Walking into a new gym for the first time can feel like a big step. You do not know where anything is, who to ask, or whether you will look like you know what you are doing. This guide walks you through a first visit to ONE|DZ, so there are no surprises on the day.
ONE|DZ is an independent gym in Derby, set inside Darley Abbey Mills, about 10 minutes from the city centre. It is family run, and the team would much rather you asked a question than spent your first session guessing.
Start with a free pass
The easiest way to try it is a free day pass. It gives you full access to the gym, the infrared saunas and the facilities for one visit, so you can walk the gym floor, meet the team and see whether it feels right before you commit to anything.
Getting there and parking
Parking is free on site and there is plenty of it. If you would rather not drive onto the site, there is also parking across the bridge in Darley Abbey. There are handy bus links too, and space to lock a bike if you prefer to ride in.
The gym is open seven days a week: 6am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 7:30am to 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. There are no class times to work around, so you can come in when it suits you.
Changing rooms and lockers
There are two changing rooms, one upstairs and one downstairs, both with lockers that lock with a four digit code. You will also find a men's and a ladies' shower room, so you can head straight to work or the school run afterwards.
The gym floor
The gym covers 3,000 square feet, with multiple racks, platforms, cable stations and machines, a dedicated free weights area and a cardio zone. It is laid out to be easy to find your way around, with quieter corners if you like a little space while you train.
Ask for an induction
Everyone is welcome to have an induction to help them get the most from the gym. If you have never used a squat rack or a cable machine, say so. It is far quicker than working it out alone, and the coaches are used to helping people who are brand new.
After your workout
If your pass or membership includes the saunas, the private infrared rooms sit next to the showers, so you can wind down and rinse off in one go. Start with 15 to 20 minutes if you have not used one before.
Want to know more before you come in? Take a room by room tour of the gym, or use this checklist to judge whether a gym feels right for you.
