Ireland’s first power-assisted exercise hub launches in County Mayo

Ireland’s first power-assisted exercise studio has opened at the Castle Leisure Club in Castlebar, County Mayo.

The Hello Good Life Health and Wellbeing Hub has been designed to help the older population and those with mobility issues to get physically active using power-assisted exercise for fitness, mental and social benefits.

The new facility is the brainchild of entrepreneur Martina Calvey, co-founder of the Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing company. Calvey launched the business with Seamus Davitt in 2023.

The hub at Castle Leisure Club comprises 12 pieces of power-assisted exercise equipment, supplied by specialist equipment company, Innerva.

Users can complete a 40-minute circuit using the 12 stations, which provide a safe and progressive full body workout.

Calvey – who draws inspiration from her own health challenges – said her vision is to enable and support the establishment of Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing hubs across the county.

“There are people in communities who are not exercising, not because they are lazy, but because a safe exercise option is not accessible to them,” Calvey said.

“We need to make the offering more inclusive so everybody can benefit. With inclusive equipment, the new Hello Good Life Health and Wellbeing Hub removes barriers that might prevent people from exercising, such as age, joint pain, surgery history or muscle weakness.

The hub was opened by Hildegarde Naughton T.D., Ireland’s Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health and Wellbeing.

“I am really pleased to see this new facility officially open,” Naughton added.

“It will provide lots of opportunities for people to take part in physical activity, which is essential for maintaining our health and wellbeing.”