Fitness boost after leisure centre opening

The number of people taking part in health and fitness sessions has increased since the opening of a new state-of-the-art leisure centre.

Newark Sports and Fitness Centre opened in April last year on Bowbridge Road.

The centre cost £9.4m and replaced aging facilities at the Grove Leisure Centre, London Road, Balderton.

Since its opening, membership has increased by 30% and there are 6,000 regular users.

The centre is run by Newark and Sherwood District Council’s leisure company, Active4Today.

Its director of communities, Alexis Knock, said: “The investment was definitely needed. When we were based at the Grove we had to share some of the facilities with the school.

“The new centre allows us to use the sports hall all day, every day.

“It has given us the scope for putting on more activities, including health classes.”

Interactive equipment in the gym allows users to record workouts on a fitness app on their phones and can emulate a particular training plan that has been completed elsewhere.

The sports hall has four indoor sports courts, two squash courts, a 25m six-lane swimming pool, 20m learner pool, and has a studio that includes exercise bikes for spin classes.

Mrs Knock said: “At the beginning we were not sure how people would react to a new building in a new location.

“People don’t always like change but many found that they soon got used to where everything is.”

Hydrofighter is one of the more unusual classes. The sessions use strikes and stances from different martial arts and takes place in the pool.

Activities are also offered for specific medical conditions, such as those who have suffered a heart attack, or any other condition including mobility problems.

People can get referred from their GP, practice nurse or health professional.

“Strokeability, for instance, although it welcomes everyone, is aimed at people who have suffered a stroke and includes low-level chair-based exercises,” said Mrs Knock.

Youngsters aged eight to 15 are encouraged to attend gym sessions and there is a family zone in the gym.

A crèche is available for parents using the centre.

To celebrate its first year, the centre hosted an open weekend featuring a magic show, animal roadshow, climbing wall and circus skills.

There were free taster sessions for over-60s including swimming and low-impact aerobic exercise.

“We have pushed for more fitness sessions for over-60s to try and encourage them to come to the gym regularly,” said Mrs Knock.