Residents praise Kinson leisure centre for accessible and inclusive fitness

Customers who use the Wellness Hub at BH Live Active Pelhams in Kinson have recently praised the facility for helping them to improve mobility, confidence, and enjoy exercise in a welcoming environment.

Thanks to its gentle, full‑body movement programmes on power-assisted machines, the Wellness Hub enables people of all abilities and levels of fitness to exercise.

Suitable for people aged 16+, the exercise circuit is available for anyone to use, however it is particularly beneficial to those who are recovering from an injury, living with a chronic illness, have limited mobility, or are completely new to exercise.

For many, the benefits have been life‑changing.

Customers have recently highlighted how the Wellness Hub supports everyday activities and social wellbeing. Jenny, who has been using it since it opened in 2012. She said;

“It’s improved my health, strength and mobility, and I’ve met new people along the way. It’s good for both your body and your brain. I even recommended it to my partner, who now enjoys coming too. The best thing is feeling so energised when I leave.”

James, who’s been regularly using the facility for four years, said;

 “It’s made a difference to my movement and flexibility, which really helps with my bowls games. It’s easy to exercise without hurting yourself, and it’s good for social company. I always leave feeling good knowing I’ve done a workout.”

Maria is newer to the facility, having joined the Wellness Hub in January 2026. She said;

“Since joining, I’ve lost weight and have more mobility. It has also given me more self-confidence. I like the Wellness Hub for the friendliness of the people there. Nobody judges you, and you can work at your own pace with no pressure.

“To anyone thinking of joining, I recommend having an induction so you can feel the range of gentle movement across your body.”

Richard added;

“Coming into the Wellness Hub has definitely improved my mobility. I’m more confident walking, and I no longer use a walking stick! I’d encourage anyone thinking about coming along to give it a go and get yourself moving with a whole‑body workout. I really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and being able to exercise without feeling pressure to do more than I can.”

The centre is operated by BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, in partnership with BCP Council.

Summer Sweatland, BH Live’s Centre Manager at Pelhams, said;

“It’s fantastic to see how our customers are continuing to benefit from our Wellness Hub, supporting their physical health, confidence, and social connection. We’re so pleased to see that people are experiencing real improvements in their mobility, strength, and wellbeing.

“Hearing how they are feeling more confident, energised and connected shows just how important the Wellness Hub is in helping residents stay active and independent.”

To get started, people can pay as they go (£7.90 per session), or take out a Wellness Hub membership for unlimited access. This is available either online via the BH Live Active website or app or via a GP as part of BH Live Active’s exercise referral scheme.

For more information, ask in centre or visit bhliveactive.org.uk/pelhams/wellness-hub.

BH Live also delivers a wealth of health and wellbeing programmes across BH Live Active leisure centres in Bournemouth to inspire more people with long-term health conditions and injuries to stay active. More information is available online at bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities.

For more information about Pelhams Park Leisure Centre, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/pelhams.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

For more information about BH Live please contact:

Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk

About BH Live

Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London

BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues.

BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.

Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.

With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.

BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.

We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.

For more visit bhlive.org.uk.

Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk

Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET

BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112.  VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.

About BH Live Active, Pelhams

Located in Kinson (North Bournemouth), Pelhams is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

A vibrant community hub, the team at Pelhams works closely with the local community and health groups to provide fitness and social activities for all.

High-quality fitness facilities include a recently refurbished gym (completed in 2023) with natural daylight and park views. Equipment includes Pulse cardio and resistance equipment for strength and toning, free weights and functional fitness space. An exercise referral team provides guidance and support for people recovering from an illness, injury or who are living with long term health condition.

Swimming facilities include two pools with lane swimming, public swim sessions, pool-based classes, fun for young people, lessons and more. There is also a sauna for post workout relaxation.

Group exercise classes run seven days a week including Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyJam, BodyCombat, Sprint, Dance, Lifting Techniques, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, Core, Zumba and more. There also a dedicated TechnogymTM Group Cycle studio with daily classes.

Pelhams is home to BH Live Active’s only Wellness Hub. With power-assisted exercise equipment and classes, this specialist area is a great introduction to being more active. (not included in standard adult membership; extra charges apply).

Open to members and non members there is a Terrace Café with indoor and outdoor seating, free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy snacks, meals and drinks.

There are outdoor tennis courts for hire, plus floodlit 3G rubber crumb artificial training pitches. There is free customer parking, including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.

For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/pelhams

Get social with us:
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Facebook – @pelhamsparkleisurecentre

Address: BH Live Active Pelhams, Manor Farm Rd, Bournemouth BH10 7LF,  DORSET