FIRST through the doors of the newly opened Total Fitness centre in Lancaster was Olympic decathlete Jamie Quarry.

Jamie, who lives locally, has joined the fitness centre to take advantage of the superb facilities as part of his preparation for the Commonwealth Games later this year.

The athlete was just one of a stream of people to join the unique exercise and rehabilitation centre which aims to appeal to both the committed athlete at one end of the scale and the enthusiastic amateur at the other.

Club manager, Lyndsay Webster, said today: "What everyone comments on when they come here for the first time is how warm and welcoming the atmosphere is.

"People are already coming back with friends and family to share the experience.

" Everyone wants to be a part of it and we've been overwhelmed by the demand." Among the many attractions is a 25 metre Olympic standard swimming pool together with a 12 metre pool, hydrotherapy pool and swim flume.The fitness suite with more than 100 pieces of cardio-vascular and resistance equipment is proving to be popular as is the women-only gym, because it enables women to exercise in private.

There are a wide range of classes available within the two spacious studios for all ages and fitness levels.

Pilates and Spinning are proving to be the most popular.

For those looking for therapeutic benefits, the hydrotherapy area incorporating a rejuvenation and therapy pool, sauna, steam room, sanarium and hot and cold foot spas has been a great hit.

Members are already reporting that they can feel the benefits including improved mobility, ease of rheumatic pain, but above all a great feeling of relaxation and simply feeling better.

Swimming classes will start in June aimed at both children and adults.

These

can be organised on an individual one-to-one basis with an instructor, or as a group activity.

Parent and child classes will also form part of the timetable.

And whether members want to learn to swim or improve their technique, there'sa class to suit.

"We invite everyone to come here and have a look at everything we have to offer.

"There's something for everyone no matter how young or old, how fit or unfit."