A new interactive gym is being opened by Sandwell Leisure Trust at Haden Hill Leisure Centre, in the Midlands.

"i.gym is the first 'Interactive’ fitness facility of its kind for Sandwell,” said marketing manager Mark Wildman.

"We need new ways of targeting young people and families to participate in fitness but in a way they can both enjoy and socialise while improving their health and well-being.

"This unique facility includes interactive dance mats, exer-station pros – which let you play computer and arcade style games whilst exercising – and sport walls where you can compete against reactive lights.

"The combination of interactive kit, ambient mood lighting and excellent sound system has created a quality facility that can be enjoyed by young people and adults alike with the opportunity for families to have fun whilst getting active."

Paul Badhams, gym development officer for the trust added: "By offering the latest interactive gym equipment we aim to attract young people who normally would not be interested in participating in sport or physical activity.

"The I.Gym uses equipment, such as computer games consoles that people usually associate with reducing activity levels to actually increase activity levels in young people.

"We are living in an obesegenic environment and it's our job to provide a solution to at least part of the problem. We recognise that many young people are simply not attracted to traditional sports and exercise. The I.Gym offers an alternative way for these young people to increase their activity levels and one of the main aims of the I.Gym is to make exercise fun."

Sandwell Leisure Trust received a grant of £68,000 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, which paid for the installation of equipment supplied by ZigZag, while the trust itself provided a further £32,000 to refurbish the building and transform a former cafe into the gym, which is located in a glassed area on show from the main reception. Details: www.slt.sandwell.gov.uk