Gym membership for under 19

If you’re under 16, yes — a parent or guardian needs to come with you to sign the health declaration form and set up the Direct Debit. Ages 16–18 can join independently, though a parent or guardian must still set up the payment.

Sign-up process

Parents or guardians of young people under 16 must sign the UK Active Teen Gym Health Declaration and membership application form. They should also inform us in writing about any changes to the information provided or any special requirements of the child. Please bring proof of age.

For 16+ years
OCL’s policy states that individuals 16+ are considered adult members. However, parents or guardians must set up a Direct Debit payment.

Colour Coded Bands

At each visit, all young people under 16 will be given colour-coded bands to help the staff members identify their age and determine their permitted activities.

• For individuals aged 13, an orange band will be issued at entry.
• For individuals aged 14+, a blue band will be issued upon entry.

Induction process

Members must complete a gym induction before using the gym. Qualified (minimum NVQ L2 in Fitness Instructing) or *suitable staff members always supervise the gym floor.

• For 13 year olds, you must complete Elevate 1.
  • Elevate 1: General information, CV introduction and Fixed resistance training.
• For any young person 14+ year olds, the program is divided into two parts:
  • Elevate 1: General information, CV instruction and Fixed resistance training.
  • Elevate 2: Free weight induction.

Induction process

Following the member induction program, members 16+ will have access to all gym equipment, fitness classes, swimming pools, and leisure centre facilities.

It’s a free session with one of our qualified instructors who’ll walk you through how to use the equipment safely and help you get started with a plan. Everyone does it before their first gym session — it takes about an hour.

Cardiovascular Equipment

From 13+ years:

• Before using the CV equipment, you must complete an induction program with one of our qualified instructors.
• Young people can only use CV equipment that can be adapted to match their specific size requirements.

Resistance Equipment

• From 13+ years you must complete a specific induction program before using the resistance equipment during Staffed Gym sessions
• Can only use resistance equipment that is adjustable to match their size requirements.
• Pins, not plates – No fixed kit with plates can be used. Only machines whose weight is modified using pins.

Free Weights Equipment & Smith Machine

Young people under 14 year-old cannot use the free weights or the Smith machine.

Members 16+  have access to all gym equipment, fitness classes, swimming pools, and leisure centre facilities.

Note: Oldham Active treat a 16-year-old as an adult member.

Classic Membership gives you access to 1 venue only.

Ultimate membership gives you access to all venues: Oldham, Royton, Chadderton, Failsworth, Saddleworth and Radclyffe Athletics Centre.

You must be at least 13 years old to use the gym or purchase a young person’s membership. Under-13s are not permitted to use the gym.

Download the Oldham Active app or use the online booking system.

Classic Members can book sessions up to 7 days in advance.

Ultimate Members can book sessions up to 8 days in advance.

Class instructors will receive training to determine participants’ ages using colour bands and to conduct a verbal age screening before every class.

However, participation in Spin classes is subject to the junior being able to safely operate the bike.

Participants need to be 16 years or older to attend any Adult or Adult-only lane session.