News

Life Leisure has launched the new Move Well Studio; the first public leisure studio in Greater Manchester offering cutting edge power-assisted equipment designed specifically for older adults and those with more complex health conditions.

Located at its award-winning Avondale health and wellbeing hub in Stockport, Life Leisure is the first organisation within the GM Active collective to offer Innerva’s specialist equipment responding to both demand and demographic trends. 

Michelle Childs, Head of Health Development, Life Leisure and Chair of GM Active’s Health & Wellbeing Group, says: “Stockport has one of the fastest-growing older populations in the North West. We already serve a large older adult demographic and our latest investment in the new Move Well Studio gives us a dedicated space to better meet these customers’ needs and do something really impactful for older adults.”

Equipped with Innerva’s power-assisted technology, the 10-station studio is designed for people who find traditional gyms too intimidating or physically challenging, particularly those living with mobility issues or complex health conditions. 

Life Leisure receives close to 3,000 clinical referrals a year and already works closely with health partners in areas such as neuro, pulmonary and cardio rehab and falls prevention. The Move Well Studio will help the organisation to engage with new partners and is also an option for those who have completed rehabilitation and need ongoing support to stay active.

“The industry has been talking about inclusivity and ageing populations for years, but expect these people to take a linear journey into regular exercise - signing up, getting fit and sticking with it. Real life doesn’t work like that. The Move Well Studio allows us to take a more pragmatic approach offering a flexible, low-barrier entry into activity. It’s taken some imagination and we’ve had to knock through walls and rethink unused spaces, but we’ve created something that really works for the people we serve,” says Childs.

The new studio offers a space for people to meet others on similar journeys. Life Leisure’s health and wellbeing team, 15 members of which completed Innerva’s specialist training, were particularly inspired by how the solution supports social and emotional wellbeing. 

“The power of social connectedness can’t be overstated, especially for this demographic. Feelings drive behaviour and people are more likely to stick with activity if they feel welcomed, supported and part of a community,” says Childs.

Located on the ground floor, the studio was created by repurposing underutilised space, including a former crèche, corridor and office. The conversion was delivered by Fortitude Equip in partnership with Matrix alongside a major refurbishment of the main gym.

John Oxley, CEO of Life Leisure, added “We’re very proud to provide critical health and wellbeing interventions as part of our role in delivering impactful services as a partner of Stockport Council. The Move Well Studio reflects our shared ambition to create inclusive spaces that help residents across the Borough live healthier, more connected lives for longer.”

Liz Wright, National Sales Manager, Innerva, says: “We’re proud to be working with Life Leisure on the Move Well Studio, which represents the next evolution of Avondale health and wellbeing hub and is an inspiring example of how public leisure can adapt to shifting needs. Life Leisure has long been a leader in inclusive fitness, with a strong track record of supporting older adults and working alongside healthcare partners. The Move Well Studio reflects their continued commitment to reaching those who are deconditioned, physically inactive or face greater barriers to activity.” 

For more information on the new Move Well studio at Life Leisure Avondale visit their website.