As part of the university’s new strategy for sport and active wellbeing, which reinforces the commitment to widening choice and growing participation across the city and campus community, York Sport received capital investment to modernise facilities over a five-year period.
Ashley Smith, Senior Operations Manager at York Sport, explains why the gym was a priority, and how member feedback drove equipment selection.
Modernising York Sport for campus and community
Membership to York Sport Village includes access to the gym, pools, 3G pitches, group exercise classes, and a health suite. Located at University of York’s East Campus, it serves surrounding villages as well as students and faculty staff. The popular gym, last refurbished in 2018, was an obvious choice for phase one of the 5-year investment.
The updated gym addresses shifts in training trends, with more weights, platforms, cables, benches, and multi-functional equipment, and content-rich CV kit.
“Everything we do is for our members, and their ideas informed our decisions,” said Ashley. “We track usage on every piece of equipment and listen to what our members want. It was clear that we had to add more weights and functional training provision, but had to get creative so we could provide that without losing any of our cardio equipment.”
The refurbishment brought in a new selection of Technogym cardio, strength, and functional equipment that maximised existing floorspace, introduced new training areas, and created a digital indoor cycle studio.
Specialist training zones with performance-led equipment
The refurbishment introduced exciting new Technogym products, including the performance-focused Skillup ergometer and the versatile Universe Cage which will revolutionise how the space is used.
The smaller footprint of new Technogym equipment enabled York Sport to create a functional training area in the gym, which features Technogym Skillup, Skillruns, and Skillbikes. The addition of this specialist functional area will enable the gym team to introduce gym circuits as small group training or PT-led sessions.
Space saving solutions through multifunctional equipment
Technogym Universe is a versatile functional and strength solution that transforms gym spaces, enabling a huge variety of training options with clever use of floor space. The York Village Universe Cage has allowed the gym to respond to member requests for more strength training equipment, without taking space from the cardio provision.
“We’ve invested heavily in multi-use equipment throughout this refurbishment,” said Ashely. “The Technogym Universe Cage is the biggest innovation, a smart solution that solves the challenge of bringing in a lot of strength equipment without using up our floor space.”
Enhancing member experience with best-in-class digital content
York Sport members use the Technogym App to track their workouts and access training plans. The refurbishment gives them seamless access to the latest digital innovations, including modules, content, and challenges. This update will personalise members’ fitness experiences, give trainers greater access to data, and support activity around campus (including inter-college competitions).
“Technogym are at the forefront of innovation,” said Ashley. “We value quality of product, great design, and our members want equipment that does what they need in an exciting way. Technogym App is already so well used here and it’s great to know that we’ll continue to benefit from Technogym’s ongoing commitment to digital solutions.”
Technogym digital also allows the refurbished indoor cycle studio to be used for instructor-led classes or virtual, on-demand sessions - a new option which will help more people access indoor cycling.
Partnering with Technogym for equipment, activation, and support
York Sport’s relationship with Technogym began in 2012 with the opening of the Sports Village. For this gym refurbishment, Technogym provided more than equipment, with a comprehensive marketing support package, wall graphics, digital storyboards, and training sessions for staff conducted by master trainers.
Future-proofing community fitness provision
York Sport is committed to providing modern facilities and engaging solutions that will inspire more people into a healthy lifestyle. The gym refurbishment at Sport Village is the first phase of a 5-year plan to modernise facilities, and a key part of the university’s drive to use its facilities to encourage new participation.
