Dronfield Active Archives

National Fitness Day comes to NE Derbyshire

It’s time to step into your shorts, pull on a t-shirt and lace up those trainers, in preparation for National Fitness Day!

To mark the event, the UK’s biggest celebration of health and fitness, North East Derbyshire District Council’s four leisure centres will be holding a packed day of activities on 24 September with all money raised going to NEDDC’s Chair’s Charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Cllr Lee Hartshorne, Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “Macmillan Nurses provide critical care, comfort and support to those facing cancer, helping not only patients but also their families through immensely challenging times.

“I am committed to raising as much as possible to support their invaluable work and I will be incredibly grateful for any support you can give on National Fitness Day.”

Each site – Clay Cross Active, Dronfield Active, Eckington Active and Killamarsh Active will be running a StairMaster Challenge – Powered by Macmillan from 7am-5pm.

Using the StairMaster, which mimics the action of climbing stairs, each centre will battle it out (virtually!) to see who can climb the furthest up Mount Everest – a height of 8,849m.

Then, in the evening, we have the Big Circuit Workout – Powered by Macmillan at Dronfield (6pm-7:20pm), Clay Cross (6pm-7pm) and Killamarsh (6:30pm-7:30pm).

These sessions will include cardio, functional, core and strength-based movements for a full body workout!

At Eckington Active, back-to-back fitness classes will also be taking place, consisting of 20-minute sessions each with a five-minute break in-between:

Cardio – 5.30pm – 5.50pm
Conditioning – 5.55pm – 6.15pm
Combat – 6.20pm – 6.40pm
Cycle – 6.45pm – 7.05pm

Four workouts, one cause! Are you up for the challenge?

Cllr Kathy Rouse, NEDDC’s Portfolio holder for Leisure, said: “This is a great opportunity to either continue with, or start your fitness journey, and help raise money for a worthy cause at the same time.”

Members can now book on at the reception of each leisure centre from today for any of the challenges. They will also be available on the JDM app shortly, so keep a look out!

If you would like to donate to the cause, please visit Cllr Hartshorne’s JustGiving page.

‘Just do More’ on our new leisure app!

North East Derbyshire District Council is excited to announce the launch of the brand-new ‘Just Do More Leisure’ app, now available for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

This user-friendly app allows residents and members to book fitness and swimming classes, manage memberships, and stay up to date with the latest activities happening at our leisure centres – all from the convenience of their mobile devices.

The app supports all four of the district’s leisure centres: Clay Cross Active (opening 18th June), Dronfield Active, Eckington Active, and Killamarsh Active. With any of our flex memberships, users can access all four facilities and enjoy a wide range of health and wellbeing services – making it the one stop shop for all of your leisure needs!

North East Derbyshire District Council Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Cllr Kathy Rouse said: “The new app will be a great addition to the already quality services we provide, making it even easier for you to book your classes or view our swimming timetables via the new app. It has lots of features and launches in perfect timing with the opening of our new Clay Cross Active centre just around the corner.

Whether you’re booking a swim, joining a class, or managing your membership, it’s all just a tap away.”

The app is part of the Council’s wider initiative to promote active lifestyles and improve digital access to public services. ‘Just Do More’ and download the app today and start your journey to a healthier, more active you. You can join as a member today from as little as £26 per month.

Download now:

For more information, visit www.justdomore.co.uk

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.

New Sustainability Policy for our Leisure Centres

Here at our leisure centres we are here to help you just do more to hit your goals, feel stronger, happier and healthier.

Because we love to see you thrive, we have a lot on offer – flexible memberships to suit you, friendly supportive staff, and a huge variety of classes.

Following the North East Derbyshire Council’s commitment towards greener and better District, we recognised that we too can do more for the environment, community and for the future.

So today we would like to present you our Sustainability Policy for leisure centres, laying out our approach to eco-friendly practises, so you can feel relaxed that your goals are being achieved with little help from us without compromising the future of our planet.

Download our Sustainability policy here.

Dronfield Active & Eckington Active Fitness Suites officially opened!

Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, Cllr Nigel Barker and Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Cllr Kathy Rouse were on top form on Friday 15 November as they officially opened the new gym refurbishments at both Dronfield and Eckington Active after they have both had significant investments with new equipment, graphics and lighting.

Eckington Active saw £182,000 invested in new equipment, decor and lighting, with some amazing cardio and strength training equipment.

Dronfield Active saw £235,000 invested in the fitness suite and some of the changes included: