Creating a more inclusive community gym for Brio Winsford Lifestyle Centre
"We were looking for a quality product, but also confidence that the supplier could work with us to design a gym that fitted our needs and the needs of the community."
— Mark Swafford, Area General Manager, Brio Winsford Lifestyle Centre
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The Challenge
Brio Winsford Lifestyle Centre was operating with gym equipment that was showing its age, with some machines around eight to ten years old and parts becoming more difficult to source. For a local authority facility serving a wide community, this created a risk that the gym would begin to feel dated, less inviting and less able to meet changing member expectations.
The site also needed to support a wide range of users, from juniors through to older adults, including people who may feel nervous or unsure about using a gym. Without the right layout and equipment mix, the facility risked limiting progression, reducing confidence and making it harder for the team to deliver tailored support.
The Solution
Gym Gear worked with Brio Winsford Lifestyle Centre to create a more considered gym layout that made better use of the available space. The design introduced clear training zones, with more approachable equipment positioned closer to the entrance and more advanced strength and plate-loaded areas placed further into the gym.
This helped the Brio team support different confidence levels more effectively. Beginners could be introduced to areas that felt comfortable and relevant, while more experienced members had access to a broader strength and functional training offer.
Equipment choices focused on versatility and space efficiency, including dual-use options that allowed Brio to increase exercise variety without overcrowding the gym floor. The mix of cardio, resistance, free weights, racks and HIIT equipment was selected to support different training styles, from general fitness and warm-ups through to more advanced strength and high-intensity sessions.
The Result
Brio Winsford Lifestyle Centre now has a refreshed local authority gym that feels more relevant, accessible and supportive for the community it serves. The improved layout gives staff a clearer structure for inductions, helping members build confidence before progressing into more advanced areas.
The project has also given the site a stronger platform for retention. Members can be supported with free one-to-one sessions, personal development plans and a gym environment that feels less intimidating for new or returning users.
For Brio, the investment was about more than replacing old equipment. It created a facility that better reflects the role of a community leisure centre: helping people of different ages, abilities and confidence levels feel comfortable, supported and proud to use their local gym.
