Thanks to the generosity of the Veterans’ Foundation Erskine Activities Centre members are getting into tip top shape in their new bespoke gym.

The Erskine Reid Macewen Activities Centre, based in the Veterans Village in Bishopton, now has a specially designed, fully equipped and accessible gym for the Centre’s Veterans who like to exercise in a more private setting than a public gym.

The first class equipment, purchased with the extremely generous donation of £25,761, includes squat and mobility stations, punch bag, skiing, rowing and cardio equipment, weights and selection of medicine and slam balls. All of which are designed to maintain functional fitness focusing on performance as opposed to muscle size.

As with all projects at the Centre, the request for the gym came directly from the members. Many of them had experienced challenges when making use of public facilities, which do not often cater for amputees or physical disabilities.  In addition anyone suffering with PTSD can often find busy public environments overwhelming.

The generous support from the Veterans’ Foundation has facilitated the transformation of a previously unused space within the Centre into a highly functional gym. The funding will also pay for tuition, servicing and maintenance for a three-year period. Use of the gym and the development of individual performance programmes by instructors Alistair Lamb and Annie Earley, will have a hugely significant impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of Veterans, spouses and carers within the community.

Activities Centre Manager Debs Dickson said: ‘The ERMAC gym has been the final piece of the puzzle in developing the Activity Centre. We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer our Veterans the opportunity to improve their physical and mental wellbeing whilst in a safe space. The diversity of the project is reflected in the age groups that have already been using the equipment with our youngest being 34 and our oldest 84, our trainers have the skillset to match individual needs to specific training plans.’          

Craig Lynes of Clydebuilt Fitness said: “When we were approached to quote for creating a gym with adaptable equipment we very excited to become involved in such an innovative project.  It has been a pleasure to work with Debs and Alistair on developing a gym accessible for all the Centres’ Veterans.  The gym contains the same equipment as found in any other gym except the Erskine gym caters for disabilities and allows members to exercise in safety with their fellow Veterans”.

More information on the Veterans Foundation can be found by visiting their website at www.veteransfoundation.org.uk

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter@ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio