TEIGNBRIDGE Council chairman and Dawlish councillor Rosie Dawson has tried out new, accessible exercise equipment at an Exminster-based health and wellbeing charity. 

Cllr Dawson was at Westbank Community Health and Care to check out its new GymClusive programme. 

The charity’s new gym equipment offers a variety of ways for people with long-term health conditions, reduced mobility, or disabilities to be able to exercise.

The gym has recently undergone a refurbishment and now includes brand new adaptive equipment.

Cllr Dawson said: ‘It was a privilege to attend.

‘It was wonderful to see the opportunities provided by such inclusive facilities.’

Launched this month, Westbank organisers believe it is a unique opportunity in the region, the only fully accessible gym open to all, with specific equipment for wheelchair users. 

Certified trainers have expertise in adaptive fitness, rehabilitation and working with disabled people.

Gymclusive is the result of the Healthy Living Centre in Exminster being given a top-to-toe makeover with the addition of even more specialist, state-of-the art equipment. 

The new gym was made possible through partnerships with a number of organisations, including the Exeter Chiefs Foundation who funded SkiErg, a new piece of adaptive apparatus.

Amanda Kohn, Westbank’s Head of Volunteering and Health Contracts, eplained: ‘Gymclusive offers an enhanced space to cater for a wider population, especially those who may need additional support accessing exercise and gym equipment. 

‘We already had equipment that could be adapted to support gym users with restricted mobility, and now, as a result of the refurbishment and the addition of more functional training machines, we are able to offer something very special.’

Apprentice Personal Trainer Issy Burley said: ‘It’s a very different atmosphere to the usual commercial gym - our USP here is helping people to recover. 

‘We run many different classes and sessions, like our exercise referral programme, which aims to

help those with health conditions maintain and improve their ability to function. 

‘It’s really rewarding to see how much people improve which is why the recent revamp of our gym is such a privilege, as we can provide these classes and sessions in an environment that’s accessible for everyone.’