Stretford is the first town in Trafford – and one of the first in the UK – to offer aqua classes led by a virtual instructor.
The innovative option is currently on trial at Stretford Leisure Centre alongside more traditional sessions led by class instructors, and is proving to be a big hit.
The centre, run by Trafford Leisure and owned by the Council, is one of the first nationally to launch Hydrohex where participants in the main pool follow an instructor on a big screen, rather than in person.
An added bonus is that water fitness classes are now never cancelled due to staff illness or absence because Hydrohex is available as a back-up.
The system was introduced on trial for a year back in September, and has been a success so far, with five different types of classes ranging from 30 to 45-minute sessions across the week to suit ages and abilities.
Classes are priced £7 for non-members, £3.50 for Active Trafford members, and free to members.
Leisure centre manager, Frances Cunliffe, said:
“It’s exciting to be one of the first places in the UK to try out Hydrohex. Nowhere else in Trafford has it. It’s unique to Stretford. While it won’t replace our much-loved sessions run by staff, it offers something really different for the community here.
“People sometimes think of aqua fitness as a very gentle sort of exercise and it can be, but we’re also running classes that offer a really hard workout with no time to stop and chat! We’re currently monitoring the popularity of Hydrohex and gathering feedback from centre users and members, as the trial continues into the autumn.”
Frances and her team are encouraging more people to give Hydrohex a go, in line with the Council’s priorities to ensure people can live healthy lives with access to good quality sport and leisure opportunities.
Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said:
“Trafford Leisure and the Council strive to bring a variety of high-quality fitness experience opportunities to our residents so that there are always ways to make leading an active lifestyle fun, interesting and exciting. Hydrohex is one of many options for taking exercise in Stretford.”