Witney News - New gym will increase opportunities to exercise

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New gym will increase opportunities to exercise

A gym designed for people who are new to exercise or want a more relaxed alternative to a traditional gym has opened today (January 30th) at the Windrush Leisure Centre in Witney.

The ‘Easyline’ gym by Technogym is based in the centre’s former snooker room and has a full range of simple-to-use cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

The Windrush Leisure Centre, which is owned by West Oxfordshire District Council and run by the not-for-profit distributing trust Nexus Community, already has a Health and Fitness Studio. However, the Council and Nexus are aware that some people do not feel comfortable in a traditional gym environment and the new gym aims to provide a welcoming, informal area, with equipment that can be tailored to suit all abilities.

Sessions will be held in the new gym for a range of people, including ladies-only, over-50s, exercise referral and, for the first time at the leisure centre, classes for 12 to 15-year-olds. The equipment is also available for individuals to use during open sessions.

Cllr Hilary Biles, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Health, officially opened the gym this morning. She said: “The Council aims to encourage and create opportunities for people to lead more active and healthier lifestyles and the new gym at the Windrush supports this. We hope it will appeal to people who would like to exercise, but do not wish to use a traditional gym. I would like to invite residents to contact the leisure centre and find out more about how the new equipment could help them.”

The new gym has around 20 stations and the equipment is ideal for circuit training, hosted by fitness instructors, to give people full body workouts at a pace to suit their needs.

The equipment has cost around £40,000, funded by Nexus Community. Their Partnership Manager, Carey James, said: “The equipment is simple-to-use and is particularly suited to those who are just starting out, have not exercised for a while, or perhaps feel uncomfortable about joining our regular gym. The equipment is also suitable for use by 12 and 13 year olds, who are too young to use the equipment in the Health and Fitness Studio.

We hope it will encourage more people to exercise and we welcome anyone to come along and see for
themselves what’s on offer.”

Members of an over-50s seated yoga and exercise group were the first to try out the new equipment today.

Doris Spalding (photograph attached to email) said: “We think this new area is wonderful. As the equipment is programmed, it’s easier for us to use. I’ve found it very exciting and very enjoyable and I can really feel my muscles being worked.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about the gym can contact the Windrush Leisure Centre on 01993 861808.

Posted : 30/01/2009 17:18:39

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