IRONWORX Gym in Westbury has re-launched its strength and conditioning centre as the Athlete Centre and wants to help Wiltshire's sporting talents reach the next level.

The gym, in Station Road, Westbury, celebrated its fifth anniversary on Saturday (April 16) and launched the newly refurbished Athlete Centre to mark the occasion.

The centre will feature brand new world class equipment as well as rehabilitation, injury prevention and sports performance programmes, led by experienced fitness instructors.

Owner of Ironworx Gymnasium, Lee Salter, said: “It’s a great feeling to know we've helped so many people get fit over the past five years and we’re very excited by the new Athlete Centre.

“In the main gym we’ve added a few new bits of equipment and spruced it up, but the Athlete Centre is the really exciting part.

“We’ve been busy rebranding and getting lots of new equipment in and we’ve also joined forces with a strength and conditioning company in Oxford, who I’ve been meeting with regularly to discuss professional training ideas.

"There's new equipment ranging from standard resistance machines to free-weights, an 18m astro strip for prowler and sled drills, strongman equipment and sports performance programming, all led by motivated coaches.

“We’re going to be delivering first class training programmes aimed at talented athletes, which will offer up an alternative to Bath University, in professional facilities.

“My career as a professional footballer was ruined by injuries, so I want to be able to offer high quality rehabilitation, so that others don’t suffer the same fate as me and can enjoy longevity in their careers.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some new faces at the gym."

The gym will also be hosting 'Project 6 Pack' sessions, led by Laura Phelps and her team, from May.

Ironworx Gymnasium is also hosting a fundraising event for Nick Blackwell today (April 22) so that the professional boxer, who recently left his coma, can go on holiday.

Mr Salter added: “It will be quite a touching event for us because I know Nick very well and he’s helped so many people in the area.

“He’s one of a very small group of athletes at the top of their game in Wiltshire and it’s absolutely tragic that he probably won’t be able to fight again.

“It will be a gruelling challenge but Nick has put in so much time and effort for plenty of causes in the area so it’s the least he deserves.”

The gym will host the fundraising event from 8pm – 8am and is encouraging as many people as possible to join in to raise money for the boxer.

For more details or to enter, call Mr Salter on 07860 569974.

Details of upcoming events and fitness programmes at the gym can be found by visiting the new website: www.ironworxgymnasium.co.uk