Many, if not most of us, will have enjoyed watching the Paris Olympics on TV earlier this month.

The chance to marvel at the world’s finest sports men and women going toe-to-toe in all manner of events captivated billions of people across the globe.

In County Durham, the women’s eights rowing was of particular interest with Peterlee’s Lauren Urwin, who started training at Chester-le-Street at the age of 14, part of the British team that brought home a bronze medal.

(Image: Emily Carey)

Lauren and the rest of the Olympians will doubtless have set the flame burning inside potential future stars dreaming of following in her footsteps at the games in years to come; inspiring many to take up new sports or work on their existing skills.

They’ll also have prompted perhaps many more of us to decide it’s finally time to get fit (or fitter).

Whichever camp you fall in, Durham County Council’s leisure centres have got you covered.

Here’s ten things you can do at those ‘thrive leisure’ centres this summer and beyond:

National Fitness Week: As National Fitness Week approaches in September, thrive leisure is gearing up to inspire residents with a variety of activities designed to get everyone moving. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, you can enjoy free passes, challenges, and competitions. thrive leisure has 14 gyms across the county so there’s a location close to everyone.

(Image: Emily Carey)

Swimming Programmes: Inspired by Adam Peaty’s silver medal? Dive into moving more with thrive leisure’s swimming programmes at our 10 local pools. Swimming boosts cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves flexibility. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to push your limits, the Olympic spirit will motivate you in the pool.

Group Fitness Classes: thrive leisure offers an impressive selection of group fitness classes, including virtual options. From high-intensity workouts to yoga, these classes cater to all fitness levels and can be accessed at home via the thrive app or at one of many leisure centres across the county. 

(Image: Emily Carey)

Family-Friendly Activities: Family fun is at the heart of thrive leisure with activities like Strike 10-pin bowling at Peterlee Leisure Centre. With offers for dine-and-bowl and immersive Spark technology that adds a layer of excitement, these events are perfect for creating your own adventure.

Soft Play Areas: For the kids, thrive leisure’s soft play areas offer endless fun. Peterlee Leisure Centre boasts the largest three-storey Play Zone, while other centres across the county also feature exciting play facilities for children to explore.

TAG Active Arena: Coming soon to the Louisa Centre, Stanley; the TAG Active Arena offers a multi-level, interactive obstacle course that challenges gamers aged eight and over to test their speed, strength, and agility in a real-life gaming experience.

Indoor Climbing: Also arriving soon at the Louisa Centre, Stanley; indoor climbing challenges will be available for both beginners and seasoned adventurers, thanks to the auto belay system. Bookings for these exciting climbing experiences, including party packages, are opening soon.

Autumn Walks Programmes: Walks include Gentle Steps sessions, perfect for those starting an active lifestyle, and Wellbeing Walks, guided by friendly instructors, on either flat paths or moderate terrain.

Couch to 5K: Ideal for beginners, the Couch to 5K (C25K) programme is a structured plan that gradually builds endurance, helping participants transition from walking to running five kilometres in just a few weeks. 

(Image: Emily Carey)

Move Hub: Move Hubs offer a gentle start to your fitness journey with power-assisted gym equipment designed for low-impact, full-body workouts. Located at Abbey Leisure Centre, Durham; the Louisa Centre, Stanley; and coming soon at Teesdale Leisure Centre, Barnard Castle; these hubs are also social spaces, perfect for making new friends while improving your health.

Durham County Council aims to provide a diverse leisure offer for its communities across the county. The authority wants to help more people become and stay active, supporting them to live long and independent lives.

(Image: Durham County Council)

Through its Leisure Transformation Programme, the council is currently updating its leisure offer to modernise it and ensure it is accessible for all ages and abilities.

To find out more, and to see everything else the council’s leisure centres have to offer, visit thriveleisure.co.uk.