They include a wheelchair treadmill, Concept 2 Rowers with a tractor seat and rowing hook, Multi Ropes, which simulate the benefits of traditional jump ropes and help enhance shoulder strength, cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness, a Wheelchair LapMat to protect legs when using a barbell, Assault Bike Adaptive Handles, and a Matrix Krank Cycle hand bike.
The new equipment is already in place at WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams and will be rolled out at the two other sites, WV Active Aldersley and WV Active Central, in the coming weeks.
Scott Smith from equipment supplier Invictus Active said: “It's fantastic to see inclusive equipment available in commercial gyms, opening up the facilities across Wolverhampton to a wider audience and those with a disability.
“The effort and commitment by WV Active is impressive and hopefully other facilities across the UK use this as an example of what can be achieved.”
Local Paralympian Mickey Bushell MBE, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games and now runs inclusive fitness classes through his Gold Star Academy, came along to try out the equipment and said: "This investment is such a huge step forward for wheelchair users coming to get active, and what an amazing place it is."
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, added: "We want to ensure our WV Active leisure centres are as inclusive as possible, and are delighted to be able to work with Invictus Active to offer this new range of bespoke equipment across our sites.
"As a WV Active member you get access to all 3 of our leisure centres, including the gyms and pools, can take part in WV Active and Les Mills group exercise classes, too."
The council recently completed a £1m refurbishment of the gyms at each leisure centre, providing customers with the very best equipment and latest technology. WV Active venues include:
- WV Active Aldersley, Hugh Porter Way, Aldersley, offering 2 fitness gyms and 2 exercise studios, athletics track, cycling velodrome, outdoor tennis and netball courts, sports pitches and indoor arena for badminton, tennis, indoor bowls, 5 a side football and more.
- WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, Nettlefolds Way, Bilston, boasting an 8 lane, 25m swimming pool, studio pool, fitness gym, two exercise studios, multi use sports hall and squash courts.
- WV Active Central, Bath Avenue, Wolverhampton, which has an 8 lane, 25m swimming pool, fitness gym and exercise studio.
There are 3 WV Active memberships available – standard, corporate and concessionary – which can be used across 3 sites. A pay as you go option is also available. Details of membership packages are available at WV Active; members have access to all 3 facilities and can take part in unlimited fitness classes, gym usage and swimming.
Councillor Jaspal added: “We have a wide range of competitive membership packages available, so please take a look and you are bound to find an option that best suits you.”
