I was a member of this tennis club for 4 years before I started university and enjoyed every moment…read moreI spent here. The facilities available have been revamped by the new large clubhouse that's been erected, nice tarmac courts (unfortunately not lawn tennis as the name suggests) along with 3 astroturf courts, knock-up wall and seating areas for spectators. The new clubhouse boasts a large bar on the upper floor with a balcony for comfortable viewing on tennis competition days and for the parents whilst their children are being taught by the professionals at the tennis club. They run weekly tennis lessons ranging from beginner toddlers to pro-adults of all genders and ages, making them feel welcome in the atmosphere around the club. The prices of the membership are very cheap considering you get unlimited play on the courts throughout the years, obviously not when the courts are in use for competition or training, and also into the clubhouse. For those budding tennis fans/players around Congleton, this is definitely a must sign up for.

A really really cool yoga studio in the rather lovely Hale area. Just be warned though that if…read moreyou're trying to find the studio you need to go around the back of the high street and up the stairs to the back (I found this out my following random people in yoga pants thinking this may be a sign...) I was here for 'Maria Yogas' http://www.mariayoga.co.uk/ monthly candle lit yoga classes - 5-7pm on a Sunday evening. I've been attending Maria's classes for years and they're always excellent, chilled out yet flex you as much as possible and are great ways to get into yoga or take your practice further (you need to book ahead for these particular classes in advance - check out their website) I believe there's all sorts of classes on here, check out the main Hale Yoga website too.

Total fitness had an offer on over Christmas 12 days for £12 so I thought I would give it a whirl…read moreas I am back in my home town for crimbo. The gym itself is huge with downstairs which includes a mini gym with fitness equipment (treadmills, cross trainers etc) and a games section (table tennis) nice cafe on the left as you walk in which serves home made snacks & drinks which over looks the pool (nice touch) Changing rooms are clean and big with children's facilities inside. Toys and a crèche area (handy for mums) when they are getting themselves ready. There is also a nursery attached to the gym (Jo Jo's) which is open from 7am-7pm. Upstairs there is a large fitness area with weights & to the right 2 squash courts which are below but they can be seen from upstairs. There is a ladies only gym, spinning studio and 2 studios which have classes. This gym has everything & it's very clean. I am impressed! They only thing that stops me giving it 5 stars is the push on/off showers ( drives me crazy and I always end up with soap in my eyes trying to switch it back on ) The gym also has a large pool, jacuzzi, steam rooms and sauna. Everything you could ask for. The prices seem to be quite expensive but I think they have offers on so watch out for them. Adult - £39.99 PM Student - £32.50 PM Over 55 - £35.00 PM They have different prices for family's and under 17s ( these prices are based on their website on 28/12/15 ) It's an expensive gym but nice! If I was living round here full time I would join :) The gym also has a beauty salon inside too which do nails and hair. Oh yeah & the staff & PTS are nice too.

Boo to gym chains and their unclear T&Cs!…read more Just to be straight I have never been, nor will be a member of Total Fitness. I'm currently looking for a new gym and took advantage of the free introductory day pass offered on the Total Fitness website, but I wish I hadn't bothered. The gym itself is humongous: three pools, three gym areas, three studio spaces, juice bar, hairdressers, beauticians and sauna/steam rooms. It's got all the charm of an aircraft hangar, but lets be honest it's a gym, who cares?! I was genuinely excited about my trial, as they seem to have a good rota of classes and the the price was mid-range. I was willing to overlook the fact that one out of every 4 or 5 machines was either out of order or squeaking like it was on its way to being so. And I also wasn't overly precious when only one of the lights in the 'Mind and Body' studio worked and I overheard the teachers joking about the leaking roof, as the lighting kind of complemented the Pilates class and the scaffolding in the corner gave me hope that it was on the 'to-do' list. What really annoyed me was the fact that when I went to the sales desk to join I was told that a six month contract bumps the price up from a student rate by £15 a month! So basically I'd be paying for 9 months regardless. Not cool Total Fitness.

This has a small indoor play area for the kids to let off stea before settling down to some art…read morework. Pick your ceramic and get painting. I think the ceramic prices range from £3.50 upwards. The only drawn back is that you have to go back a few days later to collect your finished piece. However this is nice entertainment for the kids and you can have a coffee and relax while they are doing it. What could be better.

Hi there I have two kids and they regularly go to big fun…read more Not everyone can be pleased but they do try their best. I would definately return as its good value for money and I think the staff are great.

Absolutely excellent play and fun for kids here. my kids are 2 and 5 and this place caters well for…read morethem. There's enough space for them both to play away (leaving me with a paper & a coffee) without me feeling like they could get into trouble. Also they do crafty stuff & sporty games which is a unique touch, I've not seen this done at any other playbarn. The people are lovely too and very chatty & pleasant. Its not too crowded which is lovely for me.

I'll get this out first I don't like climbing…read more Awesome has big bouldering room with lots to go on. In fact if your on your own you can pay just to go bouldering. They have everything thing for easy to 'you might have to be able to fly to this one' hard. Thy also have a number boulder problems for kids. In the main room there is lots to go and the routes get reset about one a month. There is a leading ladder well so you might see some climbing gods playing on them. There are 3 self belys, very tall walls and a lot of lead walls to have a go at. There is room for people to sit down a watch, the cafe is quite limited but you get hot drinks. The rooms get very cold in winter and the tolets are clean.

Formally Europe's tallest climbing wall, at 23.5m (77ft in old money) It's a great climbing gym…read more Bouldering, auto-belays, traverse, top-roping and leading all on offer. Fantastic centre, with most setters a little generous on the grading. but everything from F2-F8a and VB-V8 to play on. Great place to learn to climb, or train.

I finally did it. After approximately half a year of toying with the idea of getting involved with…read morea Zumba class alongside my swimming, I bit the bullet, took advantage of the fact that I can take my lunch hour whenever I like with my fancy internet job, and after a bit of research on the fancy internet, I found Becky Maughan's super-friendly and straightforward website. The 9.30am one on a Thursday would suit me nicely as I like to get my exercise out of the way in the morning or daytime, and along I went, trainers on, sweat towel and water in hand, straight over to Palatine Road in Didsbury. I thought, meh, this'll be fine. I did dance classes for over a decade, I swim like a water-demon, it'll be a cinch. HOW WRONG I WAS. Disclaimer: wrong in a GOOD way. Zumba moves you in manners you can't even begin to imagine, and Becky is full of amazing enthusiastic energy. Despite working on my arms regularly due to swimming, her class had me lifting them above my head and keeping them there, and punching the air in front of me, so much so that the next day I felt that smug ache all over that I've not felt in such a long time. I'd worked HARD. Vary your exercise people... this is living proof that it's good for you! You spend so much time concentrating on the awesomely intricate (but far from impossible) steps that you barely notice you're breaking a sweat, and before you know it an hour of exercise has disappeared and it's time to go home. This is all thanks to Becky, who keeps everything straightforward and fun, and looks after everybody too. If you're new you'll be welcomed warmly and asked to fill in a short health questionnaire. Then it's time to get dancing! The classes usually take place at Parrs Wood High School, but the one I go to is at the United Reformed Church down the road - just make sure you check beforehand to see which location your session's at. I'm going to make this a regular occurrence, at least while I've still got easy access to the Didsbury bus route. Emma 1, wedding dress 0.

This is a good gym with a good atmosphere. Plenty of equipment, great classes and a nice pool…read more The downside is trying to book onto classes. They are invariably booked up. Very frustrating. Parking can also be tricky and time consuming.

Everyone is aware of the excellent quality of gym service by Virgin Active and it needs to further…read moreintroduction! This Parrs Wood branch woes you away like any other and makes you believe that the membership fees were worth every penny. They're obviously stocked with the latest equipment and there might not be a single machine that you might want and they don't have. They also have a wonderful swimming pool and steam suana room to help you relax after that intensive workout! I love the sunbeds here too! It comes well packed with a cafe with internet access and makes your day a well spent one.