Wythenshawe gym gets £600,000 refurbishment – how to check it out for free

The gym at Forum Leisure in Wythenshawe has had a £600,000 refurbishment and is now inviting the public to come and check it out. Work took place over eight weeks, starting on 27 October and ending with an unveiling on 21 December. It now includes 90 stations, with facilities suitable for all ages and abilities.

To celebrate the gym’s reopening and showcase some of the new facilities on offer at the gym Wythenshawe Forum are hosting an open day on Saturday 21 January, where local community members can come and test out the new equipment for free.

What’s new?

The 90-station fitness suite includes free weights, strength and conditioning, and functional training kit. There are also Life Fitness cardio and resistance machines that feature consoles for media and connectivity with devices such as smart watches. To cater for an increasing interest in weight training and wellbeing, the free weights area has been extended and now there is also a separate calm and stretch area where people can focus on the mind, as well as the body.

In terms of improvements to the building, there are now new air conditioning systems in the group fitness studio and the fitness suite, which has also been redecorated and has had new flooring fitted.

Phil Bowers, contract manager at Everyone Active which runs the gym, said: “After extensive works, we’re thrilled to showcase our new gym facilities and hope the investment into the transformation at Forum Leisure in Wythenshawe will be of great benefit to our members.

“It will help to increase our prevalence as a hub for the local community and support our mission for everyone to reach their target of 30 minutes’ exercise, five times a week.”

Cllr John Hacking, Manchester City Council’s executive member for skills, employment and leisure said: "The large investment into Wythenshawe Forum will bring state of the art facilities into the local community.

“The work to upgrade the facilities at the centre will now allow residents to improve their wellbeing and enjoy the latest gym equipment right on their doorstep."

The new gym has been open since 21 December and members are already making the most of it. New member Robert Schofield said: “The gym refurbishment is incredible and the selection and quality of equipment they have installed is amazing.

“The gym is clean, bright and friendly; the update had made the Forum gym tough competition to any gym nearby.”

How to get involved with the open day

On Saturday 21 January between 10am and 4pm, the gym will be opening its doors to the public for an open day showcasing all the new facilities, as well as some of the classes and services the gym provides.

Visitors to the open day will be able to take a look around the gym, watch demonstrations on how the new equipment works and try a free taster session, including swimming, cardio, strength and spin. The open day is free but you will need to book your place to take part online via the Everyone Active Wythenshawe Forum website.