Galway Advertiser 2006/2006_01_26/GA_2601_E1_020.pdf 

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20 N E W S

www.galwayadvertiser.ie

January 26 2006

Kingfisher club rated best in the west
A recent survey of gym users in Galway revealed that the Kingfisher Club, based in Renmore, was the most popular dedicated health and fitness centre in the west of Ireland. The survey singled out exceptional customer service levels, the facilities, a vast range of activities, and value for money as the principal reasons for its longevity and popularity. The Renmore facility enjoyed a 1.5 million extension and refurbishment in 2005 and now boasts a state-of-theart 30,000sq ft facility making it the largest health and fitness facility in the west of Ireland. "This is an exciting time for everyone in the company as it is a confirmation that we can and do deliver a superior service to our membership base," said a company spokesperson. The state-of-the-art gymnasium is equipped with an impressive range of the latest cardiovascular and strength training equipment from industryleading manufacturers Life Fitness. The gym also boasts a computerised fitness package called Fitlinxx and is installed on all the new Life Fitness equipment. Fitlinxx acts as your personal trainer and guides you through your training programme as you move from machine to machine. particular favourite with members and nonmembers alike. The range involves low-impact to highly vigorous classes and also caters to beginners and advanced users alike. "There's such a buzz about the place when you have a full class and they're working their socks off on a weekday morning or evening", said Finnuala Cooke, one of the superb class instructors at the club. "For the hour or so that they're in the studio they're putting the effort in of professional athletes and that effort translates into results for each of them." aerobics, step, body-sculpt, tai-boe, spinning, yoga, and Pilates. Next month will also see the introduction of some new and innovative classes such as a specialised preskiing class and a dance class. The Kingfisher Club has recently teamed up with Delight Health Cafe. Delight's theme is healthy, tasty, food and drink made using natural, fresh and local ingredients. The exclusive menu includes fresh juices, smoothies, salads, soups, wraps, and panini while gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets are also accommodated. Eat-in or take-away, Delight is available to members and non-members alike. Another partner in the Renmore Club is Sheer Indulgence Beauty Salon. The proprietor, Gillian Kane, is an award-winning therapist and has appeared on Ireland AM and Cut and Dry television programmes. Sheer Indulgence offers a wide variety of treatments such as Dermalogica, sun-fx, fake bake, and nailtiques and gives a 10 per cent discounts to all club members. While the facilities in Renmore are unparalleled it is the people and the level of service that is provided that makes the club work. With that in mind, a new company, Physical Health Development, in conjunction with the Kingfisher Club will be providing the information and training necessary for trainers to keep ahead in their field of expertise. PHD will be providing national and internationally recognised qualifications within the health and fitness industry. PHD is currently running internationally accredited ITEC gym instruction and aerobics courses and will also be hosting a nutrition workshop for all those who are, or who wish to work, in the health and fitness industry. For details on PHD's courses and workshops contact Kathy Hynes at (086) 266 3538.

Ultimately, the Kingfisher Club is about its members and how it can meet their health and fitness needs on an ongoing basis.
Ultimately, the Kingfisher Club is about its members and how it can meet their health and fitness needs on an ongoing basis - that means providing knowledgeable and qualified staff in all areas of operations. Upon joining a member receives an induction on how to use all machinery in maintaining good technique in a safe environment. Additionally, individualised training programmes are created to provide focus and objectives to each one's training regime. The club organises hugely successful members' nights where

the staff get an opportunity to meet members in a social setting and use this as a unique opportunity to listen to suggestions and to elicit positive changes. Members' interaction is important in creating an environment conducive to achieving results and therefore the club organises gym challenges, swimathons, triathlons and family fun days. All of these benefits are underpinned by competitive membership rates.

The Kingfisher brand recently expanded beyond the Renmore site and Kingfisher Clubs can now be found in the Ballinasloe Leisure Centre, the West County Hotel in Ennis, the Clare Inn in Dromoland, the Breaffy House in Castlebar, and the original site in Renmore. The ethos of the club is to provide a pleasant and friendly platform where people can improve their health, fitness, and wellness. For further information contact (091) 773344.

The comprehensive class schedule includes favourites such as aerobics, step, body-sculpt, tai-boe, spinning, yoga, and Pilates.
The comprehensive class schedule includes favourites such as

A 25m swimming pool, learning pool, sauna and steam room are set in a wonderfully tranquil setting within the club.
A 25m swimming pool, learning pool, sauna and steam room are set in a wonderfully tranquil setting within the club. The pool hosts a range of activities so whether it's just a casual dip, lane swimming, aquafit or swimming lessons that appeals to you, you'll find an exercise to suit your needs. Deep and shallow water aquafit are extremely popular with a diverse range of users. "I have found that shallow water aquafit is suitable for non-swimmers and ante/post natal women," said aquafit instructor, Caroline Costello. "Not every club is suitable for deep water aquafit and so we are fortunate to have this facility available in the Kingfisher Club. Simple weight loss and fitness improvement is the biggest attraction for the deep-water sessions but we are finding more and more doctors referring sports injuries cases." The aerobic studios cater for the group exercise classes - a