Nicola Smith, Author at Just Do More!

On the road to wellness – CCA testimonials

Our Wellness Suite at Clay Cross Active has been proving a big hit with customers.

The suite, which has power-assisted equipment, is suitable for all fitness levels and is ideal for those who are less mobile, suffering from illness or undergoing post-operative rehabilitation.

Take a look below to see how our customers are enjoying and benefitting from using the suite:

Jane’s story

Jane in wellness suite

Jane has been visiting the Wellness Suite since July 2025.

Jane said: “I’d describe it as a gym for someone who can’t do the gym and that suits me just fine.

“It’s very friendly, the staff are really helpful and encouraging. People you meet are chatty or not, it just depends, and altogether it’s not in any way intimidating.”

After a total knee replacement seven years ago and problems with her spine, she believes her condition has been helped by the exercise she’s been doing.

Her son, who hadn’t seen her for a while, also commented she was walking straighter.

Rachel’s story

Rachel in wellness suite

Since losing her husband, Rachel, who is in her mid-80s made it her mission to get healthier and the Wellness Suite has been perfect in helping with her wellness journey.

Rachel said: “I love it! I am a gym person, but I’d vegetated for a while and not done a lot because I’ve had a lot of family difficulties. Anyway, I’m nearly back into the swim and I’m also doing a gym programme as well so I’m trying to get fit again.

“I’m really enjoying it and it’s made me more relaxed and physically stronger.

“The staff are superb. You can’t fault them. Very helpful and knowledgeable.

“It’s a really nice and social doing you good kind of atmosphere. It’s great.”

Val’s story

Val in the Wellness Suite

Val was recommended to come and try the Wellness Suite by her son and she’s not looked back.

Val said: “You can do as much or as little as you want. Do it at your pace and you gradually build up.

“I’m glad I came. I’m glad my son encouraged me to come. It’s brilliant.

“The staff are brilliant and I’ve made friends.

“I’ve never been to a gym in my life, or done anything, but as soon as I came I was relaxed. Everyone was nice.”

Coral’s story

Coral in the Wellness Suite

Coral found out about the Wellness Suite while swimming in the pool at Clay Cross Active and has been visiting ever since.

Her new-found fitness now lets her push her wheelchair herself

Coral said: “I don’t have full use of any of my limbs properly and so being able to just hold onto a machine that moves you at first was amazing. I’ve never had an opportunity of anything like that before.

“It makes your muscles stronger, everything feels much better. For me especially it moves parts of my body I can’t move myself.”

View videos of all our Wellness Suite testimonials

Book a session – available 7 days a week.

Make a splash in our newly refurbished pools!

What better way to start 2025, than by making a splash in our shiny new-look pools!

The swimming pools at Dronfield Active are now open after undergoing a £175k makeover, which have seen them relined and new energy saving covers fitted.

Triple glazed windows have been installed and the poolside and changing rooms will also be redecorated shortly.

Behind the scenes, a new energy and a cost-saving variable speed filtration system has been installed to keep operations running smoothly.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Cllr Kathy Rouse said: “We are delighted the pools are now back open and are looking their very best for our leisure centre users.

“Investing in the health and wellbeing of our communities is one of the key features of our Council Plan, with upgrades also taking place to the fitness suites at both Dronfield Active and Eckington Active recently.”

We have a variety of swimming sessions* for you to try at both Dronfield and Eckington, from casual and lane swimming to swimming lessons, fun family sessions and aqua classes.

Interested in becoming a leisure centre member? Our Memberships start from just £26 a month and all (apart from racket membership) include swimming as an option.

We also have a concessionary pass scheme, allowing you access to swimming and gym at a reduced cost if you meet certain criteria.

You can also use your membership at all three of our centres – Dronfield, Eckington and Killamarsh.

Our centres are the perfect place to work out, socialise and have fun!

But don’t just take our word for it, read what some users have to say**:

“In our experience every visit to Dronfield sports centre has been a pleasure. We regularly go swimming and it’s always clean and well maintained.” – King G.
“Great swimming pools, the small pool for toddlers is nice and warm, very friendly staff.” – Alan Challoner. (Dronfield Active)
“Excellent swimming pool for learners. Friendly, professional, and caring staff. Visiting this pool is one of the highlights of my week.” – Uruemu Odeghe. (Eckington Active)
“Well organised, great facilities.” – Rosie Chitty. (Eckington Active)
“Good atmosphere and friendly, professional staff”. – Joanne Hobson. (Killamarsh Active)
“Good clean gym, lots of equipment not seen it busy any time of the week.” – Sharon Murdoch. (Killamarsh Active)

Dronfield Active was shortlisted as a finalist in December 2024’s APSE Performance Networks Awards as Best Performer for Sports and Leisure Facility Management.

More information about Dronfield and all our centres can be found on our Just Do More website.

You can also sign up to receive updates straight to your inbox.

*Sessions vary by centre. Visit our swimming pages to find out more.

**Google reviews

Pictured: the newly refurbished swimming pools at Dronfield Active.