Major investment in gyms to boost ‘digital experience’

Bury Council’s three gyms have had a £500k upgrade to improve the digital experience of their thousands of visitors.

The improvements at Castle Leisure Centre, Radcliffe Leisure Centre and Ramsbottom Pool & Fitness Centre will be carried out in time to welcome customers back on 12 April when the latest coronavirus lockdown restrictions are expected to be lifted.

The council partnered with Matrix Fitness to install 135 of the latest machines across the three sites, including those which focus on building strength, function fitness and cardiovascular capacity.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We needed to modernise our facilities to provide something for everyone, of all different abilities and fitness levels. This gave us the opportunity to really consider the needs of our members and create something new to give them the best experience possible.

“Digitalisation of the leisure industry has been rapid, and has been sped up by the various Covid-19 lockdowns. People now expect a wraparound, digital service to complement what they get within the four walls of a traditional leisure centre. We chose to partner with Matrix Fitness to enhance our current fitness offer but to help future-proof our business in the digital age.”

The council also opted to integrate Matrix Fitness Connected Solutions, including a portal which helps trainers connect and engage directly with members through a branded app, and a workout tracking network which brings all members’ fitness data together, both inside and outside the gym.

With 3,500 members across the three leisure centres, the council hopes the improvements will attract even more customers.

Chris Porrino, Matrix Fitness Area Manager, North added: “The past year has brought many changes, but one positive is the renewed focus on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Bury Council is working to provide state-of-the-art health and fitness solutions so that people in the local area have access to the latest the fitness industry has to offer in order to help them lead healthier lifestyles for the long term.

“At Matrix Fitness, we like to take on partnerships, providing guidance and expertise in any aspect we can, from the initial design to the day the doors are open to the public. Our partnerships extend far beyond just the purchase of equipment and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this renovation will have for the members, staff and the wider community.”

Julian Taylor, Commercial Director, Matrix Fitness and a Bury local, added: “It’s fantastic to see Bury Council investing in better health and fitness facilities for the whole community. Public health is top of our agenda at Matrix Fitness; we want to help get more people, more active, more often and I’m proud that my local council is leading the way with this innovative installation at all three leisure centres.”

Details of Bury leisure centres are here: www.bury.gov.uk/buryleisure

To learn about how Matrix Fitness can transform your fitness, visit www.matrixfitness.co.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 29 March 2021.

Picture: Cllr Andrea Simpson (back, centre) at the new digital-friendly gyms with Mike Taylor and Zilpha Lang, with (front) gym instructors Lizzie, Neil, Ben and Jordan.