Main Facilities at the PEC

The Queen's Sport Physical Education Centre (PEC) is right beside Botanic Gardens and only a few minutes from the McClay Library, which makes it so easy to fit into your day on campus. It’s the perfect place to break up long study sessions and reset. 

Inside, there are multiple weightlifting rooms across two floors with loads of squat racks, benches, free weights, cable and weighted machines, which are frequently updated. There are a huge range of upper and lower body machines available here, with my favourites including the hip thrust machine, hack squat, leg extension machines and assisted pull up machine. There’s also plenty of cardio equipment including bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and Stairmasters to get some good cardio into your sessions.

Beyond the main gym floors, there are studios running over 75 classes a week, from spin and Pilates to yoga, Zumba and total body conditioning. There’s a full swimming pool with diving boards, a sauna (great to use after a long day of study), squash courts and even a massive indoor climbing wall that the climbing and mountaineering society use regularly. Around the back, there are outdoor football pitches where you’ll often see five-a-side matches and society training sessions happening here!

There’s genuinely something for everyone, whether you’re into lifting, swimming, classes or trying a new society here at Queen's, you will definitely end up visiting the PEC!

Why You Should Join

For me, having access to a gym during university was non-negotiable. Exercise is such an important part of my routine, not just physically, but mentally. It’s my way to switch off from lectures, clear my head and manage stress.

One of the best things about first year is that if you’re staying in Queen’s accommodation, you automatically get a free off-peak membership for 9 months. It’s such a good perk and makes getting into a routine so easy. You can also upgrade to a full peak membership at a reduced student rate, which I did because my medicine timetable changes week to week and I wanted the flexibility. Now in second year I can say the membership is worth it and you also get free classes of your choice included!

Your membership also gives you access to the Queen's Sport BT1 gym in the city centre, which is super handy depending on where you’re living. When I was in BT2 during first year, I used this gym regularly because it was so convenient. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, the gym’s open from 6:30am until 10pm on weekdays, so it’s easy to fit a session in around your timetable and daily routine.

It’s also such a good social outlet. Going to the gym with friends, flatmates or even trying a new class together is an easy way to bond. And if you’re ever unsure how to use equipment, the staff are approachable and it’s completely normal to take time to build confidence. I remember checking if there was a good gym at Queen's before I arrived here and having somewhere accessible and well-equipped to train has made such a difference to my uni routine.

You can upgrade your first-year or general membership and even renew or extend it throughout your time at university, at the PEC front desk or online through the Queen’s Sport website. Plus, booking classes is super easy using the Queen’s Sport app!

What a Typical Session Looks Like for Me

I usually head to the PEC around 7–8pm after lectures or clinical skills. I find an hour is the perfect amount of time to get a solid workout in. I don’t follow a super strict plan because I like having the freedom to mix things up depending on how I’m feeling. I usually rotate between upper and lower body days and sometimes add a bit of cardio or swimming for fun. 

On lower body days, I’ll head downstairs and use the squat racks or leg press to start. I love the hip thrust and leg extension machines for isolating muscles, and the hack squat is a great alternative if I’m not in the mood for barbell squats.

On upper body days, I use the lat pulldown machine, cable machines and free weights for shoulder press or upper arm exercises. The assisted pull-up machine is great for building strength gradually. I’ll usually finish with some core work on the mats. 

I really enjoy using the pool and sauna at the PEC, the open swim lane has a relaxed vibe suitable for any level, and if you want to challenge yourself, there’s a fast and intermediate lane to push your pace. Finishing the day in the sauna, especially around exam time, is honestly the perfect way to unwind!

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Natasha Morgan Medicine | Postgraduate student | England, UK Hi there! I’m Natasha, a second-year postgraduate medical student at Queen’s. I’m especially interested in psychiatry, and before this I spent some time researching infectious diseases. Outside of my studies, I’m passionate about art, I love oil painting, drawing, and visiting galleries whenever I can. Since coming to Queen’s, I’ve also started getting into film photography, which has been a fun new hobby. I enjoy travelling, going to live music events, and staying active through weightlifting and swimming. I’m excited to begin my clinical years and continue developing both academically and personally, while meeting even more people at Queen’s.