RE-FIT AT ARDS GYM OPENS OPPORTUNITIES FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS

A re-fit of equipment at Ards Leisure Centre has opened up new opportunities for wheelchair users to exercise in the gym.

In the last month, equipment in the Centre's Momentum gym has been replaced and among the brand new pieces for a 'resistance workout' are those where the standard seat moves to leave space suitable for different types and sizes of wheelchair, whether motorised or manual.

"We do have wheelchair users who are members of the leisure centre and regularly use the pool. However, the addition of this new fitness equipment broadens the opportunities for these existing customers, and other wheelchair users who may never have visited the centre, to use more of the facilities and in so doing to improve their health and well-being," said Alderman Kieran McCarthy, one of Ards Borough Council's 'Disability Champions'.

Representative of Disability Matters North Down and Ards, Kym Lennon, visited the Centre to see for herself how the new equipment can be adapted to suit wheelchair users:

"There are limited options for wheelchair users to engage in fitness activity, but their physical health is as important as anyone else's, so to have access now to a comprehensive range of gym equipment which can be quickly and easily adapted, is really great," said Ms Lennon. "As well as being impressed by the facilities themselves, the fact that everyone meets with a fitness advisor who devises a fitness programme tailored to their very specific and individual needs is a great advantage and certainly helps to overcome any nervousness that anyone - wheelchair user or not - may have about going to a gym".

While the fitness equipment is suitable for wheelchair users to access without assistance, anyone with a disability may bring a carer with them to the leisure centre. Carers have free entry, but may not use the facilities themselves. Anyone who would like further information about the new equipment or other facilities at Ards Leisure Centre, should contact Lisa Erskine, Tel: 028 9181 2837.