new
opening
Acoustic cassettes in the roof panels help absorb the sound created by the tiled surfaces in the pool area
Situated across two floors, the Life Fitness-equipped facility includes the Integrity cardiovascular series – the majority of which is self-powered, fitting in with the centre’s green credentials – as well as the Signature Series resistance range and a selection of Cable Motion machines. “Our target audience is very broad,”
says The Pods’ health and fi tness development manager Lisa Goodison.
“We’re here for the whole community – everyone from the age of 14 right through to the over-60s. We aim to become a centre of excellence for sports and recreation and we work closely with GP referral schemes, surgeries and hospitals. We also encourage use by disabled members with specifi c targeted sessions, inclusive equipment and easy access to all areas of the centre.”
SUPPLIERS
Design and construction Andrew Wright Associates – architects S&P Architects Bowmer and Kirkland Construction Buro Happold – structural engineering
Gym Life Fitness – gym equipment and accessories, plus project consultancy Keiser – group cycling bikes Concept2 – rowing machines Show Off Media – design and artwork for branding within the gym
38
The ground fl oor of the gym houses
fi xed strength equipment, a small amount of cardio and a large fl oor work area. Upstairs is the main cardio arena, plus free weights and cable equipment. Two impressive studios are used for group exercise and Keiser group cycling, while classes for up to 70 people can also be held in the sports hall. A health suite offering sauna, steam and spa pool complete the fi tness facilities. “We were involved very early in the
process so could consult throughout, from design on paper right through to completion. The fi tness space was created with the equipment and end vision in mind,” says Nick Mennell, territory development manager Midlands & Military, Life Fitness. He continues: “The building is
designed to encourage fl ow between all the different areas without barriers, which very much fi ts with our approach. We’ve therefore been able to help realise The Pods’ vision of health and wellbeing for everyone: we’re seeing swimmers taking part in their fi rst ever gym workouts, and gym enthusiasts taking part in classes for the fi rst time. The site is living and breathing its integrated approach to fi tness.” Full membership – via direct debit
and for a minimum of eight months – costs £32 a month and includes unlimited use of the gym, all group fi tness programmes, casual swimming and use of the spa suite. ‘Pay as you go’ options are also available. Each new member receives a
familiarisation session and is allocated Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
a personal trainer who puts together their fi tness programme. Due to the high profi le of the
project on local TV, radio and print media, neither signing up members nor recruiting staff have been a problem. However, a tiered offer was set up for the fi rst 300 members: three months free membership for the fi rst 100, two months for the second 100 and one month for the third. All free months can only be taken after 12 months, acting both as a joining and a retention incentive.
looking forward Plans are already in place to develop the site into a centre of excellence for sports and recreation, with sessions for local sport and swimming clubs and close links with local colleges and schools. The Pods will also be working with Life Fitness to harness new technology that could help encourage fitness outside of the gym, including using the re- landscaped park for outdoor training. In the meantime, with the new
centre both completely at ease with its environment and startling to behold, it’s no wonder The Pods and Central Park are already attracting thousands of visitors – both of the human and wildlife variety. Says Goodison: “We like to think that we have created the best fi tness facility in Scunthorpe: the widest range of top quality equipment, the best trained and most passionate staff, and a really wonderful and inspiring environment.”
healthclub@leisuremedia.com kay glover
september 2011 © cybertrek 2011
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