A planned refurbishment of the Fitness Zone at the National Sport Centre will complement a strategy that encourages people to exercise to stay healthy.
 
Existing gym equipment will be replaced with new, high-tech exercise machines, including an extensive range of cardiovascular and resistance machines. The range of free weights will also be expanded.
 
There will be even more equipment for customers with disabilities and mobility issues.
 
The sauna cabins in the spa suite will also be upgraded. The spa suite includes a steam room, two sauna cabins and a jacuzzi.
 
The refurbishment will begin in the spring.
 
The NSC is also introducing a membership package that will include unlimited use of the gym, sauna, steam room, swimming pool and athletics track. The package will allow customers substantial discounts on exercise classes. The current ‘pay as you go’ options will remain available.
 
Manx Sport and Recreation – part of the Department of Education and Children (DEC) – has a 10-year strategy that encourages people to exercise to stay healthy. Improving facilities is among the key objectives.
 
David Anderson MHK, Member of DEC with responsibility for Sport, said: ‘The NSC provides a welcoming and inclusive environment in which to exercise and enjoy sport at your own pace and according to your own needs. Developing this excellent facility is important in order to provide a wide range of activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
 
‘Starting or maintaining exercise is one of the single best things people can do to remain healthy, or to regain their health after a setback, and we hope our improved gym, together with our new membership option, will encourage new users.’
 
Meanwhile, the NSC is offering free gym inductions for new users for the rest of February and throughout March and would welcome former members of the gym at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club, following its closure, if they want to look around.
 
Gym inductions last an hour and include instruction on how to safely use the exercise equipment.

Inductions usually cost ?11.50. To book a free induction, ring 688588.
 
On request, the NSC’s highly qualified instructors also help gym users to devise tailored exercise programmes free of charge.
 
For more information, visit www.gov.im/categories/leisure-and-entertainment/national-sports-centre/fitness-zone/