From time-to-time we have to make changes to the swimming pool timetable. All swimming pool updates will appear here so check back often.
Changes to the Swimming Pool Timetable
For the week commencing 31st July an external booking will use 3 lanes in the pool from 18:45 to close.
Deep Water Aqua – Thursdays 18:00 – 18:45 – for the foreseeable future this session will change to a Swimfit session.
British Triathlon will no longer have a session on Mondays at 17:45 – 18:45 for the duration of the summer.
The accessible changing rooms in the swimming area will be closed on Thursday 20th July
British Triathlon will be using 2 lanes in the pool on the following dates;
Sunday 16th July 2017: 12:15 – 14:15
Sunday 23rd July 2017: 12:15 – 14:15
Sunday 10th September 2017: 12:15 – 14:15
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Peak Times
Peak times occur between the hours of 12:00 – 14:00 and 16:00 – 19:00 on weekdays.
School Hire
Please note that for some School Hire sessions that will be taking place during the week, the depth of the pool will be altered, with the pool floor raised to 0.9m. The separate male and female changing areas within the Village Changing Area will also be closed.
Do you walk into the weights room filled with confusion? Or worst are you intimidated by all that equipment? Does the sound of weight training echo through your brain at night?
Do not worry, The Edge is here to banish those fears from your mind.
From Monday 31st July, our Women Only Strength Training courses are back by popular demand.
Why strength train?
Strength training is a great way to get fit, lean and lose weight. Research has shown many benefits of adding weights into your workouts:
lower body fat
reduces your risk of heart disease and diabetes
battle depression
increase your energy levels
Our Women Only Strength Training courses are the perfect opportunity for beginners or intermediates to learn techniques to improve their workouts and reach their fitness goals, but don’t just take our word for it…
One of the best things you can do for yourself in 2017! I did this course last year and have not looked back ❤️🏋️♀️💪🏋️♀️❤️ https://t.co/S5UzPBmuW8
The course will run for 6 weeks, one session per week, and will be taught by our expert Personal Trainer team. The sessions will cover the main lifts of resistance training, as well as the concepts and common training methods. We will also provide useful tips on nutrition.
You can choose to attend the course before your work day or in the evening.
The first session starts on Monday 31st July and run throughout the week. The courses only cost £65!
Let’s be honest; all of us want to be stronger, healthier and look how we feel! Our Women Only Strength Courses can give you the techniques that will help make this a reality.
The courses are a great chance to learn new techniques in a friendly environment, and let your body reap the rewards!
Availability
Day
Times
Monday
08.00 & 18.00
Tuesday
07.00 & 18.00
Wednesday
07.00 & 18.00
Thursday
07.00 & 18.00
Friday
08.00
Don’t miss out!
There are limited spaces, so don’t miss you chance to sign up now…
Please be aware that we are upgrading our online booking system on Thursday 27th July at 09:00. This necessary work should last between 1 and 2 hours.
If you would like to book on to a class or book a court during this time, please call the Reception Team on 0113 343 5095 and they will be able to assist with your booking.
We hope this doesn’t cause too much disruption as we implement these essential software upgrades.
British Cycling is opening up the cycle circuit at the University of Leeds’ Brownlee Centre for the first of its free-to-attend, Let’s Ride pop-up sessions next weekend.
Whether you want to ride for fun or fitness, this free monthly pop-up event gives you the chance to ride a traffic-free cycle circuit as many times as you want, at a pace that suits you. The first of which takes place on the 9th July at 12pm – 2pm.
The event is open to all ages and abilities and the circuit is easy to ride, with volunteers on hand throughout, ensuring peace of mind and safety for all cyclists.
For those wanting to take things up a gear, British Cycling Go-Ride coaches will also be available to help you improve your cycling skills, and local Ride Leaders and Breeze Champions will be there on the day to tell you more about other cycling opportunities in Leeds with HSBC UK Guided Rides and HSBC UK Breeze.
Tom Mutton, British Cycling’s partnership manager for Yorkshire, said:
“From complete beginners to those wanting to take things up a gear, the Lets Ride pop-up sessions will be an ideal way for people to discover or rediscover a love of cycling, or to improve their skills.
Regardless of age or ability, people will be able to come down to the circuit and build their confidence with the help of trained British Cycling coaches and volunteers.
The cycling facilities at the Brownlee Centre – which British Cycling helped to fund – have been extremely well utilised by the local public so far, and with this series of pop-up events and Leeds’ HSBC UK City Ride on the way, this is a really exciting time to get involved in cycling in the city.”
For those without their own bikes, bike hire is available from the venue on the day, including a fleet of tandems, trikes and hand-cycles.
FAQ
Event times: 12pm to 2pm.
Parking: Yes
Changing facilities: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Bike hire: No bike, no problem! Bike hire is available on the day, including a fleet of tandems, trikes and hand-cycles. Simply register your free place and turn up on the day
Volunteer
Can you spare a couple of hours a month to help out at Let’s Ride Pop-up Leeds? Email letsridepopup@britishcycling.org.uk to register your interest.
Gryphons Abroad is without doubt one of the best things I’ve ever done. There is nothing I could ever write that would accurately sum up the project, or describe the amazing experiences I had. The only way to understand is to apply and experience it for yourself; I just wish I could do it every year.
Although the fundraising target of £2,000 can seem daunting there is truly no need for it to be. Whilst it is an individual target, the rest of the team are more than willing to help you in any way they can. I made a quick start on my fundraising, and this definitely paid off. I started doing cake sales in the Edge, giving me a real starting point and a confidence boost. I also applied for a Leeds for Life grant and I was awarded £500, securing almost half of my target by doing just two things. To make sure that my fundraising didn’t impact on my uni work, I designated a few hours in the evenings to planning and for the rest of my events to take place during the weekend, that way I didn’t need to do any fundraising during weekdays. To top up my fundraising total, I organised a charity afternoon tea, raffling off specially made cakes and this was definitely successful! I also did a sponsored zip wire, and wrote to local businesses telling them about the volunteering securing another £500! Fundraising money always seems a little bit off-putting but it just takes some careful planning. It is by no means about who can put on the biggest event, it is just about giving yourself enough time to plan it all out, being thorough and realistic is key!
The trip to South Africa itself was just amazing, it is full on but you really do only get out what you put in; on this trip you’ve got absolutely nothing to loose and only great memories to gain! I had just as much fun as the kids we worked with, and probably even more at times, there is absolutely nothing that you don’t want to do or get involved in. What makes it even better is the team you’re with. Before the trip, none of us knew each other, but I know for a fact that I’ve made friends for life through Gryphons Abroad and its horrible to think that without this project, I most likely wouldn’t have met them! Everybody has the same goal, to make a real impact on the lives of those we’re working with, immediately giving us all a common purpose.
I decided to sign up for Gryphons Abroad 2017 after seeing a post on the VLE and I am so glad I did. I wanted to volunteer at uni, but with having so many other commitments I just couldn’t consistently give a certain number of hours each week to a society. I wanted to try something new, meet different people and make a difference whilst having fun. Gryphons Abroad 2017 went above and beyond this, it was hard work but I had the best time ever doing things I never thought I would get the chance to do.
There is no other project I know that combines teaching young people to cycle in the mountains, going to a game reserve, teaching over 100 kids how to be leaders and visiting an orphanage meeting the most incredible children and giving them things that will change their lives. I just wish I could explain the true extent of this project, but the only way to do that is to experience it for yourself!
Amy
P.s To get a real feel for the trip, have a look at our photo’s here.
Enjoy 10 consecutive days of unlimited, anytime access to our facilities with an Edge Premium Membership anytime before the end of August 2017 for just £20. Perfect for friends, family members or yourself!
Using the above facilities, members of our team will be on hand to give you advice on how to lose weight, gain muscle, increase flexibility or train for that big event!
The University of Leeds new Brownlee Centre and Cycle Circuit will become British Cycling’s newest HSBC UK disability hub.
The new facility, part-funded by British Cycling, was officially opened last month with state-of-art training facilities, including a 1.6km (1-mile) cycle circuit – one of the longest in the country. HSBC UK disability hubs provide dedicated para-cycling coaching sessions for riders who want to keep fit, have fun and improve their performance. The sessions, led by British Cycling Go-Ride coaches and supported by local volunteers, help riders to achieve a variety of goals; whether this be to get into a new sport, improve fitness and confidence on a bike, rehabilitation from injury or to train for a competition.
Dame Sarah Storey, Britain’s most successful ever female Paralympian, welcomed the announcement, saying:
“Disability hubs provide a fantastic opportunity for people with all different types of impairments to get into cycling. Cycling should be accessible to everyone, and these disability hubs are making a huge difference.”
British Cycling development manager, Rob Mace, added:
“The disability hubs have been a huge success across the country and we are very pleased to be expanding the programme to Leeds. This will provide a great opportunity for riders with disabilities to develop their cycling skills, make cycling a part of their lives and possibly one day compete for Paralympic medals.”
Named in honour of the University of Leeds’ most successful modern Olympians, The Brownlee Centre sits alongside a 1.6km (1-mile) closed-loop cycle circuit at the University’s Bodington Playing fields in north Leeds. The facilities are open to sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Find more details on how to use the new facilities here.
British Cycling’s investment into the project has also helped to provide a fleet of bikes at the facility, including adapted bikes such as handcycles, tandems and trikes, making the new disability hub sessions accessible for those who don’t have access to their own bike.
Suzanne Glavin, head of sport and physical activity at the University of Leeds, added:
“We are delighted to work alongside British Cycling to ensure that we can provide a truly inclusive offer of cycling at our fabulous new £5m facilities at the University of Leeds. We want to maximise the use of our one mile off road cycle circuit and believe it is the perfect environment for people of all abilities to learn to ride safely as well as train and compete.”
The sessions cost just £2 if you book online in advance or £5 on the day, with groups typically focusing on improving fitness, technique and confidence. These sessions run monthly throughout the year with all dates listed in the events section of the British Cycling website.
To speak to someone at British Cycling about disability hubs and what they offer, please call 0161 274 2070 or email development@britishcycling.org.uk.
Winners have been calculated using the Archon assessment calculations and take into account individuals metrics such as height, weight age etc. to ensure that everyone can be scored on one league table in a fair and accurate way. This ensures that a woman weighing 55kg with a back squat of 100kg would score higher than a male who weighs 100kg with a back squat of 140kg as she performs at a higher rate and that older participants competing in events are ranked equally when competing against 17-25 year olds.
The Leeds Half Marathon is being held this Sunday – 14th May and as a result of this, routes in to and around Leeds city centre will be affected, so please plan ahead and leave plenty of time to get here.
Please be aware that car parking may also be busier on this day.
For more information about the route and road closures, please follow the link below to the Run For All website;
From Monday 28th November, it will no longer be possible to park under the Cherry Trees in the Orange Zone, however plenty of alternative parking will still be available within the multi-storey car park and in The Edge car park.
Furthermore, from Monday 12th December, traffic will be diverted around the campus, controlled by temporary traffic lights.
For full details on car parking charges, access to campus and for the University of Leeds parking enforcement policy please visit www.carparking.leeds.ac.uk
The Brownlee Centre, chosen in honour of Olympic heroes Alistair and Jonny, sits alongside a new 1 mile (1.6km) cycle circuit – one of the longest in the country – at the University’s Bodington Playing Fields in north Leeds.
The brothers will officially launch the centre and cycle circuit on Friday 28 April. The facilities, open to sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, will be available to use and book from Tuesday 2 May and include changing rooms and a café.
The circuit has a full programme of activity including “pay and pedal”, HSBC UK Breeze Rides for women and girls and special training sessions for elite athletes, University and local clubs. Bikes for children and adults are available to hire, along with hand cycles, trikes and tandems for use by riders with disabilities.
Investing in the future
Partnership funding from British Cycling, British Triathlon and others is contributing £1million to the project, with the remaining funding provided by the University of Leeds.
It will also be a new National Elite Training Centre for Triathlon, home to Leeds Triathlon Centre. The UK’s first purpose-built triathlon training base, it will combine a strength and conditioning training suite, physiotherapy, medical and other support services, to provide world-class facilities to enhance triathlon training in the region.
Alistair said:“This day marks a great day for cycling in Yorkshire. The start of the Tour de Yorkshire builds on a fantastic legacy and, thanks to these new facilities, Leeds continues to be a real centre for excellence when it comes to cycling and triathlon.”
Alistair studied sports science and physiology at Leeds and won gold in the triathlon competition at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
 His brother Jonny, a Leeds history graduate who took silver in August, added:“A big thanks to the University and all of the supporters, because this centre and circuit will inspire everyone, from beginners through to elite athletes.”
Sir Alan Langlands, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, said:“We are very proud of the Brownlee brothers’ achievements and it’s an honour to have these brand new facilities named after two of our most successful sporting alumni. “The Brownlee Centre and the new cycle circuit offers students, staff and the wider cycling and triathlon community a truly inspiring, world-class training facility. ”It rightly puts the University of Leeds at the forefront of providing one of the best sport and physical activity environments in the UK. “It also builds on the excellent cycling legacy provided by Welcome to Yorkshire’s leadership in securing the Tour de France’s Grand Depart in 2014.”
“ It rightly puts the University of Leeds at the forefront of providing one of the best sport and physical activity environments in the UK”
Jonny Clay, British Cycling’s Director of Cycling, said:“One of British Cycling’s key aims is to ensure that everyone – regardless of age or ability – has access to high quality facilities in order to get on a bike for the first time, to get back into cycling after time away from the sport, or to develop their skills on a bike. “This facility will deliver exactly that for the people of Leeds – a region which has produced several successful elite sportspeople over the years who will have inspired countless local residents to take up cycling.  “We are delighted to see the circuit open and we look forward to seeing the local community truly embrace the facility.”
“This facility will deliver exactly that for the people of Leeds – a region which has produced several successful elite sportspeople over the years who will have inspired countless local residents to take up cycling.”
Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, said:“The Brownlee Centre is a fantastic new facility in Leeds and continues our focus on ensuring our elite triathletes have the world-class facilities they need to deliver medal-winning success.”

He continued: “With the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds coming to the city in June, the centre also provides the opportunity for locals to develop their cycling and triathlon skills as they get ready for race day and provides the perfect platform for triathlon fans of all abilities to get inspired and give the sport a try.”
“[It] provides the perfect platform for triathlon fans of all abilities to get inspired and give the sport a try.” JACK BUCKNER, BRITISH TRIATHLON
Joe Krasinski, from thriving Leeds cycling club albaRosa, said the importance of the new facilities for local clubs could not be understated:“This is a fabulous addition to the flourishing Leeds cycling landscape for youth and adult club members. “Having had a session on the circuit, we were simply blown away by the professional facilities, the size and challenge of the circuit, its flexible use potential and welcoming staff. Our youth riders, coaches, volunteers and parents were all buzzing – and aching – afterwards!”
albaRosa will be providing youth coaching on Thursday evenings and race skills and fitness training in partnership with Ilkley, Valley Striders and Bronte Tykes cycling clubs on Monday evenings.
Sport at Leeds
Suzanne Glavin, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at the University of Leeds, said:“We really value our continuing relationship with the Brownlees. The dedication and commitment they demonstrate through regular training sessions on campus and their continued global success really inspires our students and staff. “They enable us to showcase to students how we can tailor degrees to allow athletes to train and compete at the highest level.”
Leeds University Union’s Activities Officer, Taiwo Ogunyinka, added:“The Brownlee Centre and cycle circuit signify another positive step by the University towards raising the experience of sports and physical activity for students. “Not only does this further cement the position of the city and the University as a hub of elite triathlete development, but also widens participation and offers a resource of world-class standards to all students.”
The University is one of the UK’s leading sports institutions, with the Brownlees following in the footsteps of a number of Olympic champions.
At last year’s Rio 2016 Olympic Games, four University of Leeds alumni were part of the TeamGB squad. All three of the men’s triathlon team were Leeds alumni, with Gordon Benson joining the Brownlee brothers.
Four of the six Team GB Rio games triathlon competitors will be based at the new facilities.
The Bodington Playing Fields have hosted numerous national standard cross country competitions. Its running routes are also used weekly by Leeds Triathlon Centre’s elite training squad, which includes the Brownlees.
The site will also continue to be used for grass sports including football and rugby. The next phase of development will see three additional grass pitches, with work scheduled for completion in autumn 2017.
The University has invested more than £25m in new sports facilities over the past 10 years, including a new £1m boat house. The latest improvements complement nearby Sports Park Weetwood, the University’s flagship 100-acre facility used by students and members of the community for hockey, football, rugby, cricket, lacrosse, American football and more.
