ONE of Pendle’s most popular gyms which aims to make exercise accessible for all is set to reopen on Monday September 7 after having been forced to remain closed due to the coronavirus.

The Feelgood Factory, found within Pendle Leisure Centre in Colne, is currently preparing to welcome fitness enthusiasts back with 12 new pieces of toning equipment and three entirely new machines – a cross cycle, an ab pullover and a relaxer.

Many of these machines are specifically designed to help people recovering from illness or with limited mobility, however the gym will be open to all comers.

Pendle Leisure Trust chief executive Alison Goode said: “We can’t wait to welcome our members and customers back and I’m sure they will be delighted with our brand-new equipment.

“We want to show them that although we have been closed for the last five months, we haven’t forgotten about them – in fact, it’s quite the opposite as we have been working with Shapemaster to enable us to be able to provide a new look facility for them to enjoy.

“We have a lot of members we know can’t wait to return, but obviously, we had to make sure it was safe for them to do so.

“The closure was an ideal opportunity for us to update our equipment, which we are very pleased with.

“So now all new safety measures and procedures are in place – and there is brand new equipment for them to use – we are looking forward to seeing everyone again!”

Gyms like the Feelgood Factory will be especially vital as people across the region emerge from lockdown after months of enforced inactivity.

However, people with disabilities will be especially relieved.

Shapemaster’ Charissa Newsome said: “Research clearly demonstrates the huge health benefit of our power-assisted exercise equipment, which can treat a wide range of conditions, including MS, ME, back pain, scoliosis, motor neurone disease, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy and polio.

“We are delighted to have worked with Pendle Leisure Trust to help update this facility and provide this brand-new equipment which we know will be a hit with all its members and customers.”