The countdown has begun to the opening of Active Nation’s first indoor climbing experience at Green Bank Leisure Centre in South Derbyshire.

The 16-station attraction has been design and created by industry leaders Hang Fast Ltd using their new XHeight climbing range. The clip and climb design means that anyone, regardless of age or experience, can become a climbing hero!

Emma Twyford is one of the country’s top pro climbers and an XHeight ambassador. She said: “XHeight is a great and safe way to get kids in to climbing.”

The brilliant news is that this amazing adventure will be accessible to everyone – costing just £6 for an off peak session and £8 at weekends. This will include 1 hours climbing time as well as a 30 minute briefing beforehand to help you get to grips with the equipment and make the most of your time in the zone.

The installation of the climbing zone has formed part of a £1million redevelopment of the venue which has seen party rooms, a studio and community areas also created within Grove Hall. It has also seen the installation of a brilliant new Wattbike indoor cycling studio, the replacement of the sports hall floor and the poolside and spectator areas revamped.

Active Nation’s Simon Ricketts said: “These really are exciting times for Green Bank Leisure Centre and this investment in the climbing zone is creating huge interest from across the country – it is becoming a major tourist attraction before it’s even completed!

“We are all really proud of the transformation Grove Hall has undertaken and we can’t wait to show it off and see it in use, so please come down and see for yourself. Everything will be completed and open to the public during the half term holidays.”

Don’t worry if you’re not a supporter at Green Bank Leisure Centre as the climbing centre will be open to all and is already attracting a lot of attention from schools planning adventure days for pupils, businesses looking at future corporate days and people looking to plan birthday parties and other celebrations.

With a 10% discount for anyone booking all 16 stations it really is a great option for a birthday or office party!

For more information and to see how we can get you climbing and active give us a call on 01283 216269 or simply pop in the next time you’re passing.

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Active Nation’s Green Bank Leisure Centre is home to a new state-of-the-art studio of Wattbike indoor cycles that will transform the way you train.

Wattbikes, developed in association with British Cycling and used by top athletes and sports clubs around the world, are the only indoor cycle to ‘feel’ like  riding a real bike and at the same time deliver accurate, consistent performance data and technical feedback.

The Swadlincote venue’s former sauna area has been completely transformed into a new studio to house these impressive pieces of kit. This brilliant use of the space has provided a great new addition to what the centre has to offer.

The upgrade has formed part of the £1million redevelopment of the venue which has seen the creation of a new 16-station indoor climbing zone, party rooms, studio and community areas in Grove Hall. It has also replaced the sports hall floor and revamped the poolside and spectator areas.

The studio provides a world class training facility not only for Active Nation supporters – but also local cyclists, triathletes, athletes, teams, groups and clubs – to assist with their training all year round.

The great thing about Wattbikes is that you don’t have to be a world class athlete to use them – they are straight forward to use and accessible to everyone. All of our instructors have been trained by the Wattbike team and will be on hand to offer advice and feedback.

Simply attend one of our many group exercise indoor cycling classes or get in touch if you would like your group to use this exciting new fully equipped Wattbike studio.

Active Nation’s Simon Ricketts said: “We are passionate about the benefits Wattbikes can bring to your training. It’s why the cycling, triathlon and fitness worlds have been so excited by their development! But don’t just take our word for it – come down and discover Wattbikes today at Green Bank Leisure Centre.”

Give us a call today on 01283 216269 to find out more and arrange a visit.

The post Green Bank’s New Watt Bike Studio – The Latest Stage In The Venue’s £1m Development Now Completed! appeared first on Active Nation.

Get back playing the beautiful game – Walking Football – the low impact, slow paced version of football, where the only difference is that you cannot run. Come and give it a go if you’re over 50 and want to start playing again!

Active Nation’s Outdoor Sports Centre in Southampton is running Walking Football sessions – which are proving popular with many people who thought their playing days were over.

Walking Football is non-contact and as the name suggests the only form of movement is walking. Anyone that sprints, runs or jogs while the ball is in play will be penalised with a free-kick awarded to the other team.

The game is designed to help people maintain an active lifestyle, as well as getting those back playing football who may have had to stop due to injury.

Active Nation Southampton Strollers is aimed at players over 50 years old, with the eldest registered player currently aged 77.

By working with Hampshire FA the Active Nation Southampton Strollers play to the most up to date rules and recently took part in their first Walking Football Festival.

The Hampshire FA tournament generated a huge interest across the area, with 13 clubs entering 21 teams and registering more than 150 players.

Active Nation’s David Drew said: “For any team, regardless of age or ability, competition is a healthy way of progressing and putting training into practice.

“Active Nation Southampton Strollers entered two teams into the competition. Despite both teams only walking away with 3 wins collectively, the spirit was never lost, with the relived enjoyment and opportunity of playing the game again being a huge motivator.”

Team member Alan Mills said: “Having the chance to play football again after not thinking I would ever have the opportunity to play again at such a late age is a great positive of the initiative.”

Chris Patching added: “With the simple adaptation of the physical movement it ensures time on the ball. There’s no pressure, you can do everything at your own pace with a crowd of people with the same mind set.”

Feeling inspired and want to find out more? Come along to one of the sessions held every Monday 11am-12pm and Thursday 7pm-8pm at The Outdoor Sports Centre, Bassett. Or contact a member of staff via email sports.centre@activenation.org.uk or call on 0300 0200 135 (opt.2).

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Active Nation is among 13 leisure and cultural trusts to receive a share of £571,112 of National Lottery funding from the Make Your Move programme – designed to offer more opportunities for communities across England to get active.

Active Nation has teamed up with Pendle Leisure Trust and Slimming World to help more than 1,000 people from Pendle and Southampton to get moving.

Every week hundreds of Slimming Word members meet at Active Nation’s Chamberlayne Leisure Centre in the city and the idea is to enhance all of their hard work and brilliant progress by offering easy access to exercise at a subsidised rate.

The Saints v Syns project will enable these members and others from across Southampton to access Active Nation venues, classes and equipment to help get them moving during the one-year pilot project.

The innovative programme has been awarded £49,800 of Sport England Lottery cash to help this happen and will also feedback vital research on the barriers and motivations to physical activity. The total value of the project will be more than £100,000 with in-kind contributions from key partners Active Nation and Slimming World.

The Sport England National Lottery Funding is part of a three-year, £2 million project, called ‘Make Your Move’, which aims to increase opportunities to participate in sport at a local level in innovative and creative ways. Trusts were able to apply for up to £50,000 and the funding is being distributed by Sporta, the representative body for leisure and cultural trusts in the UK.

Brian Leonard, Sporta’s CEO said: “By funding projects designed by local trusts and created specifically for local people, the ‘Make Your Move’ campaign can make a real difference to local people. This, in turn, offers true benefits to these trusts’ local communities.”

Active Nation’s partnership manager Southampton Ross McClean said: “The funding that we have received from Sport England via Sporta’s ‘Make Your Move’ campaign is essential to secure sports’ participation for our local community. It will allow us to offer enhanced services to local people, further developing participation in exercise in this area.”

Sport England’s Director of Property, Charles Johnston, said: “Leisure trusts play a key part in delivering high quality sports projects in towns and cities across the country. This investment in the 13 projects for Sporta’s Make Your Move programme will give people the opportunity to take part in a way that most suits them, and get more people, more active, more often.”

Feeling inspired? Get in touch with your nearest Active Nation venue to see how we can help get you active!

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Young sailors are getting the chance to experience the thrill and excitement of life of the water thanks to the ABP Southampton Sailing Academy.

Pupils from Forest Park School in Totton, were the first to take to the water since the Academy was launched. It is hoped around 100 children from the Southampton area will get to try their hand at sailing through the project.

Launched by Sir Ben Ainslie at the opening of the £100m new SCT5 berth at Southampton Container Terminal earlier this year, the academy is designed to give local children the chance to try their hand at sailing.

Associated British Ports (ABP) donated £10,000 to Active Nation’s Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC), in Floating Bridge Road, to fund sailing sessions for local school children aged between 8 and 16.

ABP Director, Southampton, Nick Ridehalgh, said: “Southampton Water is famed worldwide as a leisure marine destination.

“But for many local youngsters it is a case of so near, but just out of reach. Our new academy allows children, of all areas and abilities, to enjoy sailing on the water near their homes.

“We are very proud to be able to make that happen.”

Active Nation’s SWAC programme manager, Jon Kirby, said: “This will make a real difference to the lives of many local children and hopefully produce the next Ben Ainslie.

“It is a fantastic experience for them. It’s a taste of the freedom sailing offers and a chance to learn teamwork, communication skills and self-reliance.

“It was brilliant to see the Forest Park School pupils enjoying this great opportunity.”

For more information about SWAC and the ABP Southampton Sailing Academy give the team a call today on 02380 915753.

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Pupils from two local schools battled it out on the Southampton Water to take home the Southampton Water Activities Centre’s (SWAC) Schools Autumn Regatta trophy.

A total of 20 sailors from St Swithun’s Junior School and Prince’s Mead Junior School, headed out to the Western Shelf in 10 boats. Four races were held, with the best 3 places counting towards the final results. All 18 girls and 2 boys enjoyed the perfect sailing conditions that met them.

Well done to Lucy Davis (aged 10) and her crew Charlotte Rankine (also aged 10) who took home 1st place for Prince’s Mead!

Lula Golding who started sailing at Active Nation’s SWAC when she was 8 is one of our most improved sailors. Her first time afloat she managed to bend a tiller extension to a 90 degree angle before sailing in circles all morning! She now sails towards the front of the fleet and is loving life on the water – and took home 4th place on Wednesday 15th October!

Max Bradbury-Knight, SWAC sports development leader and lead instructor said: “I love to see so many talented sailors practicing with us at SWAC and then wanting to compete in a Regatta too!

“St Swithun’s and Prince’s Mead have some great young sailors who show so much enthusiasm towards their sailing and I look forward to seeing them progress further in the future! If you want to get your school involved at SWAC give me a call – everything starts with a conversation!”

If like these two schools you would like your children or students to learn to sail get in contact with SWAC. There is still space for schools in our summer term and we would love to have even more young sailors out on the water with us!

For more information about sailing at SWAC – including in the school holidays – contact Max on 02380 915753 or email: max.bradbury-knight@activenation.org.uk

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Young sailors from centres and clubs around Hampshire jumped on-board for a youth sailing festival at Active Nation’s Southampton Water Activities Centre.

Around 40 young sailors had an action packed day full of fun and activities on September 28th. It gave everyone taking part a brilliant opportunity to get out on the water and show off the skills they had picked up at their clubs throughout the 2014 sailing season – whilst having fun with friends and family.

SWAC’s sports development leader and lead instructor, Max Bradbury-Knight said: “The day was a great success and all the young sailors and their parents enjoyed the vast array of activities we had on offer.

“Whether you wanted to try sailing a catamaran, play some team building games or give our sailing treasure hunt a go, we had it all covered! The day will also be running next summer so keep your eyes peeled for the date!”

SWAC instructor Alice added: “It was great to see so many young sailors taking to the water and enjoying their newly learnt skills. I feel privileged to be part of such a great centre, providing so many opportunities to so many young new sailors! I am already looking forward to working the event next year!”

Clubs including Hill Head Sailing Club and Lee on Solent bought around 20 children each who all enjoyed their day from the moment they donned their wetsuits! Well done to Hill Head Sailing Club who took home 1^st place trophy!

If you would like to practice your skills or would like to learn to sail talk to Max who will be able to find the perfect course to suit you. Call the centre on 02380 915753 or email max.bradbury-knight@activenation.org.uk

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Calling all new mums and mums-to-be! We are proud to announce a new arrival at Active Nation’s All Seasons Leisure Centre in Chorley. From October 6th we will be holding a weekly Aquanatal class and we’d love to see you there!

Aquanatal is a safe and enjoyable way to stay fit while you’re pregnant. It improves your circulation, increases muscle tone and strength, and builds stamina. Your bump will also be supported by the water and you’ll feel almost weightless.

It can also help you feel good about yourself, can help you to have a shorter active labour and may help to alleviate antenatal and postnatal depression. It really is the perfect way to get some safe and gentle exercise both during and after pregnancy.

And at the heart of the new class is our very own Jill Connor. After raising 2 children of her own, spending time with her grand daughter and having taught hundreds of kids to swim at Active Nation lessons for more than 10 years, who better to lead a class designed for mums and mums to be. And the brilliant news is that she is a really nice person too!

Jill said: “Aquanatal is a wonderful form of safe exercise both during and after pregnancy. It is fun, relaxing and frees you from the weight of your pregnancy for 45 minutes.

“It’s also a great way to make new friends. Even if you can’t swim, you can still take part – just make sure you let me know at the start of the class.”

Jill added: “We are all really excited about this. After having children myself I can really understand both the physical and social benefits this is going to offer and I look forward to meeting and chatting to lots of new mums and mums to be.

“Who knows we might even get to see children grow from bumps, to babies in our toddler sessions, to pupils in our Learn To Swim School and beyond!”

Classes cost just £3 and will be held every Monday from 12.10pm-12.55pm. It is open to all new mums and mums to be. For more information and to book please come to reception or give us a call on 0300 0200 136.

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As the excitement of the The Tour de France swept across the country earlier this week, cycling enthusiasts in South Derbyshire had an additional reason to feel excited about pedal power…as Green Bank Leisure Centre in Swadlincote launched its new state-of-the-art Cycling Studio.

The studio is part of a £500,000 redevelopment which is seeing Green Bank Leisure Centre transformed with a refurbished gym, new sauna, improved fitness changing area, crèche and refurbished café. All of which has been made possible by Sport England, South Derbyshire District Council and your continued support.

The new studio, which features 30 new bikes, has allowed the venue to increase its cycling programme to 15 RPM and Studio Cycling classes per week, creating 1,800 spaces each month.

Exercise Leader James Dobson said: “Cycling is a great workout, so it’s fantastic for the residents of South Derbyshire to be able to get involved and have this great brand new facility on their doorstep. Feedback has been great, our Supporters love the new studio. The 30 new bikes combined with the new technology, graphics and our brilliant Supporters makes the atmosphere unbeatable.

“The studio is kitted out with the latest lighting and sound systems to make the experience motivating and exciting. With so many more spaces available it really is worth booking a class and checking it out!”

Green Bank Leisure Centre’s new Group Exercise timetable will be launched at the venue’s Discovery Weekend on July 26^th/27^th when a Les Mills master trainer will also be on hand to offer tips and advice on getting the most our of your workout – as well as putting everyone through their paces. It will be a great opportunity to see and experience all of the changes. For more information give us a call on 01283 216269.

If you’ve been inspired by The Tour de France and want to get on a bike – check out a great competition from Les Mills. Facebook or Tweet #RPMchallenge after completing 6 RPM classes for your chance to win a roadbike! Ends 27th July.

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Olympic hero Billy Morgan was inspired to see so many people enjoying the new freestyle session at Active Nation’s Alpine Snowsports Centre in Southampton – just like he did as a teen!

Dozens of enthusiasts turned up to get some tips and advice from the master of freestyle as he launched the new weekly session.

Billy said: “Friday evening at the freestyle launch was awesome. It’s been a few years since I’ve ridden down at the alpine centre like that.

“Rocking up to see heaps of people of all ages enjoying it like I did when I was younger is so inspiring, especially when there’s some really talented kids. I hope that it carries on, grows the freestyle scene and allows us to build on and improve the slope and features.”

Lead freestyle instructor Will Morris added: “It was such a great turn out, awesome to see some old faces from years gone by. It was a brilliant atmosphere with seasoned riders passing on knowledge to the new generation of shredders!”

More than 35 people came and had a go at freestyle skiing and snowboarding during the launch night, along with lots of spectators. Billy returned to the slope where he started almost 10 years ago, riding the brand new freestyle features and giving tips and advice to the adults and youngsters taking part.

Programme manager Hayley Walker added: “Active Nation is a sport and exercise charity dedicated to getting the nation active and especially at grass roots level in any sport. Sochi has had a huge effect on everyone and we would love to see our young skiers and boarders follow in Billy’s footsteps. It’s the start of something big at Alpine Snowsports and we hope it is here to stay.”

Freestyle Fridays run every week from 6pm to 9.30pm and include ramps, rails, slide box, quarter pipe plus other features. Each session costs £15 for adults and £11.50 for juniors, or included in the 30 day practice pass at £30 adults and £23 for juniors.

For more information call 0300 0200 135 or visit www.activenation.org.uk

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