Life Fitness is playing its part in the space race, having equipped a brand new corporate gym at the European Space Agency’s (ESA) first UK centre in Didcot.

To celebrate the launch, ESA staff supported their astronaut Tim Peake in his space marathon last weekend by putting the new equipment to good use and completing the 26 miles as part of Team Astronaut.

The new £25,000 fitness facility – at The European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) – is open to ESA’s 80-strong workforce of scientists and engineers, along with ESA visitors from 12 different European nations and Canada.

Based at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, also known as the UK Space Gateway, ECSAT is the latest addition to ESA’s operational sites across Europe and supports activities related to telecommunications, integrated applications, climate change, technology and science.

Having previously supplied the ESA centre in the Netherlands, Life Fitness was again chosen to cater for ESA’s activity needs after winning a competitive tender process. For CV training Life Fitness has installed durable, high performance pieces from the Integrity Series including Treadmill, Cross-Trainer and Upright Lifecyle Bike, along with the Row GX Trainer for a realistic rowing experience and full-body workout. Strength stations include the versatile Signature Series Dual Adjustable Pulley and Smith Machine.

“The installation of this equipment has been very well received by staff and offers first class facilities to enjoy, use for relaxation and maintain their fitness,” said Sergio Vazzana, head of facility management at ECSAT.

“We believe that physical activity is an important component of a balanced life, which in turn is essential to maximise our emotional, intellectual, and physical energies.”