Meeting room transformed into inclusive fitness space
Sandwell Leisure Trust has created an exercise area in Portway Lifestyle Centre for those who cannot access traditional gyms due to their age, health or mobility.
The trust has transformed a former meeting room into the Live Well Studio, which is attracting a diverse group of new users including stroke victims and wheelchair users.
Located in Oldbury, West Midlands, the studio opened in September 2023 with six pieces of Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment inherited from Langley Swimming Centre, which closed in 2022.
Since its launch, the studio has recorded 1,500 visits from the local community, with many users booking in for four-to-five sessions a week.
The inclusive environment provides a safe and gentle 30-minute workout suitable for people over the age of 16 and all levels of fitness, including those new to exercise and people with health conditions.
Sandwell Leisure Trust has partnered with a variety of organisations to provide access to the studio and enhance its role as a community hub.
These include Sandwell Adult Social Care Services and the Albion Foundation, which works with adults with learning difficulties.
In addition to free studio inductions, the trust offers flexible pay-as-you-go options, concessions for those on low incomes and discounted membership for the over 50s.
