Oak Tree Leisure Centre’s new Innerva Health Studio – the first Innerva-branded facility in the UK following the Huddersfield-based company’s name change from Shapemaster last month – is now open to the public.

It followed a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Coun Andy Burgin on behalf of the mayor. Coun Burgin, portfolio holder for Environment and Leisure – pictured with Rebekah Levy –  also tried out the power-assisted gym equipment in the studio.

He said: “The Health Studio with its power-assisted equipment will act as an entry point for people who are unsure about a traditional gym environment. It will give people the opportunity to improve their health and life outcomes.

“This will be a space for people to gather, to socialise and to exercise. Add in the new Community Room at Oak Tree and you have two excellent, much needed additions to this multi-award-winning leisure centre.”

Andy remembered Coun Vaughan Hopewell, former Oak Tree representative on Mansfield District Council, who died earlier this tear.

He added: “Coun Hopewell proudly served this ward for over ten years, and I am certain he would have been very pleased with the development. On his behalf, I welcome the investment in services for the benefit of the local community here in Oak Tree Ward.”

Brian Taylor, chair of More Community Leisure Trust, which operates Oak Tree Leisure Centre in partnership with Serco Leisure, said: “Seeing the Innerva power-assisted equipment in action and actually trying it myself, it’s easy to see this new addition to Oak Tree Leisure Centre becoming a big hit with local people eager to try something new when it comes to health and fitness. It’s the perfect place for the older generation to get active, or for those recovering from long-term health conditions.

“The machines are easy to operate and feature a range of settings, which allow users to find the tempo and resistance that suits them. I’d encourage people who want to be more active, but don’t feel ready for a traditional gym to give the Health Studio a try.”

David Heathcote, head of Business Development at Innerva, attended the event and added: “Since our rebrand in June this year – we were previously known as Shapemaster – the Oak Tree Leisure Centre Health Studio marks the first time in the UK that any facility has featured kit with the new Innerva branding, so it was a proud moment for me to see the machines unveiled.

“It’s clear to see from attending the event and talking with people how focused More Leisure Community Trust, Serco Leisure and Mansfield District Council are on ensuring local people are able to lead healthier and happier lives, and we hope the Innerva equipment will be a key part of that.”

For people interested in a free trial session on the Innerva equipment, either give the Oak Tree team a call on 0345 0000 231, or pop into the leisure centre where you’ll find plenty of free car parking.

In partnership with Serco Leisure, More Leisure Community Trust manages Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Rebecca Adlington Leisure Centre and Water Meadows Fitness & Swimming Complex on behalf of Mansfield District Council.