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Crook Log Leisure Centre has more than doubled the membership target for its new power-assisted exercise suite in less than six months.

Operated by Lex Leisure, the centre in Bexley, London launched the suite in November 2025, building on the success of its similar facility at the Riviera International Centre in Devon. Since opening, the Crook Log suite has attracted 422 members, far exceeding its original target of 200 over two years. Demand for the Innerva-equipped studio has been so strong that the centre has quickly had to extend its opening hours to accommodate increased attendance. 

“The success of our power-assisted exercise suite at the Riviera International Centre gave us the confidence to bring the concept to Crook Log,” says Lee Gaskin, National Fitness & Retention Manager. “Our aim is to engage people who weren’t currently using our facilities, especially those who may feel intimidated by traditional gyms or are managing health conditions. We knew we could support this group of people on their wellness journey.”

The centre’s established GP referral scheme, Steps to Health, already had a long waiting list for its 12-week programme. The new suite aligns closely with the scheme, supporting both progression and long-term retention.

Created by repurposing four underused consultation rooms, the suite is a welcoming space with its own reception area. It features a 10-piece circuit from Innerva as well as a treadmill and upper body ergometer. Supportive aids such as an alignment aid ensure all members, including wheelchair users, can access the equipment.

A key objective was to attract those not currently using leisure facilities, especially older adults. With 16.6% of Bexley’s population aged 65 and over (projected to rise to 22% by 2050), the suite is already making an impact with more than a quarter of users aged 65 to 74, and nearly a fifth aged over 75.

Referrals are also increasing from physiotherapists, cardiac rehabilitation services and other healthcare professionals and a growing number of users recovering from stroke are using the facility.

“Members are using the suite and then sharing positive experiences with their GPs and consultants, which is driving further referrals and membership growth,” says Charmaine Wells, Centre Manager.

Members typically attend the suite three times a week, with some visiting daily or even twice a day, driven by its strong sense of community.

“There’s a real social atmosphere in the suite. People chat throughout their sessions and often head to the café together afterwards,” says Wells.

The suite is positioned directly across from the main gym acting as a bridge into broader fitness participation.

“We want people to progress into general membership after completing Steps to Health and we’re already seeing that happen,” says Wells. “Many participants are upgrading to explore different activities. Having the suite next to the main gym helps make it feel less intimidating as members see the same friendly faces and already know the instructors, giving them more confidence to make the transition into mainstream membership.”

Following its recent appointment as operator of Wyre’s leisure facilities, including the Active Wellness Suite at Thornton Leisure Centre, the company now runs three power-assisted exercise sites with the potential to add more in the future.

Liz Wright, National Sales Manager from Innerva says: “The power-assisted studio at the Riviera International Centre has been a shining example of best practice for several years. It’s incredibly encouraging to see Crook Log achieving similarly strong results in under six months. This success shows just how transferable the model is and demonstrates the demand for inclusive, accessible fitness spaces. What truly drives these outcomes, however, is the passion of the teams at both sites, especially those leading and running the suites day to day. Their belief in the solution and dedication to their users really bring the model to life.”