Southend Rugby club is getting into shape thanks to a revolutionary new gym.

Pumping iron - Fitness First sales manager Kate Deane with Southend rugby players Alan Henley and Ali Chambers in a new hi-tech gym Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

Members of the team were the first to try out the specialist equipment in the new "technogym" introduced to the Fitness First health and leisure centre, in Victoria Avenue, Southend.

A total of £40,000 has been pumped into equipping the gym with four cross-trainers, two exercise bikes and nine weight-lifting machines, all of which are promised to let fitness fanatics tone their muscles more effectively.

The gym will soon be the venue for a new class aimed at combining physical training with lessons in nutrition, body shaping and how to accomplish a change in lifestyle.

Published Friday, April 18, 2003

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