Sport Aberdeen to open dedicated virtual gym

Charitable leisure trust Sport Aberdeen has unveiled plans to open UK's first dedicated virtual gym.

The ‘virtual activity zone’, which is due to open in January 2017, is part of extensive work that is taking place at Jesmond Sports Centre in the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen.

3D camera sensors, wireless technologies and interactive screens will be used to encourage more people to take part in sport and physical activity.

The revamp will also include an expanded 70-station gym, an immersive spin studio and a new aerobics studio.

More than £1m has been spent on the zone, and is part of a £5m investment programme on four facilities in the port city. Pulse has been named the leisure trust’s fitness development partner following a tender process.

Sport Aberdeen’s director of operations and asset development, Keith Gerrard, said the overhaul underlines its commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.

He said: “Far from being a futuristic dream, virtual technologies are very much a part of our everyday lives. Integrating gaming technologies into a gym environment opens up another world of possibilities to encourage more people to get active.

“While sports participation continues to increase among adults and children in Aberdeen, we still have a long way to go towards living healthier, more active lives. The innovative virtual gym offers a more engaging experience, particularly to those who might be discouraged from attending a traditional gym.”

Sport Aberdeen has 3,500 members.