Rugby legend unveils new fitness equipment at Barry Leisure Centre

Welsh rugby legend Neil Jenkins has urged Vale of Glamorgan residents to kick-start their fitness in style this new year after unveiling new state-of-the-art equipment at Barry Leisure Centre.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has become the first local authority in Wales to install revolutionary ‘Trixter’ bikes in one of its Leisure Centres, bringing the excitement, feeling and sights of outdoor cycling inside four walls, while new ‘Easyline’ machines ideal for the whole family have also been installed.

After officially unveiling the facilities in two new suites, part of a £300,000 LifeStyle gym upgrade, Neil Jenkins said: “These fantastic new facilities are so impressive. I would have been absolutely delighted if I had been able to use this sort of equipment when I was growing up. The new bikes and machines are a lot of fun to use and will make training really easy and enjoyable.”

Following the opening, local pupils from Barry Comprehensive and Bryn Hafren Comprehensive put the new gear through its paces, and LifeStyle Operations Manager Jonathan Rogers said: “The youngsters really enjoyed their workouts and we are looking forward to seeing people of all ages, shapes and sizes having a lot of fun on this new equipment.

"We are particularly keen to link in with local schools via the council’s sports and play development team to provide regular organised sessions for youngsters to get fit and healthy at Barry Leisure Centre.”

In the new cycling suite, riders can imagine they are following the thrilling ride being taken by a virtual cyclist on a large video screen at the front of the class (as pictured left). This bikes feel just like the real thing as their handlebars pivot and sway from side to side as you ride, providing a full body workout and the ultimate indoor cycling experience. Half-hour Trixter bike classes are being held at the Leisure Centre seven days a week.

Jonathan Rogers added: “The ‘Trixter’ bikes form an integral part of the training regime for many of the world’s elite athletes, and having such quality equipment installed here is a massive boost.”

The new ‘Easyline’ stretching stations and hydraulic machines (pictured right) are ideal for the whole family as they are kind on the joints and enable people to exercise regardless of their physical strength or ability.

Cllr Anthony Ernest, Vale Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism (pictured above right with Neil Jenkins) said: “These are exciting times for Barry Leisure Centre as we now have some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in Wales."

Cllr Ernest continued: "This gym extension demonstrates how we are committed to providing even more opportunities for people in the Vale of Glamorgan to get fit and have fun at their local leisure centres. We hope that the new equipment will encourage greater numbers of children, men and women of all ages to sign up for LifeStyle memberships both this year and for many years to come.”

A LifeStyle health and fitness membership allows you to use all four of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s main leisure centres in Barry, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Penarth, giving you access to a total of four fitness studios, three health suites, three pools and over 60 fitness classes each week.

Memberships start from only £22.75 per month and further details can be found at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/leisurecentres or by calling 01446 732457. You can find out more about the new equipment and the Trixter bike classes here.

Find out what else is going on at Barry Leisure Centre here.

Pictured left top and bottom: After opening the two new rooms, Neil Jenkins met the pupils from Bryn Hafren and Barry Comprehensive Schools before watching them put the equipment through its paces.   

Pictured right top and bottom: Cllr Anthony Ernest, Vale Council cabinet member for leisure and tourism, enjoyed trying out the new Trixter bikes, while Cllr Tony Hampton, cabinet member for education, was also present to congratulate gym staff on their hard work.

12.01.09