UC
REVIEW: SUSSEX UNIVERSITY GYM
Two gyms for the price of one!
The gym at Sussex University - called Sussex Sport - is more than just a gym. It's two. Yes, that's right, two. For the price of one. And what they offer is great value for money (click here to see the latest prices). There is a reason Sussex Sport is currently ranked as UNICISE's number two gym. Read the following review to find out why!
The two gyms go by different names and offer varying facilities. The first is the Sports Centre, which is located at the southern entrance of Sussex campus, and the second is the Sports Complex, which is located at the A23 road entrance of Sussex campus. Each gym consists of different equipment which are suited to all kinds of fitness goals and needs, from sports courts, to gym classes and standard gym going.
The Sports Centre is the smallest of the two gyms and thus contains the least equipment. Here you will find cross trainers, spin bikes, cardio bikes, rowers, a small selection of dumbbells, two multi-stack stations, a small selection of weight machines and a small stretching area, which contains foam rollers, medicine balls and foam mats.
THE SPORTS CENTRE
If you are looking for a heavy weight-based workout then the Sports Centre is not for you. Both the selection of dumbbells and weight machines are extremely limited. Yes, whilst it is still possible to have an effective work out with these you
will find greater equipment at the Sports Complex. That being said, the machines and multi-stack stations are of the highest quality and perform well. Furthermore, as it is only a small gym, you will find that you will have to wait to use the equipment during peak hours.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a good cardio-based workout then the Sports Centre will suit your needs. However, please note that there is an absence of treadmills here. So if you are looking to go running you will have to head over to the Sports Complex. Despite this, the other cardio equipment is of the highest quality. The spin bikes are regularly replaced every year and the cross trainers, cardio bikes and rowers are often replaced every two or three years. Furthermore, there are enough cardio machines so that you shouldn't have to wait to use them during peak hours.
The stretching area is extremely small and you may find that you will need to wait to use the mats during peak hours. Despite this, you will find everything you need for stretching in this area. From foam rollers, to a variety of stretching poles and different weighted medicine balls. However, there are no mirrors in the Sports Centre gym, which means that perfecting a particular stretch may be tricky.
THE SPORTS COMPLEX
The Sports Complex contains everything you need to have an effective, safe and efficient workout, both in terms of cardio and weight training. It is split into four rooms, one for cardio and three for weight training and stretching. It has everything you could imagine a fully-stocked gym to have! From various selection of dumbbells, various machines, treadmills, cross trainers, squat racks and even monkey bars! There is so much equipment that you will not be dissapointed. That being said, it gets extremely busy during peak hours and you will find yourself waiting to use some of the equipment.
In terms of weight training, there are over ten bench and squat racks, two selections of dumbbells which go up to 40kgs, four multi-stack stations and ten weight machines. For every muscle you wish to train, you will find the necessary equipment at the Sports Complex. The equipment is replaced every two to three years or is replaced as quickly as possible if it breaks or becomes unsafe to use.
For cardio-based workouts you will find everything you need at the Sports Complex. There are a high number of treadmills, cross trainers, spin bikes and cardio bikes. Despite this, during peak hours you may still find yourself waiting to use these machines. However, they are of the highest quality and are often replaced every two to three years or as quickly as possible if they break or become unsafe to use.
The stretching area is fairly large and you will more often than not be able to find a space to stretch during peak hours. It contains foam rollers, a variety of stretching polls, different weighted medicine balls, bouncy balls and abdominal rollers. There are plenty of mirrors for you to perfect a particular stretch or exercise.
EXERCISE CLASSES
In our opinion, the classes are the best part of Sussex Sport. There are a wide variety of classes which run six days a week. From cardio-based classes such as spinning, to weight-based classes such as HIIT training, to cardio-weight-based classes such as circuit training and stretching classes such as yoga and flexibility. Whatever your fitness goals, you will find a class to suit you at Sussex Sport.
All the classes are taught by professionals and aim to give you the most effective work-out possible. Plus, no matter your fitness level, all classes happily accept and encourage beginners to come along to join in. They are fun and a great way to
A downside to the classes is that, during term time, they are in a very high demand and become booked up very quickly. You will find yourself having to book up to two weeks in advance, which as shown above, is only a benefit that gold members can enjoy. You may not be able to book classes at all during term time if you have a Silver or Active US membership as they will already be full before you are able to book them.
meet like-minded people, whilst at the same
time meeting your fitness goals. All of the trainers are welcoming and do not judge you based on your fitness level.
Another downside to the classes is that they are often run in the gym areas in both the Sports Centre and Sports Complex. This means, for example, you will not be able to use certain equipment whilst a class is running. This can get frustrating during peak hours and results in over-crowding of the equipment not being used in a class.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PRICES
The reason Sussex Sport is UNICISE's number two student gym in Brighton is because of its high level of quality compared to it's relatively low price. You get two gyms for the price of one. Both gyms have plenty of equipment which is replaced every few years. The quality of the classes are outstanding as each class is taught by a professional and is run to the highest standard.
Unfortunately Sussex Sport does not contain a spa. Furthermore, its shower facilities and overall design are a little outdated - it definitely could use a refurbishment! But, at the end of the day, if you don't care about any of these things and just want a gym to use, then Sussex Sport is the place for you. If you are looking for a more modern gym with spa facilities, then you may want to give this one a miss.