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Discover the newly opened Roman Gym as part of your visit to the Roman Baths.

New areas to see include an ancient exercise courtyard where Romans would have worked out by taking part in activities such as Trigon (a three-way catching game), wrestling or exercising with weights. Film projections bring these activities to life and show how the Romans weren’t very different to modern day gym-goers.

Alongside the exercise area is the remains of a Laconicum, or Roman sauna or steam room. This would have been a circular room warmed by underfloor heating. Ten minutes in here would have been enough!

There is also the opportunity to learn about Roman medicine. Roman doctors practiced in Aquae Sulis (the Roman name for Bath). Medicine was centred around the belief that there were four humours in the body and to be healthy you needed a proper balance between them. Romans also believed exercise was important for good health and the soul.

A visit to these newly opened areas is included in general admission to the Roman Baths. Pre-booking online at romanbaths.co.uk is essential.