Hawthorn’s New Gym Opens
An inspirational Leisure for Life Member, a regular gym user who has shed an astonishing four stone with the support of Council staff and a retired lady who has never been to any gym before joined Cllr Ann Crimmings for the official opening of Hawthorn Leisure Centre’s new gym this month.
Hawthorn has become the only leisure centre in the county borough to boast Wattbikes, which have been developed in partnership with British Cycling. The bikes are used by everyone from beginners to world and Olympic champions to improve their performance and technique as part of the refurbishment.
Also installed were seven treadmills, six cross trainers, a great range of strengthening and functional fitness equipment and Octane gear to complement the centre’s existing TRX and circuit rooms plus a fantasticclasses timetable – all of which members can enjoy unlimited access to thanks to the new Leisure for Life membership.
Cllr Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Sport, joined staff and managers from Hawthorn Leisure Centre for the exciting opening and said:
“The total refurbishment of Hawthorn Gym is one of four major leisure improvement schemes proposed for the coming year.
“All the old equipment has been removed and replaced with brand-new, state-of-the-art equipment which has wifi and smart phone connectivity to ensure users get the most out of their workout.
“We are investing in leisure to create modern, attractive facilities with complementary membership options to encourage people to take advantage of the excellent leisure offer which is right here on their doorsteps.
“We recognise that Leisure remains a service that relies heavily on the support of its customers, which is why we have completed the investment at Hawthorn and also agreed to push forward with exciting improvements at Bronwydd Pool to almost double the size of the gym there. Proposals for Abercynon and Rhondda Sports Centre are also being devised.
“We have also created a new membership option which offers unlimited, unprecedented access to all gyms, classes and swimming across all RCT Council Leisure Centres for one fixed payment and continue to promote the leisure offer via social media.
“We are committed to providing leisure facilities that encourage and inspire residents to improve their own health and wellbeing and have staff on hand at leisure centres who can assist you in terms of getting the best membership deal for your own personal situation and preferences and also give you guidance on how to get the most out of your visits to our leisure facilities.
“It’s time for residents who have not yet enjoyed our leisure offer to get off the starting blocks and contact their local centre to find out more.”
Elizabeth Jenkins, 69, has recently retired and, finding herself with more time on her hands decided, for the first time in her life, to join a gym! Accompanied and supported by expert gym manager Tracy Nicholls, Elizabeth enjoyed her first ever gym session.
She is now considering whether to take advantage of the over-60s concessionary Leisure for Life Membership rate, which starts from £21 a month for unlimited gym, swimming, classes and health suite use at any Council leisure centre.
Also on hand was Katie Lloyd, a familiar face at the gym as she uses its equipment, complemented by fitness opportunities offered by the classes range, to support her training. She has recently completed a gruelling cycle ride for charity and is now in training for the formidable Desert Dance charity challenge in the Sahara Desert.
Katie visits the centre regularly and is an inspiration to other users because of what she has achieved.
Gym user Kate Hall also joined the official opening. She has lost a staggering four stone as a result of a new healthy eating and exercise regime she is enjoying at Hawthorn Leisure Centre, supported by centre staff who want her to achieve her health and wellbeing goals.
The new gym at Hawthorn Leisure Centre is open now and welcoming new members.
Find out more about the gym and Leisure for Life Membership.
