Sport & leisure news from Stoke-on-Trent

 

Shapes Health and Leisure Club completes
a £250,000 refurbishment. 

 

Originally launched over 20 years ago Shapes has seen many changes in the health and fitness sector.  After a £250,000 investment the club is now at the cutting edge once again, sporting some of the most modern and effective exercise facilities in the area. 
 

As one of the very first ‘health clubs’ in Stoke-on-Trent, Shapes has seen many changes in the burgeoning fitness market over the past 20 years.  In order to compete in this hotly contested market the club teamed up with Technogym UK to provide the people of Stoke-on-Trent with some of the most effective and easy to use gym equipment in the country.

 

Although new equipment always helps, it’s the level of personal service which makes the real difference, a fact that has been central to Shapes existence since the first day it opened.  Senior fitness consultant Simon Davies echoed this sentiment;

 

“It’s amazing how exercise machines and fitness ideology have changed over the past 20 years. One thing that’s never changed however is the fact that without individual support and assistance people will struggle to succeed.  That’s why we always ensure everyone who comes to Shapes gets a full health assessment and personalised workout which is updated free of charge for the lifetime of their membership”.

 

Such attention to personal service by a team of highly qualified and experienced fitness consultants is highlighted by the fact that Shapes is the number one choice for the PCT ‘Lifestyle’ scheme in Stoke-on-Trent.  This free 20 week course operated through local GP referrals helps a variety of people achieve a better quality of life through the introduction of structured exercise.

 

Also included in the £250,000 refurbishment is a new steam and sauna suite plus a new exercise studio. Council, national government and many other corporate partners receive a significant discount on the standard monthly fee.

 

John Mainwaring
Sport and Leisure Development Officer
E: shapes@stoke.gov.uk

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Energise Plus, Stoke-on-Trent’s discount
leisure card scheme reaches 18,000 users
just two years after its launch. 

 

Energise Plus has rapidly grown to be Stoke-on-Trent’s most successful leisure participation scheme since its launch in October 2008.  In partnership with NHS Stoke-on-Trent, the city council provides a host of discounted and free activities to thousands of local people.

 

From free swimming during certain sessions to a discounted round of golf, Energise Plus has inspired over 18,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent to become more active on a regular basis.

 

Operating within all of the Cities leisure centres, Energise Plus is open to a range of people.  Children under 16, adults over 60, students in full time education and those individuals in receipt of financial or disability benefits are just some of the categories covered by the leisure scheme.

 

Energise Plus is committed to constantly refresh the basket of activities it offers based upon consultation with local community groups and analysis of historical demand and interest.

 

Initial five year uptake targets have already been significantly exceeded as the popularity of Energise Plus keeps on increasing.  To celebrate this and mark two years of success since its launch, Dimensions will hold a Halloween party on 29 October between 7pm and 9pm. Tickets for this event are £3.75 for children and £4.95 for adults.

 

Brett Young
Operations Manager, Stoke-on-Trent North
T: 01782 233500
E: Dimensions@stoke.gov.uk

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A new wave of ‘Tot’ activities launch in Stoke-on-Trent giving
the next generation a healthy, happy and safe start to life.

 

Dimensions Leisure Centre, the successful and fun filled water wonderland for young children and accompanying adults in Stoke-on-Trent is to expand its pre natal, baby and toddler activities after the tremendous success of the Gymtot classes.

 

Swimtots, Aquatots, Gymtots Aquanatal and the new ‘Mummies and Buggies’ exercise class are all ‘cartwheeling’ out and making a ‘big splash’ throughout September.  Backed by the ASA and British Gymnastics, each lesson follows a range of nationally approved activities designed to improve core skills, mobility and water confidence.

 

Dimensions aims to ensure the babies and toddlers of Stoke-on-Trent get a healthy and active start to life, even before they are born.  Aquanatal classes provide each ‘mum to be’ with expert advice on safe, water based exercise designed to provide a total body workout, ease away aches and strains while boosting energy levels.

 

Mummies and Buggies allows new mums to bring their bundle of joy into a specially designed exercise class which is designed to improve core body strength and stamina without the additional cost of childcare.

 

Swimtots is designed to ensure little boys and girls between 6 months and 2 years learn a basic life skill whilst discovering the joys that water based actives can bring.  The new course starts in early September and will last for eight weeks.

 

Aquatots is a ‘pay as you play’ session full of floats and water toys for young children under 6 years and their parents, grandparents or carers.  Based in the warm water, slides and fountains of Dimensions Splash Pool, this session runs throughout the year, Tuesday to Friday between 11.30am and 1pm.

 

Finally, Gymtots, the gymnastics session for children aged between 18 months and 5 years, continues its success with the launch of a new 10 week course in October.  Since its inception in 2009 Gymtots has spread to four venues across the city introducing over 300 toddlers to the delights of early years gymnastics.

 

From expectant and new mums to babies and toddlers, Dimensions is making sure everyone has the opportunity to take the plunge and somersault into a fun and healthy lifestyle.

 

Brett Young
Operations Manager, Stoke-on-Trent North
T: 01782 233500
E: Dimensions@stoke.gov.uk

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Port Vale FC teams up with Dimensions to create a
very special party package.

 

Children’s birthday parties have been transformed by Dimensions and Port Vale FC who have combined to create a fantastic value for money package of football, food and fun.  This is the only party a young footballer would want to have, especially as they get a PVFC ball signed by the team!

 

Birthday parties for children can be an expensive nightmare with the stress of organising something that’s fun without having to re decorate afterwards.  That’s why Dimensions have teamed up with Port Vale FC to let the adults relax while the children have a memorable and fun filled day.

 

Starting with a one hour football master class led by Port Vale FC coaches, every child who’s lucky enough to be invited gets a free match ticket while the birthday boy or girl get a ticket plus a signed PVFC football.  After all that exercise children are then invited into Dimensions specially designed party room full of nibbles and drinks.

 

According to Dimensions, this collaboration with one of Stoke-on-Trent’s leading football clubs has proven to be a real hit with local children.  For those that prefer to get their toes wet Dimensions has also put together a new Fantasy Pool party package where children get to shoot the water rapids and slide down the huge Dragon slide.

 

Operations Manager Brett Young said,  “With two small children myself I know just what a headache it can be when it comes to creating a really special birthday party.  With Port Vale FC providing their footballing magic and our enthusiastic team staffing the special party room full of great food and drink, parents and carers can relax knowing their children are enjoying a truly unforgettable day”

 

So whether it’s being taught football skills by the professionals or zooming down a giant dragon slide, birthday parties at Dimensions offer a fantastic time at an affordable price.

 

Brett Young
Operations Manager, Stoke-on-Trent North
T: 01782 233500
E: Dimensions@stoke.gov.uk