New women-only gym opens to help keep the community healthy and active
Chadderton Wellbeing Centre has launched a workout space exclusively for women.
The new private space on the ground floor, with a full range of cardio and strength training equipment and female staff, is in addition to the existing gym and studio facilities at the centre on Burnley Street.
It follows the success of Women’s Wednesdays, where every Wednesday morning there is women-only access to swimming, the sauna and aquasise and group classes such as aerobics, body pump and Zumba.
Stuart Lockwood, Chief Executive of Oldham Active the charity operating leisure facilities across the borough, said: “The space was formerly used as a spin studio.
Public Health Director Rebecca Fletcher tried out the rowing machine
“But following the success of Women’s Wednesdays, we have taken the decision to invest in a dedicated gym space exclusively for women, minimum 16 years old, to encourage more women in the local community to lead active, healthier lives.
“The feedback we had was that some women do prefer to exercise in women-only spaces and our women- only swimming sessions were already popular.”
Rebecca Fletcher, Public Health Director for Oldham, tried out a rowing machine in the new Oldham Active space at a launch event on Wednesday.
The launch was also attended by Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, Oldham Deputy Mayor and Chadderton North councillor Eddie Moores and Chadderton Central ward councillors Cllr Mohon Ali and Cllr Mohammed Nazrul Islam.
Chadderton Central ward councillors Cllr Mohammed Nazrul Islam and Cllr Mohon Ali
Cllr Dean said: “This is a great addition to the community, a private gym where women can exercise in their own dedicated workout spaces with female members of staff to offer support if needed.
“This is a great way to encourage the community to keep moving by providing an environment in which they feel safe and comfortable.
“Women can help to build their strength and increase their flexibility without feeling self-conscious.”
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 6.30am-9pm and 8am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The new women-only space has been launched
Minimum age to access the women-only gym is 16.
For more information and membership prices call 0161 207 7000 or visit oldhamactive.co.uk
