Leisure centre Kings Life’s brand new gym was on show at the weekend. Members of the public, as well as current users, were invited to come and check out the new facilities based at the former Kings Club.

The new-look gym is over two levels with resistance-based kit on the ground floor and cardiovascular equipment above.

‘Existing members are really impressed, it’s got that wow factor,’ said operations director Ian Potter. ‘We’ve had new members sign up already.’

Each of the treadmills and cross-trainers has an individual screen with 15 channels of music and television on display.

Mr Potter hoped that this would encourage more people to exercise.

‘For those people who don’t want to miss their favourite soap, they can come in and watch it and exercise at the same time.’

He said that the gym had been reorganised to tailor for users’ needs. They had upped the number of treadmills and cross-trainers and reduced the amount of rowing machines and upright bikes to reflect that.

The centre came under new management nine months ago. Since then there have been a lot of changes including the £400,000 new gym and a mini refurbishment of the bar area. There has also been a creche created and work has been on the tennis court.

‘I’d encourage people to come and have a look – I think they’d be impressed,’ said Mr Potter.