Was already using the centre, but I'm now learning how to lift properly. Michael and Omari in the gym have been so helpful and welcoming, and I'm seeing progress every week! I can't thank the t... See more
Company replied
Location
Switch locationRichfield Avenue, RG1 8EQ Reading, GB
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See what reviewers are saying
Brilliant spin classes with Lauren! Loving these sessions - great music and atmosphere! Exactly what's needed to break up the gym routine! Can we have moer of Lauren's sessions!?!?
Hello. I had booked 24th aug as my first adult swim class and i was unable to make it . I called the centre in the morning and was given a mail to request replacement class which i have and no respons... See more
Company replied
Really happy with the progress my child has made during their swimming lessons on a Thursday. Brandon is an excellent teacher where my child actually enjoys going to the lessons. Everything seems w... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Welcome to Better! We’re a charitable social enterprise, committed to the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. From gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools to lessons and courses for both adults and juniors - plus libraries and children's centres - we've got it all. So whether you’d like to try something new, keep the kids entertained or have a dip in the pool, discover our inclusive range of activities, suitable for all ages and abilities at your local Better centre today.
Contact info
Richfield Avenue, RG1 8EQ, Reading, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
119 reviews
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There is a queu to get to the class
There is a queu to get to the class. If I'm late I have to wait to get in which is frustrating.
September 16, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Antonia
Thank you for the review.
We are sorry to see that you may have to queue if you are late.
We would encourage you to arrive on time, so you do not need to queue.
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hello Alejandro,
Thank you very much for your comments and feedback.
Kind Regards.
I booked today's virtual spin by…
I booked today's virtual spin by mistake when I should have put tomorrow I did this in the sports centre and made the receptionist aware within five minutes of me making a mistake but my account was still blocked even though I agree with the £3 surely 5 minutes and human error I should have been let off I've paid the fine but I don't think it's particularly good customer care
September 9, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Anthony
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to hear about your recent experience and an email has been sent to you direclty regarding the penalty Fee.
Kind Regards
Amir,
Wonderful and happy teacher with fun…
Wonderful and happy teacher with fun activities for my baba to enjoy the water
September 2, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Rivermead Leisure Centre
Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading is a fantastic facility. Membership is excellent value for money given the huge array of activities that take place at the centre with a modern atmosphere and set of equipment.
August 27, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hello Mark
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying the facility in Rivermead leisure centre.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and are happy that this has been reflected in the service you have received.
We have also passed on your comments to the centre!
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
Mixed
Staff on site largely great Sadly, hard to book onto decent Pilates classes due to low allocation and people booking on then dropping off. I don't have time to monitor the waitlist day to day. Long-term shortage of cafe loyalty cards disappointing and does not inspire loyalty. If I can't get onto the Friday Pilates class I will probably just cancel my membership, which seems to have increased in price, and pay for the Tuesday one weekly.
August 1, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for your review.
We appreciate your feedback and wanted to clarify that we do have a penalty fee system for those customers who cancel less than four hours before their session is due to being and if they book and do not show up.
We do have a lot of popular classes and sometimes these do get booked up quickly, but we do advise customers to check back on the day as sometimes spaces do come up.
We hope you will decide to remain with us and we do appreciate your custom.
Warm Regards
Hazal
I think 30 mins is too short for a…
I think 30 mins is too short for a swimming lesson as back 2 back sessions leads to only 20 mins of actual training. There should be some gap between the sessions so that trainers and kids get time full time.
August 5, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi,
Thanks for your review.
We appreciate your feedback in reference to our sessions and will take this on board.
Warm Regards
Hazal
The swimming teacher was very…
The swimming teacher was very respectful, cheerful and supportive.
July 14, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Mastura
Thank you for your review.
It is great that the swim instructor is providing a good lesson and has been able to support you in progressing with your swimming.
We hope you attain the skills and confidence you wish!
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Good Evening Stephen,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback!
We’re glad to hear you’re happy with the equipment at the Rivermead Leisure Centre. If you need any assistance or have questions, feel free to reach out!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
My son has just joined the swim classes…
My son has just joined the swim classes last weekend and I expected to see a feedback on his performance or the group he will belong to based on his current level, but none of that was done and we're just in limbo till date!
Same thing happened with my 2nd son when he started off in January. Sometimes, we go for weeks with zero updates.
Your feedback mechanism really needs to improve. Thanks.
July 12, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Good Evening TeeA,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We sincerely apologise for the lack of communication regarding your sons' progress and group placement. We understand how important it is for parents to be informed, especially during the early stages of a program.
Your experience does not reflect the standard of service we strive to provide, and we truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We are currently reviewing our feedback process to ensure that regular and timely updates are provided to all parents moving forward.
In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to our front desk or speak directly with the head coach after class — we’d be more than happy to discuss your child’s progress and next steps in more detail.
Thank you again for your patience and for giving us the opportunity to improve.
Warm regards,
Charmaine
the induction was thorough and helped…
the induction was thorough and helped me with form
July 9, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Tyler,
Thank you so much for your feedback!
We're glad to hear that the induction was thorough and helped you with your form. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out anytime!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Always very clean which is very positive
June 25, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Sharon
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are having a good experience at the Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym.
Thank you for choosing Better!
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Joanna,
Thank you for your kind words!
We’re glad you’re enjoying the Pilates and yoga classes as well as the pool at the Rivermead Leisure Complex. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Pahi
Thank you for your review.
It is wonderful to see that the teachers are providing excellent lessons, and we hope you can apply what you learn during your time at the Better Leisure Centres.
Kind Regards
Amir
I'm so pleased with helpful staff and how simple the booking system work ,also how clean is center and very friendly.Im feeling so much better about myself and looking forward to using lovely faciliti
I love been a member of so lovely,clean and so friendly centre.I feel so much better about myself mentally and physically.Thsnk you special gratitude to Michelle a receptionist of River made center .Thank you for welcome me to your health centre.Olga
May 3, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Olga
Thank you for your review.
We're delighted to hear how much you’re enjoying being a part of our community at the Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym. It’s wonderful to know that the environment and support have had such a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being.
We will also pass your feedback on to Michelle – she’ll be so pleased!
Kind Regards
Amir
My son’s first swimming lesson took…
My son’s first swimming lesson took place with Jake on last Sunday .
He was greeted by Jake who made him feel at ease and had. a wonderful first session
May 4, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Dear Doctor Khoury,
I hope this message finds you well!
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind words—they truly made our day! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your son had such a wonderful experience during his first swimming lesson with Jake at the Rivermead Leisure Centre. It’s fantastic to know that he felt relaxed and engaged throughout the session, enjoying every moment in the water. We are excited to continue supporting his journey and growth in swimming, and we look forward to watching him gain confidence and skills in the coming lessons!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Pool was cold
My kid said pool was cold. He was a bit nervous as it was his first lesson in rivermead although he is not new to swimming nothing was done to encourage him. All kids are not same few have starting problem when they feel comfortable then only they will be confident.
April 29, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Arth,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re sorry to hear that your child felt uncomfortable during his first lesson at Rivermead. We understand that every child is different, and it can take time for some to feel confident in a new environment. We’ll share your comments with our swim team to ensure they’re offering the right level of encouragement and support, especially for new joiners. Your feedback helps us improve, and we hope to make future lessons a more positive experience for your child.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Overally good leisure centre
Overally good leisure centre. Cleaniness is at good level. Facilities are good as well.
I wish the council would plan more of these around town as at peak times (most work day evenings) it's crowded. Would I come again, yes. Regularly!
April 23, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Filip
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to hear that you’ve had a positive experience at our leisure centre and that you’re happy with the cleanliness and facilities.
We completely understand your point about peak times being crowded, and your membership does give you access to all of our centres, including the other centres within your area. We hope you have the opportunity to use these centres as well!
Kind Regards
Amir
Enquiry was resolved smoothly.
April 13, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Sidroy
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see your enquiry was resolved promptly, and we hope you enjoy using the Better facilities.
Kind Regards
Amir
I recently joined Rivermead Leisure Gym…
I recently joined Rivermead Leisure Gym and used the swimming pool for the first time on 8 April. It was clean, well maintained and not too busy. I hope all my future visit and will be as pleasant and relaxing.
April 8, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Fardine,
Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience at Rivermead Leisure Gym and enjoyed your time in the swimming pool. We always strive to maintain a clean and relaxing environment for our guests, and it's great to know that you found it to be just that.
We look forward to welcoming you back for many more pleasant visits in the future!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
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