination only on this page wlc says it's self has a lost and found in centre so what's up with that and then to have comments removed when asked about it no reply just deleted !! �� Only wanted to know why keep some things but not others ?

My grandsons 6th birthday party was held here on Sunday 16th October. It was a football themed party for 18 children. To start with they double booked which meant our party only had 1 hour football instead of 90 minutes. The very young girl who supervised the football was totally out of her depth and the children were bored. The room for the food was a meeting room and all of the meeting paraphernalia was left out. There were 3 tables but only one table cloth so we had to run to Sainsbury's to buy some. The food bags contained one filled roll a packet of crisps and a small chocolate bar. Again we had to supplement. All in all a poor experience never to be repeated and I would never recommend this place for a child's party. Oh and one of the receptionists was rude!

Joined a few month back in March> I have given it what I consider a fair trial I used to swim 30 lengths at least 3 times a week at my old club here I am lucky if I manage 60 a month. It is so child and profit orientated its hard to believe it is actually a public pool. My big regret is paying up front for the year The water is cold to the point of creating real problems and pain that is when you can actually get to swim. Yesterdays visit was a nightmare I had to wait for 5mins to get a cubicle to change in and they were filthy. The pool was so full and also lessons on it would have been impossible to swim. I went for a sauna instead when I came out and went for a shower the 3 showers available and the cubicles opposite were all being used and about 4 families waiting to use them. 3 showers for all those families ??? not surprised the place is always crowded. Today was the final straw I arrived for a swim eventually got a parking space only to find a queue of about 20 + waiting at the front desk to even get in and both pools already at bursting point. This is to stressful apart from wasting time and money to get there. Surely even 30 minute adult only time slots would give changing rooms time to empty and staff a chance to tidy them up. Aged 70

I was there yesterday morning with my sister daughter and neice and nephew we quite happily went in small pool as my daughter can't swim well and after about 20 mins we got told the small pool was closed I wasn't happy about that as we all had to go in big pool which was packed if reception had mentioned that the small pool was going to be closed would have arranged something else

As an organisation they have no standards. The building is invariably dirty, it is a running joke amongst members what is broken this week. This week it is the sound system in the spinning room, third session this week not working properly.

Today I attended a party with a inflatable course in the pool. It was a disgrace from start to finish the kids were playing on the inflatable when it started to deflate which caused panic as kids could have suffocated. The 3 lifeguards if that's what you could call them just stood there like they didn't have a clue. At this point my friend who was distraught and very upset and approached a female lifeguard who needs training in customer service as her attitude was appalling towards the events that happened. Then a young guest started to lose his breathe in the deep end and again the lifeguards just looked and did nothing until I started to shout all 3 obviously need training I nearly had to jump in. All the young boy was given was a rope surely the lifeguard is trained to jump in again disgusting attitude from the girl I even heard her talking to her colleague using foul language about my friend. My friend is now left out of pocket for what I can only say was absolute carnage. Each member of staff involved today need training in both health and safety and customer service. All of the events that happened today is on cctv so hopefully the necessary training will be done. I'm very disappointed with the 3 lifeguards and also the so called manager and will be taking the matters further!!!

This place is getting worse by the week. Summer time Cafe hours are reduced from closing at 7pm to 6pm....that is if the staff don't decide to shut up shop 20 minutes early!

Terrible today, went swimming for the first time here and they cut our time short by 15 minutes to blow up an inflatable thing for a party, disgrace

Our kids attend swim lessons here, the pool and building itself are lovely. The swim instructors are also pleasant- apart from the odd few. The reception staff however leave alot to be desired. Never seem to have a clue when asking anything. Our daughter moved up a stage today and I asked to buy the certificate for her - expecting it to be filled in like it is in other centres. It was passed over blank not even an effort made to complete it- think they need to invest in either some better staff or better training if they want to keep their customers happy. Could also do with sending reminder emails or text messages regarding renewing swim lessons for those who don't pay by direct debit as this is also a service that they lack compares to other everyone active centres.

My daughter signed up for the Children's Gymnastics. Really excited, she has been coached/instructed by a worker who has no patience with the children, shouts at them and basically looks like she doesn't want to be there. Even mouthing obscenities at other people (which didn't go un-noticed)



Not only that, but the actual sessions themselves are pathetic. A 45 minutes warm up and one turn on the balance beam. Not really inspiring children to get into Gymnastics.



Please do not sign up for these classes. Look around for somewhere that actually does Gymnastics and for an instructor who actually wants to enjoy themselves and teach actual gymnastics!!



An absolute shambles.

Moved to Washington recently so brought my daughter over from everyone active in Hetton which is fab. She had been in preschool stage 2 but is now old enough for proper stage 2. They recommended trying stage 1 first as she had a few weeks off due to having grommets fitted. I asked about moving up after 8 weeks of no progress and they said she wasn’t ready yet. I found this confusing because on the list of what she should be able to do, I knew she could easily do all of it. Went back to Hetton and within 1 week she was moved up to stage 2 without me even asking. Also the pool is very very noisy with all the parents standing around which I think if off putting for small kids. People go into the changing rooms with shoes on and ignore the blue bags provided yet staff say nothing. It’s much scruffier than Hetton despite being the same company. The viewing/seating area is tiny and some of the staff on reception can be a little bit rude.

Last week After been in the pool a good half hour and my girls enjoying the slides, the life guards changed and the young blond life guard banned my daughter for using it for being 7 not 8?? But at the bottom was a height chart that she was about 5/6 inches over, my daughter sobbed and sobbed, I challenged and said but she’s over the limit she said sorry my rules, I spoke to two more lifeguards who said yeah sure she can go on, but at the top the blonde lifeguard said nope I’ve made my mind up??? Is it age or height?? Confused angry mother, I will be returning as I’ve got swimming passes and we normally love it

Just signed my son up for the gym booked induction in my son has turned up but no teacher think this is so wrong quick to take my money but not to help my son out

It is the most vile and horrific place I have ever been. The staff are nothing short of rude and obnoxious, especially the reception staff! All of which have a bad attitude! I have been taking my girls swimming for about a year now because of convenience and it never gets any better. The place is filthy. The changing rooms are disgusting, they are never regularly checked and I have not seen them cleaned once. On my latest visit (25.8.17) I had a member of reception be totally rude, a fitness team member scream like a banshee at me across the room because I walked through the barrier instead of the turnstile (a disgusting way to speak to anyone let alone a customer) there was wet swim nappies on the floor when I first went in the changing rooms. I took my girl to the toilet (also filthy) wet toilet roll on the floor in each cubicle and the entire floor soaked. When going back into the changing room to get dry I pulled the baby change down to dry my 1year old and 3 wet urine soaked nappies on the tray. Bins are totally sticky with hairs stuck on and full to the top. I was there at 9.30am. Clearly hadn't been emptied from the day before. I would urge anyone not to use this leisure centre and go elsewhere if possible.

I've been a member of Washington for 15 years using the gym & classes. The staff have always been a tad temperamental however today I was stunned the way I was spoke to by 1 of the reception staff who offered to help me erm that'll be once she's finished putting her lippy on in the mirror!! Hmmm I dare say it might be time for a new gym!!

I wouldn't bother signing a child up for the swimming lessons unless Andy is there all the time, the cover changes each week with no consistency or clue what the kids are doing, when asking the staff on the desk who are the actual instructors you're met with disdain for interupting their conversations. I mean imagine actually having to do your job, it must really be a novelty for them...... Going to look elsewhere for lessons for my daughter where she will actually learn to swim.

I have rated one star as I couldn’t rate 0.

My partner and I went swimming today with five children, aged one to eight. The receptionist, who responded as though we’d interrupted something much more important than her doing her job, asked us each child’s age. We paid and went to swim. After changing five small children we headed to the pool area and noticed the small pool was closed for swimming lessons, something the friendly receptionist could have mentioned to us before we’d interrupted her day. Two of the children were too small to reach the floor and the youngest was shivering after 10 minutes. A third of the big pool was closed for swimming lessons so the space left was rather crowded.

All in all this was not a pleasant swimming experience. We won’t be visiting again and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Firstly, my daughter had her mermaid flippers in the pool for 30 minutes, then a woman in a black skirt and top (who was sitting on a life guard seat) who supposedly was a life guard came over and said she wasn't allowed it in the pool. Fair enough! Until a beany water ball gets thrown and just misses my face, don't mind once! But then twice, it hit my son on the head! Nothing gets said off the lifeguard thought..... won't be coming back, first time visit since it's renewed and the staff wernt helpful at all

Dear Washington leisure



I can not believe that a building that was only opened in 2015 is in such disrepair and filthy. As a local resident, I and others are your biggest cheering squad but I simply cannot stand by and say nothing any longer.

The place will not last another three years if you continue to manage it the way you do, currently it is filthy and everything is broken - shame on the management staff.

Whilst some staff are lovely I feel they are fighting a losing battle with a poorly managed building and colleagues who are not up to standard.

I beg you to do something about this building and service as I and others want this service to remain in Washington, however at present the future is bleak you ought to be ashamed of yourselves.



Yours

local resident

Came Saturday morning at 10am, I checked online before coming to check timetable. Paid at reception for 2 adults 1 child and baby(free but i did tell her there was a 10month old) then went to the changing room and got changed, to then walk out and see the baby pool was closed. Asked a life guard why and with an awful attitude said "did you not look at reception there is a poster" so we got redressed and went to the reception for a refund whilst there we saw no posters stating it was closed Saturday morning. And like I said I checked online before leaving the house. The receptionist did not apologise once for not letting us know (whilst I had my daughter in my arms) she 100% knew there was a baby. Ended up going to birtley baths and had a great time � will not be returning due to staff attitude.