A £600,000 investment into facilities at a Manchester leisure centre has been unveiled.
The Forum Leisure in Wythenshawe is hosting an open day on Saturday, January 21 to celebrate the gym's reopening and to showcase the fitness facilities on offer for local community members to trial the new features for free.
Significant investment has been made into new equipment and a wider refurbishment at the centre including a 90-station fitness suite, cardio and resistance machines from Life Fitness featuring on-board media and connectivity. In addition, an extended free weights area hopes to cater for the increased interest in weight training.
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Forum Leisure is managed by leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with Wythenshawe Forum Trust and MCR Active.
Phil Bowers, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “After extensive works, we’re thrilled to showcase our new gym facilities and hope the investment into the transformation at Forum Leisure in Wythenshawe will be of great benefit to our members.
“It will help to increase our prevalence as a hub for the local community and support our mission for everyone to reach their target of 30 minutes’ exercise, five times a week.”
Following the refurbishment, completed in December 2022, the fitness suite features the latest equipment suitable for all levels including free weights, strength and conditioning, and a functional training kit.
These free swimming, cardio, strength and spinning sessions are among the taster activities available between 10am 4pm available on 21 January, including circuits and boot camp sessions and pump and spin classes throughout the morning. Free public swimming will take place all day.
Cllr John Hacking, Manchester City Council's executive member for skills, employment and leisure said: “The work to upgrade the facilities at the centre will now allow residents to improve their wellbeing and enjoy the latest gym equipment right on their doorstep."
Other improvements include new air conditioning systems to the fitness suite and group fitness studio, and new flooring and redecoration to the fitness suite, creating an environment designed to boost the energy of members. In addition, an extended free weights area hopes to cater for the increased interest in weight training.
While following the trend of well-being, members now have a separate calm and stretch area, to take time to focus both mind and body.
New gym member Robert Schofield said: “The gym refurbishment is incredible and the selection and quality of equipment they have installed is amazing. The gym is clean, bright and friendly; the update had made the Forum gym tough competition to any gym nearby.”
Phil Bowers added: “After our much-anticipated refurbishment last year, we’re exceptionally proud to be opening up our leisure centre in Wythenshawe to the local community.
“The centre offers a variety of services and activities for people of all ages and abilities, and the open day will be a great opportunity for those who aren’t members to come and see what we have to offer.”
Activities for the open day should be booked in advance online via the Everyone Active website. For further information click the link here.
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