Starting out in the gym as a young person is an exciting step…
Whether you’re completely new or already building some experience. But we also know it can be tempting to jump straight into using equipment that your growing body might not be quite ready for just yet.
That’s why at Magna Vitae, we’ve created our Junior Gym Guidance – to help you stay safe while developing a healthy, active lifestyle. We’ve put together clear, age-specific guidelines to make sure you have a great time in the gym, while using the equipment that’s right for you.
Age Groups & Access 💪
We’ve tailored our gym access to different age groups to best support your growth and development:
- Ages 11-15: You are welcome to use our gyms during designated independent sessions or with adult supervision. If supervised, the adult must be 16 years or older, and the supervision ratio is 1 adult to 4 juniors. Remember, during these years, your body is still growing, so understanding equipment guidelines is key to staying safe and healthy.
- Ages 16-17: You have full access to our gym facilities independently, meaning you can use all equipment without adult supervision.
| Equipment | 11-13yrs (Red stickers) | 14-15yrs (Green Stickers) | 16-17yrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardio Equipment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watt Bike | No | Yes | Yes |
| Slam balls | No | Yes (10kg) | Yes |
| Core bags | No | Yes (10kg) | Yes |
| Battle ropes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Resistance Bands | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Body Weight exercises | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Circuit series | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pin select | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cable machine | No | Yes | Yes |
| Plate loaded machines | No | No | Yes |
| Free weights | No | No | Yes |
| Kettlebells | No | No | Yes |
| Egym (SLLC) | No | Yes | Yes |
Equipment Guidelines 🏋️
To keep you safe as your body develops, we have specific equipment guidelines based on age and a helpful sticker system.
11–13 year olds (Look for Red Stickers):
Young people in this age group can use cardio equipment, resistance bands, and perform body weight exercises. They are also permitted to take part in circuit series. However, they are not allowed to use any equipment with green stickers, nor free weights, kettlebells, plate-loaded machines, cable machines, pin select machines, battle ropes, core bags, slam balls, the Watt Bike, or Egym equipment at Station Leisure and Learning Centre (SLLC).
14–15 year olds (Look for Green Stickers):
This group has access to a wider range of equipment, including cardio machines, the Watt Bike, resistance bands, battle ropes, and circuit series. They may also use slam balls and core bags (up to 10kg), as well as pin select machines, the cable machine, and the Egym equipment at SLLC. However, plate-loaded machines, free weights, and kettlebells remain off-limits.
16–17 year olds:
Individuals in this age group have full access and are permitted to use all gym equipment.
Junior Gym Times ⏰
Meridian Leisure Centre, Louth
Term-time Hours:
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Monday–Friday: 4pm–6pm
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Saturday: 8:30am–9:30am & 2pm–4pm
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Sunday: 2pm–4pm
Holiday-time Hours:
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Monday–Friday: 12pm–2pm
-
Saturday: 8:30am–9:30am & 2pm–4pm
-
Sunday: 2pm–4pm
Horncastle Swimming Pool & Fitness Suite
Term-time Hours:
-
Monday–Friday: 4pm–6pm
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Saturday & Sunday: 10:30am–12:30pm
Holiday-time Hours:
-
Monday–Friday: 1pm–3pm
-
Saturday: 10:30am–12:30pm
Station Leisure & Learning Centre, Mablethorpe
Term-time Hours:
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Monday–Friday: 4:30pm–6pm
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Saturday: 11am–1pm
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Sunday: 11:30am–1pm
Holiday-time Hours:
-
Monday–Friday: 12pm–2pm
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Saturday: 11am–1pm
-
Sunday: 11:30am–1pm
Skegness Swimming Pool & Fitness Suite
Term-time Hours:
-
Monday–Friday: 4pm–6pm
-
Saturday: 11am–1pm
Holiday-time Hours:
-
Monday–Friday: 12pm–2pm
-
Saturday: 11am–1pm
Fitness Classes for Juniors
Staying active isn’t just about the gym – we also offer a range of fun and energising fitness classes designed for younger members.
Ages 14+
If you’re 14 or older, you’re welcome to join selected classes such as Aquacise, Zumba, and Latin Fit. These sessions are a great way to stay fit and enjoy movement in a social setting.
Ages 16–17
Once you turn 16, you gain access to all of our fitness classes. This includes popular options like Cycle, Pilates, FiiT Virtual Classes, and Virtual Les Mills™, along with everything else on our timetable.
Please check your local centre’s class schedule for availability and times.
Safety First: Your Well-being is Our Priority
We’re committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for our junior members. To help you get the most from your experience, the following steps are in place:
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Mandatory Induction
All juniors aged 11–15 must complete a gym induction and receive a personalised programme before using the gym. This ensures safe and confident use of all permitted equipment. -
Health Commitment Statement
A signed Health Commitment Statement is required when joining. -
Emergency Contact Details
Emergency contact details must be provided as part of your registration. -
Staff Supervision
Our trained staff supervise all junior gym sessions to ensure safety and offer support when needed. -
Medical Information
Please make sure any medical conditions are disclosed to our team before you start.
Gym Etiquette & Rules
To keep the gym a welcoming space for everyone, we ask all juniors to follow these important guidelines:
-
Respect Others
Always treat fellow members and staff with respect. -
Equipment Sharing
A maximum of two people per piece of equipment at one time. -
Keep it Clean
Wipe down equipment before and after use. -
Ask for Help
Not sure how something works? Just ask – our staff are here to help. -
Be Mindful of Noise
Keep noise to a respectful level while using the gym. -
Follow the Rules
Stick to the equipment guidelines and instructions to stay safe.
Getting Started
If you are ready to start your fitness journey with Magna Vitae, we offer introductory fitness sessions conducted by certified trainers to ensure you learn to use equipment safely and effectively.
For full policy details, precise designated gym hours, and membership information, please don’t hesitate to contact our team or visit your local leisure centre.
This policy is effective from June 2025. Please be aware that Magna Vitae reserves the right to update this policy as needed and we will always provide advance notice to our members.
Fitness at Magna Vitae
Explore our fitness facilities at our locations in Horncastle, Louth, Skegness, and Mablethorpe.
Featuring state-of-the-art equipment from EGYM, Life Fitness, and TechnoGym, all within spacious open-plan designs.
Start your fitness journey today with your local Leisure Trust!
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