THE gym at Craven Leisure in Skipton will close for two weeks in December for a major, £225,000 refurbishment.

New, state of the art gym equipment at the Craven District Council leisure centre, will include an air bike, a watt bike, a Jacob’s Ladder machine and a curved treadmill in the ‘high intensity interval training area’. There will also be a ski-erg machine, kettle-bells and medicine balls to greet gym members following the overhaul, in addition to a suspension trainer and a plyometric platform.

There will also be the traditional cardio machines such as treadmills, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bikes and rowing machines.

A new weights area will include plate-loaded equipment, Olympic lifting platforms and a broader range of free weights.

Lloyd Hancox, leisure services manager, said a consultation with current members had been carried out to see what people wanted to see in the new look gym.

“We’re delighted to be refurbishing the gym at Craven Leisure and we’re sure our members will love the new equipment.We consulted with our existing members and asked them what they would like to see in the gym, and took their views into account when choosing the equipment.

“We were keen to include a wider range of high intensity interval training activities and functional training, which mirrors everyday actions like reaching, walking, carrying, lifting and bending, so has many benefits for all users.”

The gym will close on Monday, December 3 for two weeks, the quietest time of the year.

“When we re-open our team of fitness professionals will be on hand to show users how to safely and effectively use the new equipment,” said Mr Hancox.

A few pieces of the new equipment will be on show in the leisure centre’s reception area from when the gym is closed, and people will be welcome to give them a try.

A new version of the fitness tracking system, Pulse Move, will also be installed in February, allowing gym users to track their activity both inside and outside the gym, and view workout plans and personalised training information.

While the gym is closed, members will be able to take advantage of extra classes in the dance studio and spin room, and will be able to use the pool and sauna.

The dance studio will also be refreshed in the New Year, including a new lighting system and décor as well as a refurbished floor.