Sports centre’s gym given a lift

Gym-goers in Wishaw are cooling their heels this week as the facility at the town’s sports centre is undergoing a revamp.

The good news for those who can’t deal with inactivity for long is the gym will relaunch to the public with an open night on Monday.

Even better news is that anyone can go along on the night and try out its Weight Lifting Workshops for free.

NL Leisure have teamed up with Wishaw charity Chris’s House to highlight the benefits that going to the gym and regular exercise have on mental health.

Steven Miller, head of sales for NL Leisure, said: “We’ve heard a few stories of people who want to come in but aren’t able to take that first step through the door.

“A lot of people don’t get past the car park.

“Some people think when you come in to a gym it’s going to be full of people who are ripped with six-packs.

“If you walk in to any gym it’s the total opposite, they are the minority.

“You can come in from 6pm on Monday night and train for free, or just have a look.

“People also have the perception that gyms are for young people, but I was in Wishaw Gym just this morning and the average age was around 70.”

There will be volunteers from Chris’s House at the open night and anyone who joins up at the launch will be assisting the suicide awareness charity.

The charity will receive the £15 sign-up fees from those applying for membership on the night.

Ann Rowan of Chris’s House said: “It’s fantastic that they are doing this and we’d like to thank Steven Miller who has been very supportive.

“We understand the impact that physical health can have on mental health, both can be aligned, and it’s also helping raise awareness of the issue and Chris’s House”.

Wishaw Sports Centre houses one of eight main gyms operated by NL Leisure across North Lanarkshire.

The gym refurbishment is the first stage of Wishaw 2020; a programme of works happening at the sports centre site.

The reception area and foyer is also set for refurbishment later in the year.

A not-for-profit organisation, NL Leisure invests the money it makes back into its venues.

The Wishaw gym is its busiest club with more than 4,300 members.

It was completely refurbished fourand-a-half years ago and it’s hoped the latest rejig will offer more people the opportunity to exercise.

New state of the art equipment including Olympic platforms and weights are going in.

“It’s not a total refurbishment for the gym. The big change is the strength and conditioning area”, Steven admits.

“Some people can be daunted or feel intimidated coming into a gym, especially a strength and conditioning room which is often referred to as a big boys gym.

“But no matter what body type you have you are welcome.

“There are more and more women lifting weights because of the benefits and it’s becoming more and more popular, so we are trying to target them too.”

Rory Brechin, NL Leisure’s marketing and communications manager, added: “We’re trying to make it more inclusive as previously strength and conditioning was in a separate area which led to it being male dominated.

“It’s about making it a more welcoming space, and more user friendly with a good atmosphere.”

The open night will run from 6pm to 8pm next Monday, October 21.