Bridge Foyer get Wii fit and healthy
21/07/2009
Staff and residents at Bridge Foyer in Chester have worked together to create a future proof, user friendly, high tech gym. Using a £1000 donation from the Chester based Marjorie Boddy Trust and £250 from an Arena Options Service Panel Grant, the team utilised surplus space in the old IT Suite to construct a state of the art exercise environment.
The room is lit with cool blue strip lights and has a relaxed and welcoming feel with a large central space big enough for some serious calorie burning.
Through the power of Nintendo Wii, residents can fling themselves across the tennis court or release excess energy and tensions in a virtual boxing ring. They can also jump on the Wii board and devise a personalised exercise programme which they can monitor to track changes in their Body Mass Index and other fitness and well-being indicators. In addition to the obvious physical benefits, using the room also encourages lots of social interaction and is an additional way for staff and residents to engage.
Using computer gaming in this way connects with young people and accommodates those who, for a whole range of reasons, may otherwise avoid exercise and sports. The new gym provides an excellent all weather, all season facility.