Technogym has been awarded a five-year contract to supply its state-of-the-art equipment and digital software to the world’s number one sporting university, Loughborough.
Creating a new Centre of Excellence within the already sector-leading Powerbase strength and conditioning gym, Technogym’s first step has been a £500,000 refurbishment of the facility. Powerbase, one of the country’s largest strength and conditioning gyms, provides an environment where training, recovery and rehabilitation can all be accessed under one roof. Everyday Olympians, Paralympians and Loughborough University’s elite squads from a multitude of sports train in the facility.
Supported by Loughborough’s team of strength and conditioning coaches there are several current world record holders training as part of the Loughborough setup, with Powerbase also home to British Weightlifting.
The gym, which was officially opened on Monday, features over 100 Technogym stations including 11 Olympic Power Racks and Pure Strength plate-loaded equipment. There is also be a dedicated cardio mezzanine floor overlooking the strength area, housing Technogym’s athletic performance training solution, SKILLMILL Connect and EXCITE Treadmills, Varios and Bikes.
Cutting the ribbon alongside Loughborough University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Robert Allison were England rugby captain Sarah Hunter, England netballer Beth Cobden and international athletics medallists Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dan Greaves and Martyn Rooney, a fitting ensemble for a world class facility.
In addition to the state of the art equipment, Technogym will also support research carried out by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences as well as providing placement and internship opportunities for Loughborough University students.
Steve Barton, Managing Director at Technogym UK said: “We are delighted to align Technogym with Loughborough University, another world-leading brand. We have a long heritage of involvement with elite sport having been the official supplier to the last six editions of the Olympic Games. Our partnership with the world’s best sporting university is a testament to our continued commitment to elite sport at all levels and we look forward to seeing some of the UK’s best athletes using our equipment at Powerbase.”
Jo Simpson, Loughborough Sport’s commercial director, added: “As the global leading university in sport we are proud to be entering a partnership with Technogym for our new Centre of Excellence. Our reputation is built upon research, performance and a history of pushing boundaries, all of which have allowed us to achieve sporting excellence over the last 100 years. Looking to the future, this unified partnership is designed to develop the next level of athlete performance and consolidate our position at the pinnacle of global sport.”