THE gym at West Somerset Sports and Leisure in Minehead is set for a major refurbishment with the installation of some state-of-the-art interactive fitness equipment.

1610, which runs the centre, say visitors will soon be able to feel as though they are scaling a Norwegian mountain or rowing on water without leaving the safety of the gym.

A total of £50,000 is being invested in the Minehead and Bridgwater centres which will see a new interactive rowing machine installed which gives rowers the feeling they are rowing on water.

It was designed to follow the natural curve of the stroke on water and has been developed by Olympic rowers, the users will be able to race against others or in a team.

An immersive Technogym Climb will also be installed which includes features where participants can do an 'outdoor workout' or 'scale a mountain glacier'.

1610 wellness manager, Matt Bryant said: “Exercise habits are changing and the leisure industry is constantly innovating to keep up with consumer demand and keep a head of the game.

"Consumers expect to be able to watch TV on demand at home and it is the same in the gym they want interactive technology which can give real time and detailed personalised information so they can improve performance and fitness.

"'The Gamification factor' or taking the element of game playing and incorporating into how you work out is changing the way fitness is developed in the UK."

For more information call West Somerset Sports & Leisure on 01643 708815.