Gym: Glassworks
Millie Cooper on this blissful sanctuary that just misses the student budget

The Glassworks Health Club is a stone’s throw from St John’s College, although as soon as the doors close you forget you’re in the city centre at all. Greeted by a white robe, slippers and mood lighting, it’s clear the staff work hard to successfully maintain their top-end image.
Deceptively spacious, the charming old building houses a gym, spa, studio, treatment centre, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
The gym has all the charm of a spacious converted loft: decorated by warm wood, brick walls, high ceilings and plenty of light, it avoids the often clinical feel of the typical sports centre.Equipped with cardio equipment, a stretching area, weight machines and a more private free weights section, the gym is sure to have something for everyone.
The only drawback is at peak times, members may have to wait to use the most popular equipment.
Glassworks also offer a range of exercise classes everyday, from Spin to Pilates, which are free to all members. The studio is both modern and amusingly lined by a wall of Penguin Classic book covers – just in case you hadn’t seen the inside of a library in a while.
Home to an Elemis spa and an Aveda salon, members enjoy treatments at a discounted rate. Although it may be slightly too pricey to treat yourself to after every all-nighter, a week five visit could definitely be justified.
The downside to Glassworks is the price. With off-peak memberships starting at £54.50 a month (£44.58 if bought for twelve months), it’s not likely to fall within the typical student budget.
Having said this, there is the option to suspend your membership over the summer. If you’re looking for a sanctuary away from Cambridge without boarding a train, Glassworks is certainly worth a visit.
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