Manchester Leisure

Manchester hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and has since secured its status as a credible sporting city. Sports facilities constructed specifically for the event, along with a variety of others already in existence, serve the needs of the city's sporting community and fitness inclined residents.

Football

The city has two football teams - Manchester United and Manchester City - and their home grounds are both within a 20-minute drive of the city centre. It's hard to escape the impact of football, especially on a Saturday evening when fans head for bars to celebrate or drown their sorrows following the afternoon game.

Other competitive sports

Ice hockey is also big in Manchester, with the Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey Club representing the city. Games are currently staged at the MEN Arena, but are due to switch to the Altrincham Ice Rink on completion of its massive redevelopment programme. The Manchester Aquatics Centre on Oxford road was built for the Commonwealth Games and is now the city's premier venue for competitive swimming events. With an Olympic standard pool on hand, the centre is the most prestigious venue of its kind in the northwest.

Fitness

Gymnasiums can be found around the city, although the majority operates on a membership-only basis. Some may be prepared to admit paying customers on a day pass; however, gyms require you to attend an induction for legal purposes. Gyms are often a common feature of the city's better hotels and if you're in need of a good workout, then this is probably your best bet. The Aquatics Centre offers a fantastic pool which is open to all as well as classes in disciplines such as yoga and Pilates. Visitors will find municipal leisure centres offering pools, indoor courts for hire and classes in the vast majority of suburban regions.