Revolutionary new gym for over 50s opens in Mayo

Castle Leisure Club is leading the way with a brand new over-50s hub-gym targeting everybody over 50 to enjoy physical workouts through the use of power-assisted exercise machines.

The specialised Hello Good Life Health and Wellbeing hub now open in the Castle Leisure Club complex offers a series of 12 power-assisted machines arranged in a convenient walkabout circuit, each of which, on the press of a button, runs for three minutes at a time, making for a total 40-minute workout designed to exercise all muscles in the body.

The first of its kind in the country, the sole distributors of the power-assisted workout machines in Ireland are Mayo couple, Martina Calvey and Seamus Davitt. THe machines are for those over 50, including many people who are healthy yet looking for an alternative exercise solution, and those suffering from health conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s. Others with mobility loss or seeking rehabilitation following health issues are also provided with a safe space in which to work out and restore body tone and function.

During its first week of operation this January, over 400 people turned up to try out the equipment at Hello Good Life Hub in Castlebar, with all declaring themselves so delighted with the physical benefits from the experience - and moreover, the social, mental, emotional and overall wellbeing benefits attached. Indeed, most immediately signed up to use the gym on a membership basis.

Cora and Breda Mulroy, of Castle Leisure Club, are delighted to be the first to introduce the power-assisted gym machines to the Irish public.

“The main reason we got involved was as a follow-on from our decision to close our pool after 23 years, which was a difficult decision, but it was just not sustainable," said Cora. "However, we still felt the need to be able to offer our members, especially our older ones, something more, geared just for them. 

"When Martina came up with this idea of a health and wellbeing hub, we realised it was a total fit for our business and also inclusive and perfectly suited to all our members. We didn’t want to lose them and wanted to find something nobody else could offer and were impressed that it was the very first in Ireland. 

"Since we opened, we have already had people coming here from all over Mayo, including from Belmullet, Ballyhaunis and Charlestown. After just a few weeks, when you see the number of people that are already benefitting from this space that was the pool, it is very rewarding and we are thrilled to see our Aqua Group has come back and we are delighted to have them back!” 

A treat also awaits all users at the end of each circuit, Cora reveals, saying: “The 12th and final station is known as the Relaxer, as it is a lie-back machine that rewards users with a vibration massage all along the body. There is no loud music - just some nice ambient background music - and people tell us how much they love this. And then, of course, after all that there is a cup of tea and a chat with others in the hub to enjoy.” 

Hello Good Life name for the hub-gyms was chosen – ‘’it is about saying hello to a good life by prioritising your personal health and wellbeing - and also it is the mission of the hub to promote a warm welcome and socially interactive group activities, community and support networks and all the social and mental benefits that accrue so that people are empowered to lead healthier, happier lives.

“These machines work for everybody, regardless of body shape, size or condition, to enable you to access exercise safely, whether you are someone who has suffered a stroke or been diagnosed with MS, Parkinson’s or other life-limiting conditions, or if you have other health issues or weight issues and find traditional gym equipment difficult.

“At the Hello Good Life Hub at Castle Leisure, there are membership options to sign up for one, three or 12 months," said Cora. "Users complete a health questionnaire, outlining any medical issues or impacted mobility they may have and also carry out a baseline assessment. Once you join, you can use the facility as often as you want, and can also avail of the other Castle Leisure facilities including the steam room and sauna, as well as timetabled exercise and fitness classes. The centre is open six days a week and most days there are also organised classes in the Hello Good Life hub that people can sign up for for a guided workout, ensuring a varied and flexible offering to suit all needs."

The official opening of Hello Good Life was performed on Friday, January 19th, by Minister of State with Responsibility for Public Health and Wellbeing, Hildegarde Naughton TD, in the presence of representatives from Innerva UK, local politicians and public representatives as well as a crowd of supporters and well-wishers for the new over 50s gym and hub.

Minister Naughton said: "I am really pleased to see this new facility officially open this morning; ready to provide lots of opportunities for people to take part in physical activity, which is essential for maintaining our health and wellbeing.  While this is true for all sectors of the population, it is especially important for older adults. It helps to prevent chronic disease and improves strength, balance and co-ordination. When people come together to take part in an activity, they benefit from meeting and spending time with others, as well as from the activity itself. A hearty congratulations to all involved in getting this fantastic project over the line."

Castle Leisure Centre is open from 6.30am to 9pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. If you wish to try the hub, contact Castle Leisure Centre on 094-9026749 or see www.castleleisureclub.ie.