July 30, 2026
Edge Hill University gym sees powerful increase in student engagement with Technogym partnership
Located in Ormskirk, Lancashire, England, Edge Hill is a university known for its strong emphasis on teacher training and a vibrant campus community.
Originally built in 2015, EHU’s leisure centre gym needed an upgrade to reflect shifts in fitness trends and user expectations across equipment, layout, and digital integration.
A major refurbishment of the gym at Edge Hill University has dramatically impacted attendance levels and wellbeing outcomes on and off campus. Andrew Hampson, Sports Services Manager, and Sam Smith, Fitness Manager at EHU explain how the Technogym partnership benefits staff, students, and the local community.
The University commissioned detailed analysis of the 3,000 active members and the findings highlighted a growing demand for strength training, functional fitness, and flexible training spaces.
A major refurbishment of the gym at Edge Hill University has dramatically impacted attendance levels and wellbeing outcomes on and off campus. Andrew Hampson, Sports Services Manager, and Sam Smith, Fitness Manager at EHU explain how the Technogym partnership benefits staff, students, and the local community.
The University commissioned detailed analysis of the 3,000 active members and the findings highlighted a growing demand for strength training, functional fitness, and flexible training spaces.
Supporting student wellbeing
As a campus university, EHU recognises the role that sport and physical activity play in shaping the student experience. The leisure centre is a hub for leisure activity, competitive sport, and wellbeing programmes including student and staff referral schemes and specific initiatives around men’s physical and social wellbeing.
The refurbishment supported EHU’s broader mission to support staff and student wellbeing, increase student retention, and impact community engagement.
“Data shows that students who engage with our facilities are 6% more likely to stay at university,” said Sam Smith, Fitness Manager. “We don’t just want to sell memberships, we want to create meaningful experiences that support wellbeing.”
The refurbishment supported EHU’s broader mission to support staff and student wellbeing, increase student retention, and impact community engagement.
“Data shows that students who engage with our facilities are 6% more likely to stay at university,” said Sam Smith, Fitness Manager. “We don’t just want to sell memberships, we want to create meaningful experiences that support wellbeing.”
Advanced equipment for evolving demand
The new gym reflects a carefully considered mix of strength, cardio, and functional training solutions, designed to meet current demand and future trends.
A dedicated strength area has introduced Technogym plate-loaded Pure Strength equipment for the first time, and the Technogym Dual Adjustable Pulley zone adds versatility to resistance training. The addition of Technogym Excite cardio equipment, featuring treadmills, bikes, and climbers, adds a powerful mix of entertainment and training content.
A standout addition Technogym Skillrun from performance-orientated Skill Line, enabling a huge range of performance and functional workouts in the new hybrid area and replacing the need to install a dedicated sled run.
“Technogym are streets ahead in equipment innovation, digital integration, and user experience,” said Andrew Hampson, Sports Services Manager. “They also have a lot of experience with university spaces which helped the partnership run like a true collaboration.”
The new Technogym solutions are central to the clean, modern aesthetic of the refurbished space, with the smaller footprint creating a space that feels more spacious even with increased membership numbers and higher usage.
A dedicated strength area has introduced Technogym plate-loaded Pure Strength equipment for the first time, and the Technogym Dual Adjustable Pulley zone adds versatility to resistance training. The addition of Technogym Excite cardio equipment, featuring treadmills, bikes, and climbers, adds a powerful mix of entertainment and training content.
A standout addition Technogym Skillrun from performance-orientated Skill Line, enabling a huge range of performance and functional workouts in the new hybrid area and replacing the need to install a dedicated sled run.
“Technogym are streets ahead in equipment innovation, digital integration, and user experience,” said Andrew Hampson, Sports Services Manager. “They also have a lot of experience with university spaces which helped the partnership run like a true collaboration.”
The new Technogym solutions are central to the clean, modern aesthetic of the refurbished space, with the smaller footprint creating a space that feels more spacious even with increased membership numbers and higher usage.
At the heart of the transformation is the integration of Technogym’s digital ecosystem, including Technogym Checkup. The AI-powered assessment tool provides users with accessible, data-driven insights into their health and wellness, EHU use it across multiple touchpoints, from inductions and personal training to referral programmes and outreach activities across campus.
“Technogym Checkup is a conversation starter at open days and a valuable anchor for our member journey in the gym,” said Andrew Hampson, Sports Services Manager. “It’s an engaging way to set goals, and track progress, which has a big impact on usage and retention.”
Technogym App extends the member experience beyond the gym, allowing EHU to connect physical activity across all three of its sites using digital engagement, content, and user challenges.
“Technogym Checkup is a conversation starter at open days and a valuable anchor for our member journey in the gym,” said Andrew Hampson, Sports Services Manager. “It’s an engaging way to set goals, and track progress, which has a big impact on usage and retention.”
Technogym App extends the member experience beyond the gym, allowing EHU to connect physical activity across all three of its sites using digital engagement, content, and user challenges.
Powerful impact on student retention
The results of the refurbishment have been immediate and significant. Customer feedback has shifted dramatically, with previous concerns about equipment and space replaced by positive responses, and members asking for longer opening hours.
Footfall has reached its highest level in a decade, with 9,980 visits recorded in February 2026 compared to 8,595 in February 2025. February typically sees some students failing to return after the Christmas break, so this uptick in visits is a strong indicator of the impact of gym use on student success and wellbeing.
The success of the gym refurbishment provides strong proof of concept, demonstrating the ROI of Technogym innovations. The EHU and Technogym partnership has incredible potential for integrating the university’s academic and leisure spaces, building on the gym’s status as a central pillar of campus life.
Footfall has reached its highest level in a decade, with 9,980 visits recorded in February 2026 compared to 8,595 in February 2025. February typically sees some students failing to return after the Christmas break, so this uptick in visits is a strong indicator of the impact of gym use on student success and wellbeing.
The success of the gym refurbishment provides strong proof of concept, demonstrating the ROI of Technogym innovations. The EHU and Technogym partnership has incredible potential for integrating the university’s academic and leisure spaces, building on the gym’s status as a central pillar of campus life.
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