Loughborough University have appointed Technogym to provide new state-of-the-art training equipment ©Technogym

Loughborough University have awarded a five-year contract to wellness and fitness company Technogym to provide it with state-of-the art equipment and digital software.

Technogym’s first step has been a £500,000 ($670,000/€560,000) refurbishment of the Powerbase strength and conditioning gym used by Olympians and Paralympians, to help create a new Centre of Excellence at the University.

Powerbase is also home to British Weightlifting.

The gym features over 100 Technogym stations, including 11 Olympic power racks and pure strength plate-loaded equipment. 

There is also be a dedicated cardio mezzanine floor overlooking the strength area, housing more Technogym equipment. 

"We are delighted to align Technogym with Loughborough University, another world-leading brand," Steve Barton, managing director at Technogym UK, said.

"We have a long heritage of involvement with elite sport having been the official supplier to the last six editions of the Olympic Games. 

"Our partnership with the world’s best sporting university is a testament to our continued commitment to elite sport at all levels and we look forward to seeing some of the UK’s best athletes using our equipment at Powerbase.”

Several top sports stars studying at Loughborough University were among those who helped cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Centre of Excellence supported by Technogym ©Technogym
Several top sports stars studying at Loughborough University were among those who helped cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Centre of Excellence supported by Technogym ©Technogym

Cutting the ribbon at the opening at the refurbished gym, alongside Loughborough University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Allison were England rugby captain Sarah Hunter, England netballer Beth Cobden and several British athletes, including Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dan Greaves and Martyn Rooney.

In addition to the state of the art equipment, Technogym will also support research carried out by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences as well as providing placement and internship opportunities for Loughborough University students.

"As the global leading university in sport we are proud to be entering a partnership with Technogym for our new Centre of Excellence," Jo Simpson, Loughborough Sport’s commercial director, said.

"Our reputation is built upon research, performance and a history of pushing boundaries, all of which have allowed us to achieve sporting excellence over the last 100 years. 

"Looking to the future, this unified partnership is designed to develop the next level of athlete performance and consolidate our position at the pinnacle of global sport."