An SCL membership is about far more than going to the gym. It’s your key to seven leisure centres, five swimming pools, and over 300 group exercise classes every week. From Spin Class to strength training, swimming to yoga, Zumba and everything in between; you can get it all from just one membership. But, for those looking to push a little further, find a new challenge, or reignite their motivation, CrossFit SCL might just be the spark you’ve been waiting for.
At first glance, the SCL CrossFit Box does look a little different from your standard gym. There are no rows of treadmills or cardio machines. Instead, it’s an open, dynamic space; designed with functional movement, teamwork, and encouragement in mind. When you step inside, it quickly becomes clear that this is more than a workout; it’s a community.
According to the CrossFit SCL team,
“It’s not your usual class, gym or programme. You will build strength, stamina, bone and tissue density, joint stability, improve posture and core stability in a safe and progressive environment.”
As well as the physical benefits, members often find they leave sessions with increased mental wellbeing, a sense of achievement and success. Not to mention the satisfaction of doing something they once thought impossible.
As member Lizzie said,
“For about the past seven years I’ve been doing CrossFit, and I’ve always wanted to get my muscle up. Since joining in February this year, the programmes have been all tailored to learning my muscle up. Probably about two months ago I did get my first muscle up. And then the last couple of weeks, I’ve been able to link 3 or 4, which is, you know, incredible achievement for me.”
Each session is carefully structured, combining variety, progression and support. Whether it’s your first time picking up a barbell or you’ve been training for years, every movement is scalable. The workouts are challenging, but importantly, always achievable.
The atmosphere at CrossFit SCL is built by the people. Chris, who heads up the Box, has built a reputation for his welcoming, knowledgeable and encouraging approach.
Lizzie recalls:
“When I first did a couple of trial sessions, Chris welcomed me back with open arms. He talked me through everything again and made sure I was happy with where I was at and what my goals were for the year. Everyone from all walks of life comes to this box and trains. It’s really inspiring. It’s nice to be able to train with people of different abilities. For me, it’s the people that keep me coming back each day.”
CrossFit can often sound intimidating to newcomers, but Lizzie insists it’s the opposite:
“I know there’s a huge preconception that CrossFit is for big muscly people, but it’s really for anyone at any point in their journey. You just need to get started. Take a couple of taster sessions, meet the people, and see what it’s all about.”
The CrossFit SCL community is a mix of complete beginners, long-term members, and experienced athletes. Everyone trains side by side, as equals. That mix of experience and encouragement creates an environment where everyone learns from each other and progresses together.
If you’re already a member, but you’re curious about CrossFit, there’s good news: you can try it FREE as part of your SCL membership. All you need to do is book your free trial today!
CrossFit SCL also hosts two Functional Strength Bootcamp sessions every week. These sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00am, and are open to all SCL members. They’re designed as an introduction to CrossFit-style training and a great way to push your fitness to the next level.
Long-time SCL member Shaun has made full use of these sessions:
“The benefit [of Bootcamp] for me is that you can get caught in a rut; you enjoy your usual classes, but you want to push yourself a bit further. Being able to use my membership to attend a gym which realistically is out of my price range, and do some amazing classes that take your strength and cardio to another level, is fantastic.”
Shaun says that stepping into the CrossFit Box gave him a new sense of motivation:
“You can come here as a beginner. The coaches will look after you, and it gives you an idea of what CrossFit and HYROX training can be like. For a lot of members, it’s the taster they needed, and they have gone on to become full CrossFit members.”
Becoming a full CrossFit member also comes with extra benefits. These include; unlimited access to the Box, open gym sessions, daily HYROX classes, and use of the CrossFit SCL app to book sessions, view programmes, and track progress; all while keeping the same SCL member benefits and access to every SCL facility city-wide.
Shaun has discovered first-hand just how much variety an SCL membership offers.
“Originally, I joined SCL and started going to Swinton Leisure Centre as it was my local gym. I started doing some classes, found some fantastic instructors and really began to enjoy my gym time. A lot of the instructors teach across different gyms, so you start following them for classes you love. Maybe a spin class at Worsley or SCLROX training at Broughton.”
He adds:
“Some of the best strength-training facilities you’ll find are at Eccles. It’s got a dedicated area just for it, with loads of specialist equipment. Across all the gyms, you can train 10 to 15 hours a week doing all sorts of classes. That’s one of the things I value most; being able to train in lots of different locations, with excellent instructors and great facilities.”
With access to seven leisure centres, five pools, over 300 weekly fitness classes. As well as additional perks including free badminton and squash courts, sauna and steam rooms, and access to five swimming pools across the city, an SCL membership really is a gateway to the best of Salford’s active life.
SCL isn’t just about fitness. We also offer access to some of the city’s best cultural and community spaces including; Ordsall Hall, Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Cleavley Athletics Track, Salford Water Sports Centre and more. You can even unwind after a workout with a coffee at one of SCL’s leisure centre cafés, or head over to Clifton Country Park or Parr Fold Park, soak up some stunning scenery and enjoy a post walk treat!
Whether it’s stepping into your first CrossFit Bootcamp, booking a new class, or taking that first dip in the pool, your SCL membership is packed with opportunities to challenge yourself, discover new places, and meet new people.
As Shaun puts it:
“Make the most of your membership. Try different gyms, try different classes, get your value for what is an amazing price that SCL offer.”
With options to suit every lifestyle, budget and activity level, you’re sure to find your perfect membership with SCL.
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