FAQ's

It can be daunting getting back into sport and fitness after a period away from it, and, it can also be confusing about how to book on, and what you need to do in advance of attending a session too. This page aims to answer all your frequently asked questions...

Q. I haven’t played this sport since school...which was rather a long time ago now! Will I be too old and unfit to join in?

A. No, the Get Back Into project was made for people like you! Activities attract a real mix of ages and abilities, but our excellent coaches and instructors ensure that sessions can cater for everyone.

Q. I've never done this activity before...are sessions suitable for complete beginners?

A. The Get Back Into project attracts all types of people, from those who have never done the activity before through to those who once did the activity at a fairly advanced level. All our coaches and instructors are very experienced and know how to run sessions that are appropriate for a range of abilities.

Q. Do I need to book onto activities, or can I just show up?

A. For some of our Get Back Into activities you are required to book and pay in advance due to a limitation on numbers. This is clearly marked on our upcoming session pages. Other activities also fill up very quickly, so it is always advisable to book your place as far in advance as possible. This booking then ensures that you have a place every week for the duration of the programme. If you show up without booking and we have spaces available, you will of course be welcome to join in.

It is quick and easy to book your place using this website. Just click on either the Sport or Fitness tab above, and find the activity you’d like to take part in. Follow booking instructions from there. Alternatively click on the Book tab above, or phone 01582 813760.

Q. What if sessions are fully booked?
Some of our Get Back Into activities are extremely popular and get booked up very quickly. We offer two options to people when sessions are fully booked; 1. To go onto a waiting list and if places become available we will contact you to ask if you would like to take a permanent place, 2. You may go along to sessions, and if somebody who has booked on doesn’t show up, you may take their place but FOR THAT WEEK ONLY. You may continue to show up on a week-by-week basis, but you will not be guarenteed a permanent place until you are allocated one through the waiting list by our booking office.

Q. What do I need to do when I arrive at my first session?

A. At the very first session a member of staff from team BEDS&LUTON will be there to meet you. You can identify us by our black Get Back Into t-shirts. Depending on the venue, we will either meet you in reception, or the most obvious gathering point. We will welcome you, and help you to complete a short form that asks for any relevant medical information and emergency contact details etc. We will then introduce you to your coach/instructor, and make sure that everything is ok for you to enjoy your first session.

Q. Do I need to wear any special kit or bring any equipment?

A. No. Just wear something that you feel comfortable in and soft shoes or trainers - Of course, if you have sports clothing you can wear that! Any equipment that you might need (i.e. rackets, golf clubs, mats) can be provided for you upon request, but if you have your own, feel free to bring it!

Q. How much are session and how do I pay for them?

A. Sessions are just £3.00 a week pay as you go, or pay for all your sessions in advance and receive a 20% discount (this does not apply to Golf, Squash or Climbing as these activities can only accommodate very limited numbers or are very expensive to run). If you would like to pay in advance, please use the online Paypal system when you make your booking, or let the operator know when booking over the phone. If you prefer to ‘pay as you play’, just hand your money in at the leisure centre till or directly to your coach/instructor when you arrive.

Q. Can I get a refund if I pay for my sessions in advance?

A. Depending on the circumstances, yes you can. team BEDS&LUTON will always try to be as fair as possible with refunds. Please see the ADVANCE PAYMENT REFUND POLICY for more details.

Q. Why are activities so cheap?

A. The Get Back Into project is run by team BEDS&LUTON, the County Sports Partnership who have been given funding from the local government to get people in Bedfordshire and Luton more active. This funding allows for sessions to be run at a loss and the money that participants pay will help to keep the programme running in the future.

Q. Do I have to go to every session?

A. No. The thing people like most about our Get Back Into sessions is that they are very relaxed and flexible and can therefore fit in with people’s busy lives. We do ask that on our more popular sessions (netball, badminton and boxfit) that you can attend 50% or more of sessions however, as places are very limited. If you book onto a session and can no longer attend, please let us know so that we can offer your place to someone else!

Q. Do sessions run if the weather is bad?

A. If you are booked onto an outdoor session and the weather is very bad, it is advisable to check the Get Back Into homepage for the most up-to-date information about whether your session will be on or not.

Q. Do sessions run during the school holidays?

A. Generally yes, although some activities that take place in school facilities do not - Your coach will advise you of this.

Q. How long do the sessions last and what happens after they come to an end?

A. Sessions normally run for between 6-10 weeks, depending upon how long we can book the facility for. We hope that by the time the sessions come to an end we will have reignited your passion for the activity and that you will want to continue …and, if you do, we have 3 options for you;

1. Go solo! If the session is still attracting a good number of people by the end of the Get Back Into sessions, the group could choose to continue running the sessions themselves. They will need to be able to cover the costs of the facility hire and, if they wish to keep the coach/instructor they will need to need to negotiate payment with them too, but there’s nothing to stop you keeping the sessions going recreationally. We have seen this work really well in the past with a number of our fitness classes and sports such as badminton.

2. Join the club! If your sport or activity has been taking place at a club and run by the club's coach (often the case with golf, hockey and tennis), you will be invited along to join in with regular club sessions. If your session hasn’t been taking place at a club or is a fitness based class, we will give you all the details of local clubs/classes going on in the area that can accommodate you. Click here for more details of clubs in Bedfordshire and Luton.

3. Form your own team! We have seen a whole load of netball teams form as a result of Get Back Into sessions, and are keen to see this continue, not only in netball but across all sports, with an ultimate aspiration of setting up Get Back Into leagues in the future. team BEDS&LUTON offer £500 and lots of support to help Get Back Into groups form into teams. For more information on this option, you should contact us directly.

If you feel your question still hasn’t been answered on this page, please contact us