iZone - a new youth health and fitness concept targeted at people between the ages of 11 and 15 years old - has been unveiled at Swansea's LC leisure complex.

Located adjacent to the venue's main fitness suite, the interactive workout area aims to boost participation and promote active lifestyles among secondary school students with the help of computer technology. The iZone, which will be available to existing LC members at no extra cost, includes Nintendo Wii consoles, Expresso bikes and a Batak wall, which is designed to test and improve users' reactions.

A class timetable has been developed for the new facility featuring an initial 13 group sessions, including dynamite circuits, time attack and Wii athletics. A street dance class – without mats – led by a qualified instructor is also available. Ian Hamlet, general manager of the LC's health and fitness facilities, said: "Although we see the iZone as an area for people, especially younger adults, to enjoy, there's also a serious message behind the LC's commitment to encouraging young people to stay active.

"Childhood obesity is on the increase in Wales; at 22 per cent we already have one of the highest percentages in the world of overweight or obese children. With traditional sports often losing out to more sedentary computer games, we hope that the iZone will strike a good balance between the two and be seen as a fun, exciting and modern way to keep active." Image: Jessica Bain (left) with LC gym supervisor Dean Owens at the launch of the iZone