Lee McConnell visits Airdrie Leisure Centre

Aug 10 2011 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

Lee McConnell

TRACK queen Lee McConnell has given the thumbs-up to a major refurbishment of Airdrie Leisure Centre.

The two-times Commonwealth Games medallist tried out the new technogym equipment installed at the Rawyards facility as part of a £411,000 makeover project.

Fitness fanatics can now benefit from using cutting edge cardiovascular and weights facilities.

And Lee, who has also won medals at the World, European and European indoor championships, believes the refurbishment will help Monklands get healthier.

“The new gym looks fantastic,” she said. “It offers outstanding strength and circuit training for athletes of all abilities.

“Equipment is very important and the facilities Airdrie Leisure Centre have are very good.”

A 150-station gym has been created along with dedicated cycle fit and studio facilities.

Enhanced functions include interactive LCD TV screens, fully integrated iPod connectivity, heart-rate technology and motivational exercise programmes.

Councillor Jim Logue, chair of North Lanarkshire Leisure, was on-hand to road-test the state-of-the-art equipment at the new-look gym.

“What we have here is superb,” he told the Advertiser. “The initial feedback from customers has been very positive.

“This is a major investment by North Lanarkshire Leisure.

“Customer demand and customer expectancy were the catalysts for this refurbishment project.

“We have more than 24,000 Access NL members which is a higher number than in any other local authority.

“The fitness centre industry is a very competitive market but we can now offer customers the latest technogym equipment and a quality experience.

“People want the best and we want to provide the best.”

Councillor Logue added: “North Lanarkshire is this year’s European City of Sport and this latest investment highlights our drive to get more people more active more often.”

“We also have a major issue with obesity in this area and we have to try and deal with it.”

NLL chief executive Blane Dodds revealed he is delighted with the centre’s new look.

He said: “We’re delighted to open this top new range of gym facilities in Airdrie.

“This investment will continue to improve the health and fitness facilities available to residents and demonstrates our commitment to improving the customer experience for visitors.”