A new gym has opened at Lydiard Park Academy in West Swindon, featuring professional-grade fitness equipment supplied by Absolute Performance – the same company that outfitted Team GB for the Paris 2024, Tokyo, and Rio Olympic Games.
The facility was developed in partnership with Absolute Performance and marks a significant investment in student and staff wellbeing.
Principal Gary Pearson expressed pride in the new addition: “We’re very proud of the facilities and opportunities we offer at our school. This new gym supports our goals of encouraging personal development and success both in and out of sport.”
He added that the gym is already popular, with scheduled sessions for pupils after school, regular access for Sixth Form students during the day, and use by staff before and after lessons.
The gym includes a wide range of modern fitness equipment. This includes storage units for dumbbells, kettlebells, power bags, and jerk blocks. It also features cardio machines such as the BikeErg, SkiErg, and RowErg, as well as strength training tools like the Apex Squat Rack, Werksan Lionfit Half Rack, Spirit Functional Trainer, and a Smith Machine.
Chris Hobbs, Head of PE at the academy, praised the project: “I was blown away by the speed, design, and accuracy of the work. I think it looks fantastic.”
A spokesperson from Absolute Performance said the new gym was built to deliver a full fitness experience for users at all levels. “We left no stone unturned in creating a space that supports both beginners and aspiring athletes. The elite-level strength equipment provides students with a strong platform to develop their athletic skills and push their limits.”
The gym is intended primarily for use by students and staff, but it will also be available to the local community outside school hours.
The Absolute Performance spokesperson added: “We designed this gym to be more than just a workout space. It’s a hub where people of all ages and abilities can pursue their fitness goals. Every part of the gym reflects our focus on quality and innovation.”
“By using previously unused areas, we’ve helped the academy create a facility that empowers people to train with confidence. The project supports the school’s wider mission to develop talent, inspire futures, and offer meaningful opportunities to all.”
