London South Bank University (LSBU) proudly focuses on opportunity and access. Based in the heart of London, it’s part of the LSBU Group comprising South Bank Academies, South Bank Colleges, South Bank Enterprises and London South Bank University. The group works to one vision and seeks to deliver a holistic solution to meet the educational needs of communities and businesses, both locally and globally.
When LSBU embarked on a major renovation of its campus, one of the key drivers was making the buildings, equipment and offers as accessible as possible to the greatest number of people.
Alan Taylor, head of sport and recreation for LSBU Active, says the new gym and leisure space is reinforcing the department’s mission to inspire student and community development through physical activity.
“Student wellbeing is always at the forefront of our thinking,” said Taylor, “but since the start of the pandemic, it’s taken on a new importance.
“We know sport and physical activity can foster a sense of belonging and this is a big part of what we want for the student body.”
Partnership with Technogym
LSBU Active partnered with Technogym to create an accessible space full of best-in-class equipment, all supported by a flexible digital solution that can adapt and keep pace with the needs of students.
“The partnership with the Technogym team has been first class,” said Taylor. “Without their expertise and guidance, we wouldn’t have the facility we’ve got. We consider them a trusted partner and know they have the innovation and research to support us as our needs inevitably change and grow.”
A gym for students, staff and community
LSBU Active’s new gym is set over one level, making it easier for users to transition smoothly between zones for a streamlined workout. The gym features three areas (cardio, resistance, and free weights) with two studios and a separate Skill Room, containing equipment from Technogym’s Skill Line. “Time is a barrier to students being active and the Skill Line helps us show students that they can get a really good workout in less time,” said Taylor.
The group cycle studio uses Technogym digital content, enabling users to have an instructor-led experience, or an on-demand session in their own time. In the gym, Taylor and his team implemented Technogym Excite Live cardio, enabling members to access engaging content and workouts.
Digital support for blended delivery
Technogym Mywellness has been a core element of the project, helping LSBU Active blend in-person, on-demand, and virtual delivery. It acts as a one-stop-shop for members to access content, making it easier to continue their fitness activities at other LSBU sites where live streaming is available.
“We’re really excited about developing our fitness offer through Mywellness,” said Taylor. “We can help students engage with fitness, regardless of location. It also ties in with our hybrid approach to teaching and supports the experience we want to create for students.”
Mywellness also helps LSBU staff, bringing multiple systems onto one platform, so the team no longer need to use fragmented bits of software for different business tasks. Mywellness has integrated LSBU’s CRM and onboarding tasks, as well as offering users activity tracking, so they only need to use one app.
With the success of the reopening, LSBU Active is now looking to roll the benefits of blended delivery across its sites to make physical activity a key part of all students’ lives.
Hybrid offers for today’s students
“Everyone is impressed by the new space we’ve created, and we want to expand the services across our portfolio,” said Taylor. “A hybrid delivery model will be key to this and we’re grateful to have the support of a tech-focused partner in Technogym. The journey will be led by consultation with students, and brought to life by technology, so it’s crucial that our equipment and digital offers are flexible enough to shift with the times.”
More: www.technogym.com
