Oldham Active launches ‘Women’s-Only’ Gym at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre

Oldham Active (Oldham Community Leisure) has opened a Women’s-Only Gym at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre. The gym was formally launched on 26th February at a special event attended by Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, Deputy Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Eddie Moores, and Chadderton Central ward councillors, Cllr Mohon Ali and Cllr Mohammed Nazrul Islam, along with other special guests.

The new dedicated workout space, which is open daily, is located on the ground floor and has a full range of cardio and strength training equipment. The area is staffed only by female team members and is available for women aged 16 plus. The new women’s-only gym is in addition to the existing gym and studio facilities at the centre on Burnley Street.

The exclusive women’s-only space follows the success of Oldham Active’s ongoing and very popular Women’s-Only Wednesdays at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, where every Wednesday morning there is women-only access to swimming, the sauna and aquacise, as well as group classes such as aerobics, Body Pump and Zumba.

Stuart Lockwood, Chief Executive of Oldham Active, the charity operating leisure facilities across the borough, says: “The women’s-only space was formerly used as a spin studio, but following the success of Women’s Wednesdays we have taken the decision to invest in a dedicated gym space exclusively for women, to encourage more women in the local community to lead active, healthier lives.”

Lauren Connis, Health and Fitness Brand Manager, Oldham Active says: “The feedback we gathered through customer surveys was that some women prefer to exercise in women-only spaces, so we were committed in creating a safe space for women to enjoy physical activity. Oldham is very diverse town, which has multiple faith groups living and working across the borough, with Chadderton having a high percentage of its population from the Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities. Oldham Active’s health and wellbeing programmes must reflect the community we serve.

“This space has been designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for women from all walks of life to enjoy. Oldham Active is working closely with local community groups and district partnerships to ensure that our women’s-only gym meets the needs of those who will be using it. We are also committed to training and upskilling local women so they can play an active role in supporting and shaping this space.

“In the coming months we will be rolling out a range of sessions and seminars focused on women’s health. From the benefits of strength training to postmenopausal heart health, and to ensure we reach as many women as possible we will be taking our seminar programme out in the community too.”

Cllr Barbara Brownridge, Chadderton North, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, says: “I am delighted that this new gym space is available for women to find support while building their strength and flexibility. As well as building physical fitness and stamina, this welcoming space will also help women to build confidence in all areas of life.”

The Women’s-Only Gym is open daily: Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Access is available to women aged 16 and over.