The University of Bristol gym has undergone a £180,000 refurbishment which has seen the introduction of new cardio machines, weights machines, and free weights.
An increasing interest in free weight use has led to the 30% increase in weight plates and bars brought in by the refurb.
The new machines are energy-efficient modules which will help the university meet its ambitious carbon targets by 2030. They will save a minimum of 10kWh of electricity – or 2.33kg in CO2 emissions – per day.
University announces refurbishment
The Indoor Sports Centre on Tyndall Avenue underwent a £4.9 million update in 2018 that increased capacity and brought in “state of the art” facilities. It now has two gyms, studios for classes, a sports hall, and an indoor running track.
Spread over four floors, the centre also boasts a sports medicine clinic that offers services to staff, students and the community.
The newest refurb of the gym involves mostly like-for-like changes in machines, though does include some new additions such as an arm curl machine and a calf press machine.
But what will happen to the old equipment? Frequently used gym machines have a useful life of around five years. It will be reconditioned by a specialist company and distributed to gyms that cannot afford new kit.
Who can use the University of Bristol gym?
The gym is open to members of the public, though students and staff at the University of Bristol are given discounted membership.
James Rowntree, Group Health and Fitness Manager at the University, said: “We want gym-goers to have access to first rate, modern equipment.”
They wanted to “make the change” and swap out the old equipment in time for the New Year and new semester.
“In the last five years we’ve seen a big increase in people lifting weights, including many more women which is fantastic to see,” Rowntree said. “That’s why we’ve increased our free weights.”
“We hope everyone likes the changes and can’t wait to see you all getting stuck in.”
Off-peak hours are from opening to 15:30 on Monday to Friday, and anytime on Saturday and Sunday.
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