University College Birmingham has invested in elite performance facilities for students and staff, in partnership with Matrix Fitness

Functionality for both the student gym and the human performance centre was key, but the visual impact was also a driving factor,” explains Elaine Limond, assistant dean of sport. “We chose to work with Matrix Fitness because their tender demonstrated their experience working with universities, their understanding of our vision and the added value they bring to their clients.”

The new commercial gym has a mix of Matrix Fitness cardio equipment with 7xi entertainment consoles, the Matrix Versa Dual Strength series of resistance equipment and – due to student demand – an increased free weights area and functional training space, including a Matrix Double Mega Rack.

Human performance lab
The teaching space comprises a 550sq m Human Performance Centre with a 70sq m human performance lab that includes a multitude of elite performance equipment and incorporates two 84 inch computer screens for teaching purposes, to show live data from the force plate under the 35m sprint track.

“Both facilities are on the top floor of a stunning new building,” Limond continues. “The power racks run down the full length of a glass wall and are the first things visitors see, creating an impressive visual effect.

“Our staff and students love the new offering and, having opened before lockdown began, our members had a chance to enjoy the new facilities.

“Within the first week of opening, gym memberships had increased by 50 per cent. Now we’re looking forward to welcoming our community back.”

Delivering on a vision
“The Matrix Fitness team was supportive and responded quickly to all our needs,” explains Limond. “They brought our vision to life and offered valuable insights throughout, making suggestions for many things we hadn’t considered.

“With their support, we’ve futureproofed the facility, while still offering flexibility, which is important, as sport is a growth area within the University.

“The equipment fitted the bill in terms of functionality and visuals.

Student support
The facilities give students insights into elite performance training methods in preparation for careers after graduating. They also attract athletes in a wide range of disciplines who are excited to train within the centre, further supporting student development.

Stephen Nutt, head of sales for the education market at Matrix Fitness added: “This wasn’t just about supplying gym equipment, but about supporting a team from start to finish during an incredibly visual install.

“The team involved academic staff – a refreshing approach that enabled us to design and create these elite performance facilities in record time.”

Find out more: www.matrixfitness.co.uk