Eastern Leisure Centre Reflects on an Incredible 2025 and Welcomes an Exciting 2026
Eastern Leisure Centre looks back on an incredible year filled with community spirit, achievements, and inspiring stories. From charity challenges and open days to member recognition and new initiatives, 2025 truly showcased what makes our centre special.
Celebrating community and fitness
We kicked off the year with exciting events that brought members together. Our first-ever Members Evening was a huge success, offering interactive workshops, fitness challenges, and opportunities to meet the team. It was a night dedicated to connection, learning, and celebrating our amazing community.
The Pretty Muddy Cardiff 5K saw our team embrace every obstacle with determination and laughter, raising over £1,000 for Cancer Research UK. Later in the year, the Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge tested endurance and teamwork as Team Eastern completed a stunning 10K route, raising vital funds for BEAT, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity.
Summer was packed with energy thanks to the National Open Weekend, which featured free activities for all ages, from Aqua Aerobics and Group Cycle to family fun swims and sports. The atmosphere was buzzing as members explored everything Eastern has to offer. We rounded off the season with a vibrant End-of-Summer Party, complete with disco lights, karaoke, and glow sticks—a perfect send-off before the new school term.
In September, we proudly supported National Fitness Day, hosting a full day of free classes and workshops to inspire people of all ages to get moving. From cardio and strength sessions to social sports like badminton and pickleball, the event highlighted the joy and benefits of staying active.
As autumn arrived, families enjoyed our Spooktacular Half-Term Fun, and winter brought the Fitness Weekend, welcoming new members with free classes and festive cheer. Our Swim School Christmas Parties closed the year on a high note, celebrating achievements and spreading holiday joy.
Breaking new ground
One of the most exciting highlights of the year was Team Eastern competing in its first-ever Hyrox-style event. This high-intensity fitness challenge combined endurance and strength in a competitive format, pushing participants to their limits. The team showed incredible determination and teamwork, proving that Eastern is ready to embrace new trends in fitness and inspire members to take on bold challenges.
Inspiring stories of strength and resilience
2025 was also a year of remarkable personal journeys. Tony Haines, known as The Bent Over Poet, continued to inspire through his resilience and creativity. After a serious health scare, Tony returned stronger than ever, participating in our Parkinson’s-specific circuit classes and sharing his poetry with the community.
Gareth Howell demonstrated incredible endurance and compassion by completing a 547km charity bike ride from Cirencester to Ghent, raising funds for Crisis to help end homelessness. His dedication showed how fitness can be a powerful force for change.
At 83 years old, John Young proved that age and illness are no barriers to progress. After battling COPD and completing the Healthwise programme at Eastern, John now enjoys four weekly fitness sessions, crediting the support of our team for transforming his quality of life.
Welcome 2026 – a year of new opportunities
As we turn the page to 2026, we’re excited to build on the successes of last year. Expect new classes and workshops, special events, and community challenges that will keep you motivated and connected. Whether you’re starting your fitness journey, setting new goals, or simply looking to stay active, this year is your chance to shine.
Together, let’s make 2026 our healthiest, happiest year yet!
Have an inspiring story to share? Email: eastern@gll.org or j.a.nash@gll.org