New Faces, Fond Farewells, and a Look Ahead
2024 has been an incredibly busy year in the gym and studios at Ravelin Sports Centre! We’ve seen impressive growth in gym attendance, class participation, and overall engagement.
Gym Bookings: 296,700 made by 10,980 members and users
Class Bookings: 65,240 made by 4,042 members members and users
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support. While there have been some challenges along the way, we’ve worked together as a team to create a welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone.
As we look forward to an even better 2025, I’m excited to share some important updates and changes with you.
Karen Harris BA (Hons) CMgr MCMI
Health and Fitness Manager
1. Farewell to Giciana Pereira
After over 7 incredible years with us, Giciana Pereira, one of our amazing Zumba instructors, is moving on. Gi has led more than 500 fantastic classes and has been an integral part of the Sport and Recreation team. Her energy, passion, and enthusiasm have left a lasting impact on staff and members alike. From all of us at Ravelin Sports Centre, we wish her the very best for the future!
2. Welcome to Our New Health and Fitness Coordinator
Back in August, we said goodbye to Egle, our Health and Fitness Coordinator, as she pursued new career opportunities. Despite our efforts, it has taken some time to find the right replacement — but the wait is over! We’re thrilled to welcome April Yeates to the Health and Fitness Team. April is taking on this challenging role with enthusiasm and dedication. Over the coming months, she’ll be connecting with members and instructors as she works to develop an even better programme for everyone.
3. Clarifying Gym Booking Policies
To ensure fairness and availability for all members, we want to clarify our gym booking policies, especially during peak periods like the start of term in January.
We ask all members to book the correct session time in advance through the app to guarantee entry. If the gym is fully booked, members without a valid booking will not be allowed entry. To accommodate potential no-shows, we’ve increased the booking capacity to 150, acknowledging that some members may not attend or may still be transitioning between changing rooms and the gym.
We also encourage members to cancel bookings they don’t plan to attend. This helps free up space for others and ensures the gym can accommodate as many members as possible.
Finally, we request that members leave promptly at the end of their session to make room for those with bookings following them. By following these simple steps, we can create a seamless and equitable experience for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation!
4. FitBounce Updates – January 2025
FitBounce, a unique discipline included in our Core membership, requires specialist equipment and instruction. We’ve invested in new trampolines, but some older ones need to be decommissioned. Starting in January, FitBounce classes will be limited to 14 participants per session. Michaela, our amazing and only qualified FitBounce instructor, will continue to lead these classes. However, her availability has changed, resulting in a revised schedule:
New FitBounce Class Times:
- Wednesday: 1.05-1.50pm
- Friday: 4.45-5.30pm
- Saturday: 12.45-1.30pm
Please note that when Michaela is unavailable, FitBounce sessions will be removed. We're looking forward to seeing you at one of these classes in the new year but please don’t forget to reserve your spot early to avoid disappointment!
Fitbounce
Giciana Pereira
Gym
5. Class and Instructor Changes
We always work hard to provide the best possible class programme, but changes in instructor availability inevitably mean adjustments. Here are the updates for the New Year:
- Thursday 12.00pm ALBT: This class, currently covered by Caroline and Hazel during Lucy’s maternity leave, will return on 27 February. Until then, enjoy Studio Strength and Virtual BodyPump.
- Tuesday 10.30am Zumba: This class will be replaced by the brand-new Les Mills Pilates, starting 7 January. To compensate, we’re adding a new Zumba class on Mondays at 4.00pm.
- Tuesday 4.30pm Zumba: Hazel will be stepping into Giciane’s shoes and will take over this class from 7 January.
- Thursday 5.30pm Zumba: We are very happy that Mathilda has agreed to take over this class regularly from 23 January. In the meantime, enjoy Virtual Les Mills Dance.
- Wednesday 1.00pm HIIT & Strength and Stability: Unfortunately, these classes have been removed due to low attendance.
6. Exciting New Classes for 2025
No New Year would be complete without fresh classes and instructors! Another afternoon Zumba, an extra Body Combat with a new instructor Gemma and introducing Les Mills Pilates - Traditional Pilates meets the Les Mills experience, leaving you feeling strong, uplifted, and calm. Here’s what’s new:
- Zumba with Gina: Monday 4.00-4.50pm (starting 6 January)
- Les Mills Pilates with Marci: Tuesday 10.30-11.15am (starting 7 January)
- Body Combat with Gemma: Thursday 4.00-4.45pm (starting 9 January)
7. Upcoming Courses Starting in February
We are thrilled to announce three exciting courses starting in February. Each course offers a unique opportunity to develop skills and stay active in a fun, supportive environment.
Latin Revolution Course
Date and Time:
- Monday 10 February to Monday 17 March 2025
- 8.00-9.30pm
FREE Taster Sessions: 3 February and Girls' Night on 31 January 2025
Self Defence Course
Date and Time:
- Wednesday 12 February to Wednesday 19 March 2025
- 7.30-9.00pm
FREE Taster Sessions: 5 February and Girls' Night on 31 January 2025
Chair-Based Pilates Course
Date and Time:
- Thursday 13 February to Thursday 20 March 2025
- 3.00-3.45pm
FREE Taster Session: 6 February 2025
We’re looking forward to an incredible 2025 filled with energy, progress, and new opportunities to stay active and connected. Thank you for being part of our community at Ravelin Sports Centre.
Latin Revolution
Self Defence
Chair-based Pilates