Oldham Mayor attends launch of new look gym at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre

Cllr Jenny Harrison tries indoor cycling

Oldham's Mayor, Councillor Jenny Harrison has helped to launch the refurbished gym at the Chadderton Wellbeing Centre.

Active Oldham (Oldham Community Leisure) held an open day yesterday attended by Cllr Harrison, as well as many local residents.  The day showcased the new look gym at the Centre following its refurbishment earlier this year, including the installation of modern fitness equipment.

The open day included a fun-packed wellness activity programme, encouraging local residents to try out new activities. The event was well attended, and was an opportunity for residents to see the new facilities and what services are on offer.

Oldham Active asked attendees to make a small donation to the Mayor’s local charities, raising money for: Maggie’s Oldham, AGE UK Oldham, Andy’s Man Club, Oldham Street Angels, POINT, UKEFF, Inspiring Futures Partnership CIC and Terence O’Grady Social Club.  

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Jenny Harrison, joined in with the activity programme and participated in her first ever indoor cycle class, in the new cycle studio which opened last year.  She told the Chronicle: "I’ve had such a fantastic day; it was lovely to see so many friendly faces. The refurbished gym is a real asset for our community, and I was extremely impressed by the range of activities available.  There really is something for everyone, from babies’ first swim class to sessions aimed for the older or less mobile people, as well as women-only sessions.  

"I was a little nervous about trying my first indoor cycle class, which is something outside of my comfort zone. But I was talked through how the class would run, how to use the indoor bike, and throughout the class was reminded that I could take it at my own pace.  It was really good fun. I’m proud of myself and it’s proof that anyone can give it a go!

“The benefits of being active for our bodies and minds are huge, and a key commitment of this Council administration is to improve our community’s wellbeing. A healthy lifestyle is the foundation to a happy life and these redevelopments, along with the expert support of the staff, will encourage our community to move more every day.”

The contemporary refurbished gym at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre includes a high-tech cardio zone with new Matrix cardiovascular (CV) apparatus, including eight treadmills, six cross trainers, a series of indoor bikes, arm peddling machines and climbing machines.

The gym also has a comprehensive resistance area, with multi-station rigs, which make it easier for customers to take on a wide variety of dynamic exercises, weight lifting benches, free-weight equipment and a bespoke stretching area. The wide range of equipment will cater for people looking for strength, conditioning, toning, power and speed training.

Simon Blair, Head of Business Development at Oldham Active, said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many local residents to the open day, and we were thrilled to share the new and improved gym at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre with our local community.  It was a great opportunity for people to discuss the range of activities that are available with our team of wellness advisors, to have a try and to explore how our staff can support people with their individual fitness goals.

"The last few years have proved how important wellbeing is for our minds and bodies, and there have never been more opportunities to participate at our welcoming centres."

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