Primary Care Trust funds unique gym in Staffordshire
Primary Care Trust funds unique gym in Staffordshire
South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has funded a unique gym in Lichfield to help it hit its Government targets. The project at Friary Grange Leisure Centre, a dual use site on the grounds of The Friary School, received more than £51,000 from the PCT towards the equipment, as well as a £46,000 Section 106 grant to fund the conversion of an under used squash court to house the gym. A mezzanine floor has been added to the squash court to double its space, allowing for an interactive gym on the top floor, featuring ZigZag’s Xer-Dance platforms and three Sportwalls. The second-generation wireless dance platforms are portable and can be packed away when not in use, so the top floor can also be used for spinning classes. The ZigZag interactive gym will be available to The Friary School, as well as other primary and secondary schools and specialist groups. Evening and weekend programmes will be developed to cater for local needs, including the swimming club’s land training, women only classes and special needs and disability sessions.
Friary Grange Leisure Centre will work together with the PCT to target specialist groups such as children and older people and tackle conditions such as diabetes and obesity. The leisure centre already runs a range of programmes including GP referral, cardiac rehabilitation, a mental health scheme and a Play on Prescription scheme.Fergus Ahern, Managing Director of ZigZag said: “The Xer-Dance platforms are an ideal activity solution for these target groups as the ‘Pump it Up’ software can run three levels of difficulty simultaneously, sensing each users dance level and adjusting the difficulty rating mid-game to suit each player. The software also features a variety of fitness workouts including fat burner, interval and steady.”
Friary Grange Leisure Centre is run by Lichfield District Council. Area Manager Phil Kelly said: “Originally we had four squash courts, catering for two people in each court, but one has been converted into a multi purpose room and the other into the interactive gym. The new gym conversion can cater for up to 30 people at any one time, which will make a huge difference to our income levels and help support the sustainability of the centre. Initially the squash players were disappointed, but it has worked to our advantage as the remaining courts are also full every night – the players just have to book in advance.”
Friary Grange Leisure Centre also has an Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accredited fitness suite, a 25m pool, a five-court sports hall, two squash courts, a multi purpose room and a crèche.
