the sands is a good gym plenty of room clean tidey but its like everywhere else you go the PTs are not very good with teaching bodybuilding but they are ok at helping people lose weight
Company replied
Location
Switch locationNewmarket Rd, CA1 1JQ Carlisle, GB
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See what reviewers are saying
Just joined the Sands & made very welcome by all the staff but especially Chloe. Played pickleball then dance fitness, followed by a get-together with coffee & cake. What a great morning with lots o... See more
Company replied
Although good facilities I'm shocked at the lack respect certain areas are given! kids running riot in the gym! Teen-agers using the gym as a social/posing gathering area, unsupervised, sitting... See more
Company replied
most gym instructors seem welcoming and friendly. they’re helpful and supportive. we feel the “junior gym” label almost makes it sound as though the sessions are for the age range included, only. th... 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
Newmarket Rd, CA1 1JQ, Carlisle, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
61 reviews
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Encouraging and supportive
The friendly atmosphere and feeling of belonging and encouragement from all instructors. Especially Dawid, James, Debbie, Dave to name a few. All are wonderful.
April 20, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your review.
We are so glad to hear that there is such a friendly atmosphere at The Sands Centre and that the instructors are so wonderful!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Helpful Staff
April 21, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Jagdish,
Thanks for your review.
We are happy to hear that the staff at The Sands Centre are so helpful!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Staff knowledgeable and always on hand…
Staff knowledgeable and always on hand to help
April 15, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Elizabeth,
It’s great to hear that our staff at The Sands Centre have been able to support you with your enquiries and are on hand to help whenever needed. We truly appreciate your kind words and your continued support.
We look forward to welcoming you back very soon!
Kind regards,
Sarah H
ladies toilets in pools changing rooms…
ladies toilets in pools changing rooms - obnoxious smell !!
Free parking space halved - no more free parking in overflow car park !!
April 16, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Lesley,
Thank you for bringing these issues to our attention. We completely understand how frustrating it can be when the facilities don’t meet the standards you expect. Health and safety are our top priorities at all of our Centre's, and we sincerely apologise that The Sands Centre has fallen short on this occasion.
We’re also aware that car parking can sometimes be an issue for our customers. We’ve forwarded your feedback to the Sands Centre team so they can look into this and review the situation.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with us.
Best regards,
Sarah H
Great staff
Clean activity areas and toilet/changing facilities.
Great staff, from receptionists to instructors, personable and knowledgeable. It's a great facility.
Just a shame the cafe had to close down.
April 9, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Lindsay,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the clean activity areas and the facilities, and we truly appreciate your recognition of our staff. We work hard to ensure everyone has a great experience, and it's wonderful to know that you felt well taken care of.
We're sorry to hear about the cafe closure and completely understand your disappointment. We’re always looking for ways to improve, so we hope to have something similar available in the future. Thanks again for your feedback, and we hope to see you again soon!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Very easy to set up our both kids gym…
Very easy to set up our both kids gym membership and very helpful staff !
April 8, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Nuwun
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that your children's memberships were easy to set up, and the staff at the Sands Centre have been able to assist!
We hope your children enjoy their experience at The Sands Centre, and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi David,
Thank you for your kind words!
We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff at the Sands Centre. We strive to provide the best service possible, and your feedback means a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
A lot of diverse fitness classes
A lot of diverse fitness classes, great instructors, and a well-equipped gym. A bit expensive, but worth the price.
February 27, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Jowita,
Thank you so much for your feedback!
We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying the variety of classes, our instructors, and the gym's equipment. We understand the cost can be a factor, but we're glad to know you feel it's worth it. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you in the gym again soon!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Swim for fitness
Booking the activity is very easy on the App, it’s well organised and the amenities are always clean. It’s always been a good experience.
February 17, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Eloise,
Thanks for your review.
We are delighted to hear that you find the app so easy and that the centre is so clean!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Alan
It is great to see the staff at The Sands Centre have been able to assist with any enquiries you have!
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and please do not hesitate to speak to the staff id you have any further enquiries!
Kind Regards
Amir
Nice, clean place with evrything included
Staff were friendly and helpful, the place is new, modern and clean, they look well after their customers.
I like that they have soo many fitness classes and gym and swim are all included în the membership price.
January 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your review.
We are delighted to hear that you receive such excellent customer service at The Sands Centre and appreciate the membership packages we offer!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
We are truly delighted to hear that you are enjoying your membership at The Sands Centre. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and it's fantastic to know that you are making the most of the facilities we offer.
We are particularly pleased to hear that you are enjoying the pool area. It’s a great spot for relaxation and fitness, and we hope it's providing you with enjoyable and refreshing experiences. If you have any suggestions or feedback on how we can further enhance your experience, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you once again for your kind words, and we look forward to seeing you at The Sands Centre soon!
Best regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Maisie,
Thanks for your review.
I have checked your account and cannot see any fees we have collected for £20 so I am unsure of what you are referring to?
If you would like to discuss your query with us, please email us at customerservices@gll.org and we can assist you further.
Warm Regards
Hazal
scammed me out of 20 pound
December 3, 2024
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for your review.
I have checked your account and cannot see any fees we have collected for £20 so I am unsure of what you are referring to?
If you would like to discuss your query with us, please email us at customerservices@gll.org and we can assist you further.
Warm Regards
Hazal
The initial gym induction I think it…
The initial gym induction I think it was James showed me and my daughter round and was brilliant
November 23, 2024
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Carol
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
We are glad the gym induction was useful, and James provided an excellent introduction.
We hope you and your daughter enjoy your experience with us.
Thank you for choosing Better.
Kind
The ease of using the Better app.for…
The ease of using the Better app.for access without any fuss.
The excellent choice of equipment available to use.
The way the gym area is always clean and pleasant to use.
November 19, 2024
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Good Morning Christopher,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about your experience at The Sands Centre. We truly appreciate your feedback!
We are thrilled to learn that your membership is proving to be a positive experience. It's fantastic to hear that you are enjoying the wide variety of fitness equipment available, which is designed to cater to diverse workout routines and preferences. Knowing that you find the gym consistently clean and well-maintained is wonderful news, as we strive to provide a welcoming and hygienic environment for all our members.
Additionally, we’re glad to hear that you find our mobile app user-friendly and intuitive. It’s great that you can easily book your activities online without any hassle. Our goal is to make your experience as seamless as possible, and we’re happy that the app is enhancing your ability to stay engaged with your fitness journey.
If you have any suggestions or further feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you make the most of your membership!
Best regards,
Charmaine
James was brilliant
James was brilliant. He explained about all the equipment and how to use it correctly.
October 24, 2024
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Marie
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased James was able to provide a great induction and we hope you can use all the information learnt on your journey with Better!
Kind Regards
Amir
I was given a gym induction which was…
I was given a gym induction which was both helpful and informative. As well as showing me the various equipment, the instructor listened to what I was saying, and explained how each piece of equipment would help. He found alternatives to receive the same benefits when I struggled with a piece of equipment. He took notice of what I enjoyed. I was given suggestions on how often I would need to train to benefit and given a copy of my training programme. As an older person, I appreciated the time taken and made to feel I was capable of using the equipment, and there would be support there if I needed it.
September 17, 2024
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hi Ann
Thank you for your review.
We're delighted to hear that the gym induction was beneficial and that the instructor was able to assist you in creating a training routine that you find enjoyable.
We hope you enjoy your time at our centre, utilizing the information you have received.
Thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Facilities and staff are great
Facilities and staff are great. But the pool is very cold!
September 1, 2024
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Hello JC,
I wanted to express our gratitude for taking the time to share your feedback with us.
We are thrilled to learn that you are having a positive experience with your membership at The Sands Centre. However, we are disappointed to hear about the issue regarding the cold pool temperature. Rest assured, I will personally ensure that your feedback reaches the centre manager, who will investigate and address this matter promptly. Our goal is to ensure that your future swimming sessions are nothing short of comfortable and enjoyable.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further concerns.
Best regards,
Charmaine
Found it difficult to find anyone to…
Found it difficult to find anyone to speak to in person initially when looking round before joining. I signed up to my first class and attended, but because I didn't scan my barcode to confirm, which wasn't advised to when I was there, I've been classed as a no show. I now need to pay £3 and can't book anymore classes until I have. Really enjoyed the class and facilities look really good but overall stressful experience so far trying to understand the systems with a lack of guidance from people.
September 12, 2024
Reply from Better - The Sands Centre
Good Morning Sarah,
Thank you for your review.
I am very sorry to hear of the above issues you have been experiencing with your membership. Please check your inbox in a few minutes as I will email you directly.
Hope this helps.
Charmaine
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