Kyneton residents are pushing for upgrades to the town’s council-run aquatic centre gym to improve the layout and reduce wait times for machines.
Gym member Matthew King said the outdated equipment was uninspiring and fellow users supported his appeal for the gym to be “brought into the current century”.
“I am so uninspired and unmotivated by the dated strength-training equipment, and lack of cardio equipment,” he said.
“I have a disability and exercise is rather important for me to stay functional and active. There’s only two crosstrainers, so if they’re being used I have to wait, as I have limitations on what I can use.”
The 36-year-old has a condition known as adrenoleukodystrophy, which he helps manage with regular exercise, but may need to consider other options for his workout.
Mr King has put forward suggestions for more modern equipment, a specialised cardio area and new layout that he feels would create a more user-friendly zone.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council last implemented a new gym layout and upgraded cardio equipment in 2019 after consultation with gym members, but welcomed further ideas for change.
The last upgrade included a functional fitness area, increased strength-training area, power rack and improved internal pathways.
MRSC’s director of assets and operations, Shane Walden, said council officers continually reviewed and updated the facility asset register to identify and plan for fitness equipment requiring maintenance or replacement but the global pandemic had presented challenges.
“The global pandemic has impacted our ability to engage with our members regarding the current gym layout and fitness equipment offered within the gyms,” he said.
“As the fitness centre has returned to normal operations, and a large portion of our valued members return from the service suspension or the holiday period, we will be implementing a member engagement process to support the prioritisation of new equipment and future improvements to the fitness centre.”
All members are expected to be notified of this process in February and are encouraged to take part.
