Pioneering Sheffield health scheme celebrates decade of fitness

An award winning fitness scheme which has helped to improve the health of more than 100,000 people in Sheffield is celebrating a decade of achievements this month.

Fitness Unlimited, the city’s most popular health and fitness scheme with more than 15,300 members is 10 years old this month.  Since launching in Sheffield in January 2000, nearly 20 per cent of the city’s population has been a member of Fitness Unlimited over the 10 year period. 

The scheme offers access to four facilities operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV) - the world class Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, four times leisure centre of the year Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Concord Sports Centre and Don Valley Stadium. 

Steve Brailey, chief executive of SIV, said: “Fitness Unlimited is a fantastic Sheffield success story.  Driving participation in physical activity is one our key objectives and the quality, value for money and diversity offered by Fitness Unlimited continues to ensure that health and fitness opportunities are accessible to all in the city”.

“The standard and range of venues on offer are as good as anywhere else in the country and this is a huge pull to members. Having access to four venues in different locations across the city means they can use cutting edge equipment, an Olympic size swimming pool, a world class athletics stadium and studio classes all day every day at a location suitable to them.”

It was a record-breaking 2008-09 for Fitness Unlimited with a 24 per cent increase in sales figures, up by £680,000, which will help maintain its commitment to high-level investment into venues so members have the best facilities possible.

“Since 2000, Fitness Unlimited has invested more than £6m in improving health and fitness facilities and we are continually reinvesting profits for the benefit of members. We have an ongoing refurbishment programme designed to maintain our position as a leader in the European fitness industry highlighted by the recent investment at Concord Sports Centre and Don Valley Stadium not to mention the £3m gym and pool projects at Ponds Forge.

“At the heart of the scheme is making health and fitness accessible to all. We have members from the age of 16 through to 85 and many of our facilities are accredited by the Inclusive Fitness Initiative for use by disabled groups and members with special requirements.

“Fitness Unlimited is also playing a key role in keeping the city’s workforces healthy with 3,500 corporate members and more than 15,000 over the last 10 years.

“Physical activity means different things to different people, from using a kinesis wall to lane swimming and group fitness classes to running or relaxing in a steam room. That is why, through Fitness Unlimited, we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for members to continue their quest for healthy lifestyles.”

To mark the key milestone, Fitness Unlimited is offering one month’s membership for just £10 if you join on a 12 month membership. To join call 0114 2233419 or you can now join online, visit www.fitnessunlimited.co.uk