Refurbished Eric Liddell Gym Unveiled

The much anticipated renewed, refreshed and reimagined Eric Liddell Gym at the Pleasance has reopened.

Renewed. Refreshed. Reimagined.

Sport and activity underpin community life on campus. We believe wellness is about choice, and we want to offer users an abundance of ways to engage with physical activity. Our job is to enable people to become their best, through spaces and experiences that help people believe they are capable of great things. The new gym will uphold this ‘best in class’ mantra by offering an exceptional user experience for anyone looking for cardio, fixed strength, or functional exercise. 

Mark Munro Director of Sport & Active Health - The University of Edinburgh

State-of-the-art equipment

The refurbishment includes a significant investment in new, state-of-the-art, equipment from Technogym. The new five-year partnership represents the synergy of two world-leading organisations with common values and the drive to find solutions through research, development, innovation and knowledge transfer.   

The cardio equipment now on offer includes 30 brand new treadmills, 15 cross-trainers, 9 exercise bikes and, for the first time, 8 stair climbers. There has also a significant increase in the number pin-select strength equipment available to members, including additional leg press, leg extension, lat pull, and low row machines, as well as the introduction of 2 hip thrust machines.

A harmonised space

The 765sqm space, which was previously split into two distinct areas, one for cardio and one for fixed weights activities, has been brought together to better serve Pleasance Gym community. Zoning of the space has been developed in collaboration with Technogym in response to user feedback and shifting fitness trends, using data collection and sensor analyses to inform layout of equipment.  

We really think students and staff will be thrilled by the new harmonised space, the increased amount of equipment, and access to Technogym’s ground-breaking entertainment package and fitness monitoring.

Katherine Corbett Active Health Manager - The University of Edinburgh

The refurbishment works have been designed to retain, and highlight, the original architectural heritage of the space, whilst also featuring new floor coverings and feature lighting. The result is an inspirational, sector-leading space for students, staff and the wider community.

View of gym members using kit

Celebrating the legacy of Eric Liddell 

The refurbishment of the new Eric Liddell Gym will coincide with the beginning of a new awareness drive launched by The Eric Liddell Community, the Eric Liddell 100 campaign, a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures who was the inaugural inductee into the University of Edinburgh Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. As part of the refurbishment new digital signage will allow us to share the Eric Liddell story with current and new members to help preserve and celebrate his legacy.  

Official opening

An official opening is scheduled to take place on Thursday 7 September at which members of Eric Liddell’s family, University students, and staff will take part in a ribbon cutting ceremony. However, the gym is open now for current, new or returning members of the Pleasance Gym.

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