Apr.3, 2003 Exertris

Pendle Leisure Trust is ⓢetto launch a work-out revolution in Lancashire on the 15th April, as it creates the UK’s first interactive fitness arcade. The arcade will be filled with twenty five Exertris Interactive Bikes, plasma screens, virtual projection, rock concert style lighting and interactive programming.

Pendle Leisure Trust will launch its “X r-cade” at Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne, to specifically target the youth of East Lancashire who will now be able to get fit playing Exertris games in a futuristic arcade-room. The Interactive Bikes will be networked to enable users to play and race against one another, allowing competitive multi-player leagues and instructor-led classes to be established to encourage users to return to the leisure centre on a regular basis.

The project is the first of its kind to be launched by a local authority organisation and Pendle Leisure Trust is hoping that its success will encourage similar local authority projects across the country. The arcade will play an active role in the developing youth culture of Pendle, however there will also be opportunities for the wider community to get involved too, from fitness addicts to people who have never ⓢetfoot in a gym before.

Exertris is the world`s first interactive gaming workout cycle, combining the fitness benefits of an exercise bike with the excitement of interactive games to ⓒreatea uniquely entertaining way to keep fit. The energy the user puts into the cycle through pedalling directly affects their control of the interactive game so the workout is fun and the time on the bike literally flies by!

Pendle Leisure Trust’s CEO Phil Storey discovered the Exertris Interactive Bikes at a recent conference where he immediately realised their potential to ⓒreatea completely unique exercise experience. He explains, “When I first saw Exertris, I thought it would be ideal for motivating youngsters to get some exercise, however I soon realised it actually appeals to all age groups. By creating the arcade, we have a fitness concept that really does make exercise fun.”

The project took just under twelve months to complete, from the initial idea to the opening in April. The original budget was £150,000 and the project’s costs have remained well within that. Development and Marketing Manager Gary Hood explains: “The hardest part of the project was the funding process but the idea is so strong that everyone caught on to the vision pretty quickly. The Local Strategic Partnership welcomed the concept with open arms and helped fund it through SRB. We drew funds from a number of different sources and we’ve had masses of enthusiasm from all parties involved. Although there were days with problems, they were never insurmountable.”

Commenting on the fitness arcade at Pendle Leisure, Gareth Davies, Exertris CEO, said, "We`re delighted that Pendle Leisure Trust have used Exertris in such an original way. I`m sure the X r-cade will be a great success and with obesity on the increase amongst all age groups, it’s just the type of concept that local authorities and Leisure Trusts can adopt to safeguard the health of the community - and that`s great news all round."

Exertris will be present at the I.L.A.M. and C.L.O.A. Trade Show at Bournemouth 24th - 25th June 2003