Just the tonic! A new gym for Dawlish

Dawlish Leisure Centre's new health and fitness suite Gym & Tonic is open and ready to be used by gym-goers and fitness fanatics.

Gym & Tonic has a range of equipment including free weights, treadmills, cross trainers, rowers, adjustable benches, a lat pull-down machine, weighted bars, medicine balls, dumbbells and floor space for small exercise classes.

Teignbridge District Council, which owns the busy leisure centre, officially opened the new suite on Saturday 16 November. The ribbon was cut by Teignbridge District Council Chairman Cllr Rosalind Prowse and Executive Spokesperson for Communities, Recreation and Leisure Cllr George Gribble.

They were joined by Paralympic Bronze Medallist James Bevis, Teignbridge’s Sport Personality of the Year 2012; Teignbridge District Ward Member for Dawlish Central and North East Cllr Graham Price, leisure centre staff and local residents.

Dawlish Swimming Club kindly donated money towards the build as well.

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council's Executive Spokesperson for Communities, Recreation and Leisure, said: “Gym & Tonic at Dawlish Leisure Centre is fantastic. It’s light, bright and airy and adds what the centre already offers. One of the great things about it is the view – people can enjoy a sea view when clocking up the time on the treadmills or getting their heart rate up on the cross trainers.

“With Dawlish Warren and its recreation facilities just down the road, the shops and tourist attractions of the town centre and wonderful coastline, Dawlish has a lot to offer. We hope our existing members enjoy Gym & Tonic and many new members sign-up.”

Teignbridge District Council Chairman Cllr Rosalind Prowse, also ward member for Dawlish South West, said: “What a lovely facility Teignbridge has supplied to its residents. We’re really proud of this new health and fitness suite. We are so lucky to be able to create something new and useful to our residents even in these times of austerity.

“Personally I’d like to say a big thanks to Dawlish Swimming Club for putting some money towards the cost of a partition wall which separates the gym from the pool viewing area. Their help is much appreciated.

“Our leisure centre already offers a lot to our community but now it has got even more, and with public health responsibilities passing into the hands of the local authorities this is a timely new facility that will help people remain active. If anyone is thinking about their New Year Resolutions and getting fit, now is the time to sign up!”

Cllr Graham Price, Teignbridge District Council’s Ward Member for Dawlish Central and North East, said: “The new name Gym and Tonic is very apt: it's a gym and it will definitely be a tonic for Dawlish. Our well used and respected leisure centre and the staff are enthused and excited by this welcome addition to its repertoire. It will be of great benefit to the entire community both young and old alike.”

To find out more call Dawlish Leisure Centre on 01626 215637 or visit: www.teignbridge.gov.uk/leisurecentres