Ty-Glas Avenue,
Cardiff
The Toning suite has 12 completely accessible machines in a circuit. It is up to you to decide whether you want a more vigorous exercise by resisting the machine movement or a gentle stretch with the machine doing the work for you. A member of staff is stationed there to assist most days. Book in advance to ensure the suite is manned and there is space for you.
The Gym has a lot of machines with tactile controls to start them and to change the resistance. Staff can assist with guidance but it is important to check their availability first as sometimes, the gym is very busy and a lot of inductions are booked in.
Swimming- It is wise to phone or visit in advance to find out the best time for you to go. At quiet times the staff are happy to rope off an extra lane for you. Staff will happily give you an orientation round the changing room and the best route to the poolside. It is very helpful if other pool users know you have a vision impairment as they will generally make sure they do not get in your way e.g. by using your cane to get to the poolside and wearing a swimming hat with the partially sighted symbol on it (available from British Blind Sport at https://britishblindsport.org.uk/product/swimming-cap/ )
Guide dogs can be left with members of staff in the upstairs office (just off the gym). There is plenty of space for the guide dogs to accompany you in the toning suite.
A companion/guide can accompany you for free if you would feel more confident having your own support.
Contact the leisure centre to arrange a free tour and taster session/induction. When you book make sure that you inform them that you have a visual impairment. Let the member of staff who shows you around know your level of sight and the type of assistance you would like.
Staff are experienced in supporting people with varying degrees of visual impairment.
Reception staff can help to complete forms and book an induction or into classes if you start going.
If possible, it helps to go regularly on particular days and at particular times as the staff and others using the leisure centre at those times will get to know you.
For exercise classes, let the leisure centre know you plan to attend the class in question; arrive early and introduce yourself (and your companion if you have one) to the teacher; let the teacher know what you need e.g. to be at the front, to have the music slightly quieter so you can hear better; for the teacher to adjust your position if you get things wrong and so on.
Reduced rate for disabled members or pay as you go – use Blue Badge or PIP /DLA as evidence.
https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cardiff/llanishen/memberships
Join and pay monthly – includes all classes and toning suite.Pay as you go – not available for toning suite.
Bus numbers 28 and 28A stop outside the leisure centre.28 stops directly outside. Turn left off the bus and walk about 50 metres to the driveway on your right. 28a stops on the opposite side of the road. Turn right off the bus, cross over a side road (which has no crossing). In 20 metres, there is a pelican crossing over the main road. Turn right back towards the entrance of the leisure centre. Turn left into the entrance and cross the driveway on the bend after 10 metres.There are automatic doors into the entrance hall. To enter the main foyer, go in through the automatic doors on the left.