Andy Devaney
If you’re a content-hungry gym-goer or a ring-light-wielding squat wizard, Wednesbury Leisure Centre just put itself on the fitness map.
With the unveiling of BurnLab – the region’s first purpose-built fitness influencer gym – Sandwell Leisure Trust has turned functional fitness into a full-blown social media spectacle.
Gone are the days of dragging your tripod into a dimly-lit weight room and praying for decent angles. BurnLab, developed in partnership with Stronger Wellness, is more than a workout space – it’s a flex-friendly stage for athletes, influencers and HYROX hopefuls alike. Think high-octane energy, premium kit, and camera-ready lighting that flatters even the deepest deadlift grimace.
And yes, this is still the Black Country.
Inside this newly carved-out zone at Wednesbury, you’ll find portable lights, dedicated filming stands, and gear designed for both performance and presence. It’s built to help you perfect your form, track your progress, or, let’s be honest, curate a week’s worth of reels.
The fitness influencer gym concept isn’t just a gimmick – it’s a nod to where the modern fitness culture is heading: online, on-screen, and always on-brand.
No surprise, then, that Insta-favourites like Aaliyah Unia, TrainWithBec and Rudy O’Halloran have already broken a sweat here and spread the word across TikTok and the ‘Gram. And their verdict? Glowing.
But BurnLab isn’t just chasing likes – it’s lifting up the community, too. A series of women-only classes offers a safe, inclusive space where confidence can be built alongside core strength. That blend of elite function and grassroots support is something SLT is doubling down on.
“This innovative studio at Wednesbury is much more than state-of-the-art equipment – it’s about creating energy, inclusivity and innovation for our wider demographic and our whole community,” says SLT Chief Executive Mark Braithwaite.
“We’re proud to continue investing in leading spaces that prioritise health, physical activity plus wellbeing, and elevate the experience for members old and new.”
The £100,000 BurnLab project is the latest move in a wider strategy to bring top-tier fitness to Sandwell. It follows a half-million-pound transformation at Portway Lifestyle Centre in Oldbury and the recent installation of three indoor padel courts in Tipton.
All told, BurnLab sets a new standard – not just for fitness, but for how gyms meet the moment in a digital-first world. Whether you’re training for competition or crafting the perfect gym reel, this space is purpose-built to help you make it count.
More information at: https://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/our-centres/wednesbury-leisure-centre/
