More people are becoming more active in the Scottish Borders thanks to the new health and fitness centre, TriFitness in Galashiels managed and operated by Borders Sport and Leisure Trust.

Officially opening the centre on Friday 4th February, Borders Sport and Leisure Trust Chairman, Tony Taylor OBE, told guests: "That we have had over 9000 visits at the centre for gym sessions since the centre opened to members on 1st October 2010 and over 4000 class attendances to the wide range of classes which are on offer."

Such has been the popularity of the classes at the centre, the class programme has grown from offering 21 classes per week to over 40 including some the most popular on offer in studios around the world today; Zumba, Kettlercise, Body Combat, Body Pump, Spin Cycling, Boxercise and many more.

TriFitness was created after the signing of a ground breaking partnership agreement between Borders Sport and Leisure Trust, Heriot-Watt University and Borders College and currently has over 700 members including over 150 Heriot-Watt University students who regularly enjoy using the centre for health and fitness purposes.

Before unveiling a plaque marking the official opening, Taylor added: "We are fully committed to the health and well being of everyone in the Borders whether through fun and fitness or professional sporting development, ensuring that more Borderers become more active more often and are delighted that this partnership with Heriot-Watt University and Borders College has had such a positive effect in such a short period.

This unique partnership uses the Trust's expertise in delivering excellent sport and leisure services to provide a first class health and fitness centre for use by all the community."

Due to increased demand for health and fitness in the Borders, TriFitness replaced the sport and leisure provision that Heriot-Watt University provided by creating a 760 square metre purpose built centre beside the Scottish Borders Campus at Netherdale.

Phil McNaul, Director of Finance at Heriot-Watt University, said: "This excellent initiative will not only deliver top class sport and leisure services to our students and staff but also the community as a whole, providing all users including our students with superb facilities, part of our ongoing drive to improve the overall student experience.

"We are pleased to be involved as a partner in this project and our involvement, not long after the completion of the co-location with Borders College is another demonstration of Heriot-Watt's commitment to this vibrant area and community."

TriFitness is also home to the Borders College's Borders Academy of Sporting Excellence (BASE) students where 60 use the centre as part of their sport and exercise programme offering the opportunity to combine academic and vocational study with competing at the highest level in their chosen sport.

Liz McIntyre, Borders College Principal, said: "We are delighted that by working through this innovative partnership we have been able to contribute to this wonderful new facility for the Borders. Our BASE students have benefited enormously from the centre and many of our staff have become members, using the gym and attending classes. "

Trifitness, a four hundred thousand pound centre combines a state of the art fitness suite offering a wide range of the latest cardiovascular, resistant and free weight fitness equipment together with a purpose built dance studio complimented with a comprehensive group exercise class programme.

Managed and operated by Borders Sport and Leisure Trust, TriFitness provides a range of health and fitness services delivered by 18 full and part time highly professional, qualified staff. Members of TriFitness have access to all nine facilities operated by Borders Sport and Leisure Trust.