The EasyLine gyms feature hydraulic equipment designed to improve people's health and aid their rehabilitation by enabling them to enjoy gentle exercise. Though they can be used by anyone, they are particularly aimed at people aged 50 and over or those with long-term medical conditions or a high Body Mass Index.
New gyms have recently opened at Bilston, Dovecotes, Lunt and St Chad's community centres thanks to Public Health funding totalling £90,000. This money was made available to help residents - particularly those who have diabetes, are obese, have a disability or are unemployed - to be more active.
They join six other EasyLine gyms which were set up between 2009 and 2011 thanks to £72,000 in funding from Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust. They are at Ashmore Park, Dunstall Hill, Eastfield, Lower Bradley and Low Hill community centres and Blakenhall Community and Healthy Living Centre.
The gyms each have a number of different pieces of EasyLine equipment, creating training circuits which offer a variety of workouts. The hydraulic resistance on the equipment can be altered to meet the user's ability and physical condition, meaning it can be used by everyone.
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "These gyms are proving very popular with more than 500 people regularly taking part in one of the 51 sessions available across the city - indeed, some centres have put on additional sessions to cope with demand.
"I'm delighted that so many people who wouldn't ordinarily feel able to use a standard gym are taking advantage of these sessions and improving their health and wellbeing in the process."
The EasyLine equipment is available at various times throughout the week - for more information, please contact the community centre. Sessions cost £1.50 per person and some centres charge a £2 annual membership fee.
- released: Thursday 16 May, 2013