Frequently Asked Questions

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General

Q. What do I need to wear?

A. Enclosed, clean, soft soled shoes and comfortable, cool clothing.

Q. What do I need to bring to Balance?

A. Towel, drink bottle, $2 coin if needing a locker.

Q. Why do I have to bring a gym towel?

A. We are very strict about our hygiene policy, please wipe down all equipment after use.

Q. Can I carry my bag with me in the gym?

A. No, bags are a hazard when you are training and could be easily taken when you aren’t looking.

Q. Where can I store my personal items while I'm training?

A. There are over 350 lockers available throughout Balance, which are operated by a refundable $2 coin.

Q. Can I buy accessories/merchandise for Balance?

A. Yes, Balance sells t-shirts, singlets, hand towels, headphones, goggles, swimming caps, backpacks, drink bottles & bike pants and a fantastic new range of gym wear. Click here for details.

Q. Do I have to be fit to join Balance Health Club?

A. Anyone can join Balance Health Club. Our aim is to help everyone achieve their goals regardless of their experience or fitness levels. If you think you may need to check with your GP please do, otherwise we will fill out an exercise history form and let you know if we see a problem.


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Parking

Q. Is there parking available?

A. Yes, we have a multilevel car park with night lighting and lift.

Q. Is there any charge to park?

A. No parking at Balance is FREE. There is no time limit, no reason to rush to fill a meter.


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Membership

Q. Do I have to be a Wests member to join?

A. Yes, you must be a full member and your card must be financial. Social memberships are not accepted.

Q. Is there a separate joining fee for Balance?

A. You must be a full member of Western Suburbs Leagues Club and plus pay a once off induction fee of $25. If you are a member of Balance New Lambton, you can upgrade your membership at any time to Balance Health Club access or take a platinum membership to use both facilities if you wish. Our Membership Services Team can help you will the logistics.

Q. Is there a limit to how many times I visit Balance?

A. No limitations apply on full memberships. Some types of corporate memberships and visit passes have limitations on the amount of use per month. Please see the Membership Services Team for further information.

Q. Are there junior memberships available?

A. Yes. Minors between the age of 14 and 18 can join Balance on the concession rates and will receive their own membership/entry card. Children under 14 can enrol in the Kids Classes.

Q. What does my membership cost include?

A. Your full membership includes access to all classes held in the aerobics room including mat pilates & Balance classes and use of equipment in the area you have chosen on your membership form. Personal Training and courses such as Personal Best Club, Triathlon Club, Running Club or Swimfit incur a program fee.

Q. Can I pay my membership in cash each month?

A. Pay-by-the-month is available for direct debit or credit cards only. Handling fee applies when default occurs on nominated account.

Q. Can I suspend my membership?

A. Only memberships that have suspension privileges may be suspended. A suspension form must be completed by the member prior to the period of absence otherwise the suspension will not be valid. The suspension fee of $0.33 per day + $15.00 start up fee is payable on return to the health club. In the case of temporary physical incapacity*, that is validated by a medical certificate, the same procedure will apply however, no cost will be incurred by the member for the suspension.

* A temporary physical incapacity can be defined as an injury or ailment that prohibits the member from participating in any kind of physical activity offered by the health club. Please see Membership Services for more information or call 4903 6200.

 

Q. Can I suspend my membership if I am pregnant?

A. If your doctor suggests a change in the level of activity then we will support you wholeheartedly. We can definitely put your membership on suspension for the term determined.

If your doctor hasn’t suggested you change your routine keep in mind that it is fine for you to do light to moderate exercise right through the pregnancy. We have ante-natal yoga courses available in our Mind and Body Studio.

Keeping active will promote better circulation and an easier labour. The most important thing to monitor during this time is your body temperature and the intensity of your workout which we can assist you with through advice if you need it. Some great classes to try are aqua aerobics, walking, T-shirt easy moves and yoga. Please see a Group Fitness Leader or one of our Membership Services Team for more information.


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Group Fitness

Q. Are there group exercise classes I can participate in?

A. Work up a sweat in the Aerobics Studio, cycle your way around Newcastle (without ever leaving the room), free your mind of clutter as you chill out in a yoga class or take part in an aqua class in the heated pool. With over 80 sessions each week, you are sure to find a class that suits you.

Q. Do I need to book to attend standard classes?

A. To ensure classes are instructed in a safe environment, numbers are limited for all classes. Bookings are essential and can only be made on day of class. Class passes are available from Reception or the Help Desk 15 minutes before the start of the class. Aqua Aerobics passes can be collected from Reception on entry to the Aquatics Centre.


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Aquatics

Q: Is Balance Aquatics an accredited swim school?

A: Balance Aquatics is AUSTSWIM accredited and teaching the ‘Swim & Survive Program’ for babies through to school age children.

Q: Are all the instructors qualified?

A: All of our instructors are accredited through AUSTSWIM and the Royal Lifesaving Society. They are all CPR and first aid trained and have been chosen for their ability to work with children. All have been thoroughly checked as per the guidelines for ‘Working with Children’.

Q: How is the water treated? Is the water safe for my baby?

A: The water is treated using state-of-the-art ‘UV Filtration System’ which limits the amount of chemicals your child comes in contact with. The water is crystal clear, does not have harsh additives that can lead to skin irritation, red eyes and breathing problems.

Q: At what age can my baby start swimming lessons?

A: Babies retain their natural breath-holding reflex (the dive reflex) up to the age of six months and this is the age we suggest to start. AUSTSWIM recommends that your child be fully immunised before starting any program.

Q: What equipment will I need to bring with me for swimming lessons?

A: You will need to bring some aqua nappies or a firm fitting pair of swimmers for your child. They can wear a t-shirt or rash vest but this is optional as the pool is indoor. Floatation aids and toys are provided.

Q: Do parents have to be in the water during Balance Babies classes?

A: Balance Babies parents enter with the child until the child is able to cope with the parent out of the water.

Q: Do I need to be able to swim to bring my baby?

A: Not at all. Balance Babies courses are conducted in a heated pool not deeper than 1.2 metres, in fact most classes are in our 12.5 metre pool which is 1 metre deep.

Q: How many children are in each aquatics class?

A: A class will have a maximum of eight children and one instructor when parents are involved in the classes. Many of the classes have lower ratios. Click here for details.

Q: Can my child swim all year round?

A: As the centre is all indoors, you can swim all year round. The centre is air-conditioned and the water is heated for year round comfort.

Q: When my child is in swimming lessons can I use the Fitness Centre?

A: Yes, you are welcome to leave your child once they are competent and ready for lessons without your help. Our babysitters will dress your child ready for their next class or return to childminding if you have made prior arrangements. Make sure you call ahead and book ‘Dress ‘n’ Dry with our childminding staff.

Q. Are there Learn to Swim classes available?

A. Yes, Learn to Swim and ‘Swim & Survive’ classes are available. Click here for details.

Q. Do I have to wear a swim cap in the pool?

A. Yes, we set a high standard of health and safety at Balance Health Club. Wearing a swim cap is hygienic and decreases the amount of hair caught in filters, which assists with the pool cleanliness.

Q. Are there Adult Learn to Swim classes?

A. Yes, Adult Swim lessons are available. Call 4903 6200 for more information. Click here to see our timetable for more information.

Q. Are there Aqua Aerobics classes held at Balance Health Club?

A. There are classes held throughout the week including Aqua Aerobics and Aqua Circuit.

Q. Does Balance Swim School have Squad Training?

A. Yes, Balance has a Mini and Junior Squad. These are small classes of no more than 8 children.

Q. Can schools participate in Learn to Swim classes?

A. Balance Swim School offers the Royal Life Saving ‘Swim and Survive’ Program for all school age children. With Royal Life Saving Examiners on staff we can also take students through their Bronze Medallion/Cross/Star awards.


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Personal Training

Q. Are there personal trainers available to create a program for me?

A. Yes, we have a team of fully qualified personal trainers available. Click here for details.

Q. Do I need to see my health professional before I start my personal training program?

A. If you suffer from health problems or have had an injury, it is advised that you visit your health professional before beginning a personal training program.


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Mind & Body

Q. Does Balance offer yoga or pilates?

A. Yes, Balance offers both ante-natal yoga and pilates reformer in the Mind & Body Studio in small numbers (a fee applies) and BAT, Pilates and Yoga for larger groups in our aerobics. Call our Membership Services team for more information on 4903 6200.

Q. Why is yoga/pilates good for me?

A. Pilates classes are designed to improve physical health and to maintain a supple, pain-free body. Pilates is recommended for neck, shoulder and back pain due to injury, sedentary lifestyle and poor posture. Yoga movements and poses are natural and help to maintain a youthful and healthy body, improving everything physical and mental, thus bringing an overall gain in self-esteem.

Q. Does yoga/pilates cost extra?

A. Classes held in the aerobics studio are included in your full membership. Specialised yoga and pilates courses in the Mind & Body studio incur an additional program fee. Please see the Help Desk for more information.


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Children's Services

Q. Are there childminding facilities?

A. Yes, childminding is available. Click here for details.

Q. Are there classes my children can participate in?

A. Yes, Balance offers gym and aquatic classes for children aged 2 to 13 years. Children can experience the fun of exercise while developing healthier hearts and lungs and stronger muscles and bones. Click here for details.

Q. Do kids classes cost extra?

A. Kids exercise and aquatics classes incur an additional fee. Click here for details.


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Elite Fitness

I'm part of a sporting team, is there a designated area I can come to train?

A. The Balance Elite Area includes a mixture of power lifting, free weights, machine weights and stability equipment, built in sprint track for agility, speed and power work, a testing area for fitness and strength assessments and a cardiovascular area for complementary fitness work. 'Balance Academy of Sport' offers a solution to all elite training requirements. Bookings are essential. Please check with Membership Services on 4903 6200.

Are there any rehabilitation services available?

A. A full rehabilitation centre is located adjacent to Balance Aquatics and offers ice baths, a hydrotherapy spa, steam room and massage rooms to give full rehabilitation treatment to athletes and individuals. Bookings are essential. Please check with Membership Services on 4903 6200.


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Corporate Health

Q. Are there corporate packages available?

A. Yes, there are corporate packages available. CLICK HERE for details or contact our Corporate Health Team on 02 4903 6200 or CLICK HERE to send us an email.


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Employment

Q. How do I apply for a job at Balance?

A. Balance is backed by the stability of the Wests Group. For current opportunities available throughout the organisation please email recruitment@westsnewcastle.com.au or call 4935 1300 during office hours.


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