Northumbria University has completed its impressive transformation of Sport Central, a multi-purpose sports centre in Newcastle city centre that forms part of the campus, investing in an innovative gym refurbishment, supplied by Matrix Fitness.The 751 sq m gym now offers a premium offering for students, staff and the community.
“Fitness has evolved rapidly since Sport Central was first opened in 2010,” says Daryl Dixon, sport experience manager at Northumbria University. “The days of cardio equipment lining the gym floor are gone, replaced by functional training, immersive technology, measurable metrics and performance-led equipment.
“Prior to the tender, we spent a lot of time visiting other gyms and were hugely impressed by what we saw from Matrix. It was imperative that we partnered with a supplier that was going to support our vision to install the best, and most technologically connected equipment, and we awarded Matrix the contract based on quality, price, added value and also their desire to collaborate with us to ensure the gym was a long-term success.
“Technology is shaping the industry and Matrix was the perfect partner.”
Booming membership
Membership targets for 2019/2020 were exceeded within five weeks of installation, including a year-on-year increase in student memberships of over 600. The team is already having to explore options of increasing group exercise capacity, as classes are consistently full.
The gym refurbishment included installation of top-of-the-range Matrix equipment, incorporating its 7xi cardio equipment, Ultra strength equipment with connected intelligent training consoles, Magnum Racks and Magnum Plate Loaded units, CXP bikes, the Connexus Perimeter rig and S-Force and S-Drive performance trainers.
Utilising the Matrix CXP bikes for indoor cycling classes has proven particularly popular, with a distinctive Target Training touchscreen display that uses engaging graphics and vibrant colours to motivate riders, assess effort and keep goals on track.
“The positive feedback has been overwhelming,” says Dixon.
Stephen Nutt, Matrix Fitness’ education sector specialist adds: “Students are more health conscious than ever before. Universities are having to get creative, offering a fitness experience that engages and motivates its members.
“The team at Northumbria has been completely open minded, forward thinking and have allowed us to collaborate on an installation that brings Sport Central to the forefront of what the fitness industry has to offer. It’s a leading showcase site and one that both teams are incredibly proud of.”
To find out more, visit: www.uk.matrixfitness.com Tel: +44 (0) 1782 644900
