health & fitness


Crayford Weights and Fitness to double in size


Independently-owned Crayford Weights and Fitness in Crayford, Kent, will open a new gym extension next month (May). First launched in 2010, the club acquired


an adjacent unit at the Crayford Retail Park and has appointed supplier Jordan Fitness to equip the new space. The extension has doubled the space


available and new facilities include a group exercise studio, a ladies-only gym and spin room. Te club has 1,000 members. Details: http://lei.sr?a=o3H0V


Merrithew unveils new concept


Canada-based Merrithew Health and Fitness has announced the launch of its new ZEN.GA fitness brand, which aims to provide an “innovative fusion workout”. Te new concept combines


the “foundational principles” of Stott Pilates – the group’s flagship Pilates brand – with yoga and dance to encourage greater mindful movement. New and existing acces-


sories, together with the V2 Max Plus Reformer, will tar- get every muscle and increase body awareness to enhance the mind-body experience. Lindsay G Merrithew, president and CEO of


Merrithew Health and Fitness, said the brand will provide diversity, while also “complement- ing current program offerings”. “Professionals and consumers alike will benefit from the experience of our trainers,


A pool and a gym form part of the council vision


Councillors back £15m Didcot leisure scheme


Members of South Oxfordshire District Council’s cabinet have backed plans for a new £15m leisure centre in Didcot. Te cabinet has agreed in principle to the


proposals, as well as to invest £60,000 from the provisional capital programme towards feasibility and procurement work. According to a report put before the


committee, the minimum requirements of the planned new centre is that it includes a competition and training pool, as well as a sports hall; squash courts; and a gym. Details: http://lei.sr?a=W1W2K


Brivio named Quest development manager


Quality scheme Quest Sports Development has named management consultant Paul Brivio as its new development manager. Brivio will be responsible for modernis-


ing the scheme and to bring it into line with the Quest 2011 Facility Management model – “a flexible, relevant, valuable tool for con- tinuous improvement for all leisure sites”. Brivio has more than 20 years’ experi-


ence in the industry, from his first role as an assistant leisure centre manager, working his way up to commercial director level. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=a6a4k


6 Te ZEN.GA concept is designed to enhance the mind-body awareness


researchers and staff that have been in the health and fitness industry for more than 20 years,” said Merrithew. Master instructor trainer PJ O’Clair added:


“Tis fitness brand increases your awareness to the deep stabilizing muscles of the body.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=w4d1L


‘Positive role’ of green spaces outlined


New guidance highlighting the “positive role” of well- designed green spaces and parklands in the recovery of patients from illness and injury has been published by the Forestry Commission. Greenspace Design for


Health and Wellbeing provides advice on how the design of green spaces around hospitals and wellness facilities can help supplement clinical care. It is hoped the new Practice


Guide will be of interest to practitioners, planners and policy makers within the NHS and others sectors involved in patient care. Forestry Commission chair Pam Warhurst


Well-designed parkland can boost the recovery of patients from illness “Now a raſt of research findings in recent


said: “We’ve all long known that we feel bet- ter aſter spending time outdoors and in green spaces such as parks and woodland.


years have confirmed that this experience is not just a vague impression, it represents a range of mental and physical health benefits.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=h4u4d


Oldham leisure trust to introduce fitness for kids


Oldham Community Leisure has launched a new service aiming to attract young teenagers and their parents to exercise together. From 1 April, children aged 11 and over have


been able to attend specific fitness classes with an adult who is participating in the class.


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital Any juniors who currently have an OCL


membership can access the classes at no extra cost. Junior memberships are available from £19.95 per month. Classes include zumba, bokwa, aquacise and aerobics. Details: http://lei.sr?a=d7u8I


Twitter: @leisureopps © CYBERTREK 2012


photography (c) merrithew corporation


image: marcel mooij/shutterstock


image: bikeriderlondon/shutterstock


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