Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Leisure for Life service is one of the most extensive and inclusive in Wales – and it is complemented with targeted investment in local facilities. The latest important schemes being developed in Abercynon and Ystrad form part of our Transforming RCT investment.
The service is delivered with the firm commitment residents, regardless of age, income or health and wellbeing goals, can access high-quality, accessible and adaptive facilities.
Unlimited access to gyms, fitness classes, swimming (including lessons), indoor sports such as squash and table tennis and health suites is enabled via one easy membership covering all 12 centres.
Concessionary membership is offered to those:
- Those on qualifying benefits
- Blue Light/Armed Forces card holders.
In line with wider Council objectives, Leisure for Life’s Town Centre and Corporate Memberships help businesses and organisations support healthier work forces.
The service also works with partners from health, mental health and support agencies to provide bespoke opportunities, sessions, training and more for people who need it the most, as well as free swimming and school holiday activities.
New gym and fitness studio: Abercynon Sports Centre
Abercynon Sports Centre is the latest facility earmarked for a gym refurbishment. The scheme, set to begin in December 2025, will see remodelling of the centre’s ground floor to create a larger gym with new equipment, as well as a Spin studio.
Replacement lift: Rhondda Sports Centre
An extensive project to completely replace the lift at this 50-year-old centre will be complete by the end of 2025. Investment has enabled the production of a bespoke replacement carriage and associated mechanisms at the centre to maintain access for all customers.
Health suite: Hawthorn Leisure Centre
Investment in the popular health suite at Hawthorn Leisure Centre has seen the old sauna replaced with a larger, Finnish-style sauna to ensure customers, who enjoy health suite access as part of their membership, continue to benefit from the facilities.
Gym transfer boards
Transfer boards that enable wheelchair users to move more easily from their chairs to gym fitness equipment have been purchased to maintain the commitment to inclusivity.
Extended fitness studio: Llys Cadwyn Fitness Centre
More space for fitness classes at Leisure for Life’s newest centre in the heart of Pontypridd! A larger space means more room for classes including Spin, Barbell, Beginners’ Fitness, low intensity classes and Talk and Train for those who are building confidence to get active, get out of the house and meet new people.
Digital Improvements
Membership cards have been incorporated into the free, easy Leisure for Life. Customers can now simply tap to access unlimited gym, swimming, fitness classes and indoor sports at their chosen centre – as well as book classes and sessions, check timetables and more. No more plastic cards and fobs!
Digital screens have been added at all Leisure for Life centres to enable customers to see at a glance what’s on offer, special events and more.
Find out more about the Council’s Leisure for Life Membership Scheme and how it could benefit you.