A GYM in York has undergone a £650,000 makeover.

The Bannatyne Health Club, in White Rose Close, Nether Poppleton, has seen new state of the art equipment installed on its gym floor, with the creation of a new functional training area.

Among the new devices is an Omnia 8 Rig, which allows up to eight gym-goers at a time to swing, balance and hang from the equipment to strengthen their core muscles.

Kevin Easley, general manager said: “The new gym floor at Bannatyne Health Club York is fantastic. Our members will certainly feel and see the benefits from the state of the art equipment, which will help them to reach their fitness goals more effectively.

“The new gym floor and extended free weights area are the perfect complement to our existing facilities including, swimming pool, sauna, and group exercise rooms for a whole variety of classes, including the fantastic new Block Fit.”

Mr Easley said the Omnia 8 Rig was “already a big hit with members”, and also increases interaction between the gym-goers during workouts, as well as toning their muscles.

The Dragon’s Den star set up his health club empire in Teesside in 1997, following a skiing accident - he could not find local facilities to help with his recovery and provide regular exercise.

There are now 66 Bannatyne gyms and health clubs around the country, the first of which were set up using funds from the sale of Bannatyne’s previous business Quality Care Homes, and all are currently undergoing upgrades and investment, with an aim to improve service for the company’s 195,000 members and 3,000 staff.

As well as a host of new Water Rowers, Watt Bikes and SkillMill machines, the York gym club has also installed MyZone heart rate monitors and launched the Bannatyne app.

The app allows members to track their fitness progress, complete challenges set by the app, and book classes from their smart phone.

Further improvements are also expected throughout this summer, with changes already planned for new equipment in the free weights training section, and upgrades to the cafe and bar area in coming weeks.

To find out more about the changes at the gym, or for any other information, go to bannatyne.co.uk/healthandfitness/york or phone 0844 2483820.