 Overview
In the heart of the city (well near enough) not far from the train station and in the middle of the University campus sits the University Gym for Exeter Uni Sports park, not an exclusive for students but giving access to public this set of fantastic facilities is not to be overlooked. Built as part of a much larger sports complex for the university the campus itself for those looking to use it as a gym has a rather higgledy piggldey layout, going in and then upstairs to the main gym area. This area posts the cardio equipment a selection of cable equipment and then some free weights. Moving on and down round some more stairs cunningly hidden, you can then find your way down to the weight room. Boasting a second set of free weights, plate machines, a powerlifting area and more this section can feel a bit more oppressive for a casual gym goer but given the large physical split this is quite a good layout. Starting with the equipment in the weights room, there are a full set of dumbells with two of each weight going up to 50kg and some going a bit higher which is rare! There are then 2 large deadlift pads with a chalk bowl for all to use which made me very happy, multiple flat benches, plate press machines, 4 squat racks with further deadlift pads and more! As a weights area it really was well equipped with lots of toys to play with and ample mirrors to use and despite the volume of equipment the room itself was niece and large which meant it didn’t feel too cramped up or people on top of you. Clearly the weights room is setup to support the higher level sporting excellence that the uni has with rugby players and other sports. As I went out of term time this wasn't so bad but as a caution I imagine this could get a bit hectic and loud. Upstairs for weights you have a selection of cable machines setup around the edge of the floor and then a second dumbell set not going as high but still going up past the normal 10kg of the small stacks, with more free benches up here doing certain volume exercises or super sets if the weights work for you was pretty good. But if you want to super set something between kit in the weights room or a cable machine and a heavy dumbell you are out of luck with moving things around a lot. The cable kit is pretty standard and includes one of the most expected machines with chest press, cable cross over (another downstairs again which is a nice touch) and in the middle of the room is a synergy 360 with boxes. The cardio equipment is pretty new bits, with plenty of apps for those doing cardio including netflix which I found impossible to log into which wasn't ideal. But with wifi available and a good selection those looking to get their cardio done here should be pretty happy. Other bits of note are the synergy which I hadn't seen in a university gym before along with ample other facilities in the building including pools, squash courts, tennis courts, a cricket centre and general sports halls for other classes. As far as university gyms goes it is clear that Exeter takes is sports seriously, with plenty of equipment, lots of space and some serious kit for heavy lifters to get their teeth into you can have a really good session here and given the location I really do think this gym is worth a look! How busy? I went out of term time and it was pretty dead which was nice. I can well imagine that given the equipment and the appeal this could be incredibly busy with students, though feedback from friends would be that the mornings are still pretty good with evenings being almost unusable in term times. Equipment Free weights area 3 squat racks (3with deadlift platforms) 4 deadlift platforms with chalk 2 flat bench, 1 incline, 1 decline 8 free benches Dumbells up to 60kg Set of plate machines including Chest Row Shoulder press Cable machines including Low row Cable cross over x3 Facilities Indoor Tennis courts Outdoor Tennis courts Badminton courts Squash courts Indoor Pool Heated Outdoor Pool Changing/showers Studios (inc spin) Free weights area Weights machines Cable machines Cardio area Synergy 360 Pricing Students rejoice! £24 a month! What a steal for this kit totally worth it! For the public a bit more, coming in at £32 a month or a single month pay as you go for £66 which is worth while. If you want everything again a bit more at £37 but given the extra cost for something like a David Lloyd tennis membership this is an amazing price. The downside here is I wasn’t able to find a good guest pass process for the place or a price for it! Other bits Wifi is incredibly slow and tricky You are not going to want to be driving/trying to park here particularly as the roads/traffic can be a bit narly There is a staff membership as well! Doesn’t open until 7am! Which I appreciate as its mainly students….. We were all young once.. http://sport.exeter.ac.uk/facilities/virtualtour/ http://sport.exeter.ac.uk/healthandfitness/russellseal/ http://sport.exeter.ac.uk/join/membership/
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