Judo Champion Pete Douglas Opens New Gym Facilities at Leisure Centre

Gym goers at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre can now benefit from a £115,000 makeover and expansion of the facility following a public consultation that showed overwhelming support for the changes.  The floor space of the gym has been increased by 40% and 20 new pieces of state-of-the-art Techno-Gym equipment have been installed.

Demand for studio cycling at the centre has increased in recent times. As such, the cycling studio has been upgraded with the inclusion of 10 new bikes. In line with the current fitness trends the Trust has also added a brand new “functional fitness ” area. Functional fitness is the latest trend incorporating different equipment such as ropes and kettlebells, which allows people to focus on movement and core strength.

In order to expand the gym the Trust took the decision to permanently close the under-used Rivers Health Suite. This decision was taken after a consultation asking customers for feedback. The overwhelming majority (more than 90%) were in favour of closing the health suite and expanding the gym.

Mark Crutchley, chief executive of Circadian Trust the not-for-profit social enterprise which runs the leisure centres in South Gloucestershire, commented: “As a social enterprise we are always looking for ways to encourage more people to improve their health by participating in exercise.  The Rivers Health Suite was drastically under-utilised with only 11 members signed up to use the facility regularly. The consultation told us that our customers wanted new improved gym facilities.   These improvements mean that the Trust will can continue to provide the latest equipment and service suitable for the needs of the local community. ”

Five-time British Judo Champion, and coach at Bradley Stoke Judo Club, Pete Douglas opened the gym last night (5 February). The night gave new customers the opportunity to try the facilities with free Functional Fitness demonstration classes, and two free studio cycling sessions.

Bradley Stoke Judo Club (BSJC) has been using the facilities at Bradley Stoke Leisure centre for 12 years, and is one of the most successful clubs in Great Britain. Since coaching at BSJC, Pete Douglas has trained more than 20 juniors to England and Great Britain level, and 15 seniors to Dan grade.

Pete Douglas said: “Local leisure facilities, like Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, play such an important role in keeping young people active. It is important that the facilities are kept state-of-the-art and are continually being invested in. The new gym opening marks a big investment into future health and wellbeing of the community. ”

For more information or membership enquiries please call 0300 333 0300.

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