Chester’s youth housing centre Bridge Foyer open state-of-the-art Nintendo Wii fitness suite to its residents

by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

YOUNG people are being treated to a virtual fitness and exercise facility in Chester.

The Bridge Foyer youth Centre, on Tower Road, has opened an entertainment suite where residents can build up a sweat by boxing each other and playing tennis.

But rather than break windows, the high tech gym is fitted with a Nintendo Wii console helping youngsters get fit by playing the interactive games.

Bridge Foyer provides temporary supported housing for people aged 16-25, giving them a secure home while helping them develop life skills and find employment.

Deputy manager Andy Edwards said: “We don’t have much ground for a pumping iron gym or running machines so, working with young people, we have come up with something futuristic that they will use.

“We have had a really good response from them and there are those who might not have wanted to put on their gym trainers that are now trying things like yoga.

“As well as providing an all weather, all season facility, we hope that using the Wii will increase our residents’ general level of well-being and may inspire them to have a go at real sports.”

The idea for the virtual gym was created by Bridge Foyer residents and staff and was built thanks to a £1,000 donation from Chester-based Marjorie Boddy Trust and £250 from an Arena Options Service Panel grant.

Using the Wii, popular with people of all ages, residents are now able to devise a personalised exercise programme which they can monitor changes in their body mass index and other fitness indicators.

“Using computer gaming in this way connects with our young people and accommodates those who, for a range of reasons, may avoid sporting situations,” added Andy.