HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO has officially opened a power-assisted exercise suite at one of Europe’s largest action sports venues to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Corby.
The new Active in Motion suite features 12 power-assisted exercise machines from Innerva as well as free weights, suspension training, changing rooms and showering facilities.
The Duke was guided around the venue by Adrenaline Alley CEO, and founder, Mrs Mandy Young MBE DL, before unveiling the official opening plaque for Active in Motion.
Established in 2006, Adrenaline Alley covers a six-acre site with over 120,000 sq. ft. of skatepark areas and welcomes approximately 60,000 visitors per year.
Mandy Young MBE DL co-founded Adrenaline Alley with her son John Chard-Young to provide a safe space for young people. She was inspired to offer the Innerva wellbeing solution to the wider community after experiencing the benefits of power-assisted exercise herself.
“Our mission is to make a real difference to people’s lives with the help and guidance of our experienced instructors.
In the short time that Active in Motion has been open, we have seen how this supportive and sociable environment has contributed to the health and wellbeing of a wide range of individuals from our local community and beyond,” she says.
As the only centre of its kind in Corby, Active in Motion allows Adrenaline Alley to extend its charitable mission and cater for new audiences.
It also serves as a compelling addition for Adrenaline Alley’s existing visitors, particularly accompanying adults and action sport athletes suffering from injuries.
Active in Motion manager, Gary McQuade, said: “As a charitable social enterprise, we wanted to develop a wellness centre that is accessible to all.
This power-assisted exercise equipment does not exist anywhere else in Corby and caters for people of all ages and abilities. Over 70 per cent of our clients have issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, MS, stroke recovery and COPD.”
The centre receives referrals from social prescribers, physiotherapists as well as the Northamptonshire Community Stroke Team and local mental health and special needs charities.
With no membership fee, Active In Motion recorded 494 visits in October and aims to attract 1,000 users by January.
The charity is currently applying for funding to introduce a minibus service to provide free transportation for local care home residents to and from the Active in Motion suite.
People using the centre can also apply to the John Chard-Young Legacy Fund via the Northamptonshire Community Foundation for free sessions and therapies in the suite.
In addition to promoting physical health, Active in Motion fosters a sense of community with plans to host social events and workshops focused on nutrition and mental health.
Active In Motion was made possible thanks to funding from the new FCC Communities Foundation.
Liz Wright from Innerva, who worked closely with Mandy from the outset, said: “Adrenaline Alley already plays an incredibly important role in Corby by providing a safe place for local young people to take part in action sports.
Now, with the launch of Active in Motion, Mandy and her team are addressing the physical and mental health of the wider community with a warm, welcoming and accessible exercise space.”