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Active Wellbeing Suites: What are they and what are the benefits?

Everyone Active has Active Wellbeing Suites in centres across the country. These use power-assisted exercise and strengthening equipment, which mean the users don’t have to rely solely on their own muscle strength for the exercises to be effective. Machines have been designed to provide safer exercise making the suites ideal for people with limited mobility, older people, those new to or returning to exercise or for people with a number of health conditions.

These machines are not, however, exclusively for people with a medical condition. Anyone can use them, as long as they are aged 18+. This equipment is currently available at Blackbrook Leisure Centre & Spa, Edenbridge Leisure Centre, Stratford Leisure Centre, The Neptune Centre, Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside, West Lindsey Leisure Centre & Westgate Leisure Centre.

Power-assisted exercise: what is it?

It’s all about exercising the entire body but without arduous effort. It has been called “stress free exercise” as it provides a far more relaxing workout than the high impact, heavy sweating gym environment.


Unlike a conventional gym, the equipment does not rely exclusively on muscle power. This equipment is power assisted, so you work with the machine not against it. Because it is power assisted, it can be used actively or passively, so the person next to you has no idea whether you are trying you hardest or having a bit of a breather! If you need to take a quick rest, the electronically powered equipment will continue to move you, making it the perfect choice for anyone coming back to exercise after periods of rest or inactivity, including those with mobility or health issues. It’s also the choice for many discerning exercisers who believe in the ‘work smart, not hard’ philosophy for exercise.

Each circuit should only take approximately half an hour to complete. It’s up to you to decide whether you want a more vigorous exercise by resisting the machine movement or a gentle stretch with the machine doing the work for you. Simply spend a little time on each machine and in just 30 minutes you’ll begin to feel the results. You’ll begin to feel stronger, more flexible and the machines will help to build muscle tone, too, which means you’ll notice an improvement in the firmness and shape of your muscles. It will also help you lose any unwanted extra weight, if that’s your goal.

What are the Benefits of Active Wellbeing Suites?

The health benefits of power-assisted exercise have long been recognised and used by the medical and rehabilitation professions. The equipment is positioned in a circuit style that encourages participants to talk to one another for socialisation and wellbeing benefits.

Potential physical benefits include:

  • Improved general fitness
  • Better balance
  • Increased energy and wellbeing
  • General strengthening
  • Better circulation
  • Improved posture

Who are wellness suites for?

The equipment has been designed so that it can be used by anyone aged over 18, regardless of mobility issues, weight or fitness level.

However, it’s perfect for those needing a solution for a range of different needs and conditions such as mobility, obesity, high blood pressure, back pain, joint problems or replacements. These also include people who have or are suffering from strokes, MS, ME, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s, dementia, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, arthritis and many more.

Where can you find Active Wellbeing Suites?

Everyone Active has wellness suites at various centres across the country. You can find these here: