Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Reading has received an investment worth £120,000 to create improved youth fitness facilities.

The funding came from Leisure Connection, the centre's operator, and Wokingham Borough Council as part of an range of initiatives to raise young people's activity levels and to combat the growing problem of obesity.

The facilities were encased in a dedicated youth area called The Pod, which features equipment supplied by ZigZag, including second generation Xer-Dance platforms with the capacity to be used by 16 people at a time.

There is also ZigZag's Sportwalls – 8ft by 4ft panels which offer hundreds of games that develop skills, speed, stamina and team work and coordination.

The pod also boasts 10 'Dream' bikes, which allow riders to watch themselves cycling over a range of terrains. The bikes are all linked together so riders can race against each other and be trained by an interactive coach.

Fergus Ahern, managing director of ZigZag, said: "The invention of the 'interactive gym' means that Leisure Connection can offer its younger visitors a range of up to the minute computer games worked by the body, rather than the thumbs. So while the children's minds are in a game, their bodies are in a workout and the longer they play, the stronger and fitter they get."

ZigZag and ActivKids is part of the PTE group of leisure companies, which includes Physique, Alliance Leisure and Home Fitness Direct.