Get fit the 21st century waywith state of the art gym (From Penarth Times)

Get fit the 21st century waywith state of the art gym

ALL four fitness studios at the Vale of Glamorgan Council leisure centres at Penarth, Llantwit Major, Cowbridge and Barry have been refurbished and redecorated and include new state of the art'Technogym' equipment.

Specialist equipment includes treadmills, a selection of bikes, synchros (cross trainers), steppers and rowers, together with a whole range of resistance equipment and free weights.

All customers will be assigned individual keys to operate machines to train effectively at any of the four refurbished fitness studios. In effect, it is now possible to use all four centres with a Lifestyle membership.

With a choice of different programmes, individuals can either'free train' - exercise according to their own plan - or work on a designated personal training programme written by a team of professional instructors.

Workout information is stored on individual keys and can be read by a special'Wellness expert.' This records graphics, figures or even a comparison to a race such as the Tour De France to see how well people are training.

Customers can watch television from a selection of channels or listen to music of their choice using their own personal headphones on selected equipment. A combination of watching a favourite soap and getting fit at the same time could be that special incentive to train.

Exercise can improve balance and stability but, ultimately, reduces the risk of a heart attack and developing diabetes and provides many more health benefits. Start training now to avoid the New Year rush!

Cllr Mike Harvey, the Vale Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, visited Barry and Llantwit Major centres recently, and commented: "The new upgraded facilities are impressive. I'm sure customers will be pleasantly surprised to see improvements implemented."

All new customers attending Lifestyle studios must have an induction; existing customers must be re-inducted. Telephone Lifestyle administration on 01446 732457 from 9am - 8pm (Monday to Friday), 9am - 1pm (Saturdays). At all other times there is an answer machine facility. A 6 deposit for the personal key is required and this fits easily on to any key ring.