Virtual trainers offer hi-tech help at gym

A gym in the Black Country is to get £70,000 worth of hi-tech equipment. People working out at Smethwick Swimming Centre will be encouraged by virtual personal trainers.

They can also bring films from home to plug in and play during their workout. Sandwell is thought to be the first place in the Midlands where council-owned gyms have this level of hi-tech equipment. The investment is part of the leisure trust's borough-wide improvement project and the equipment, called 'Engage' will be available at the Thimblemill Road centre from January.

Customers will be able to plug their iPods in to the gym equipment and control their own personal playlists, as well as playing films through the centre's television screens.

And they can download free computer software at home from the Life Fitness Virtual Trainer website and workouts can be saved to a USB memory stick and plugged into the kit.

Paul Badhams, gym development officer, said: "The Virtual Trainer takes the intimidation out of beginning a new workout and provides ongoing encouragement.

"With a push of a button, a male or female face appears on the screen and advises the user on every aspect of the workout, from describing workout programmes to updates on workout statistics including distance, calories and time."

Included in the investment will also be three pieces of equipment designed to be used by people with disabilities which will be put on the ground floor of the centre, including a treadmill and two bikes.

Last month Sandwell Leisure Trust unveiled a new £100,000 football centre, called the Skorz Soccer Centre, at Tipton Sports Academy.

A total of £19,926 was handed out by the Football Foundation to create more playing opportunities for borough clubs and teams.

The Sandwell handout was part of a £40 million national project to promote grass-roots football and improve youngsters' fitness.

For more information on Sandwell Leisure Trust visit www.slt.sandwell.gov.uk