Powerbase
One of the world's largest elite strength and conditioning environments.
Home to Loughborough’s multiple Olympic, Paralympic and World Champions, Loughborough University's state-of-art Powerbase gym spans a combined 3,200 m2, doubling the size of the University’s elite strength and conditioning environment.
Expanded and fully refurbished in March 2023, the world-leading gym space has been equipped with the highest level of training equipment from a variety of sport’s leading gym providers and is fully integrated with the latest technology and training equipment in collaboration with partners PLAE, BLKBOX, Life Fitness, Eleiko, Output Sports, VALD and Technogym.
A state-of-the-art dedicated venue
The new space includes 46 lifting platforms (combined from both sides of the gym), 8 fully instrumented racks and platforms with integrated VALD force plates, Output Sports velocity-based training systems, and the latest in Performance Analysis technology.
Designed to be a hub for world-leading academic development and athletic achievement, the training space has been created as a robust environment for elite-level sport with the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 now well on the horizon.
The upper mezzanine of the facility, covering 500 m2, is also now home to the University’s Boxing Centre of Excellence and the Athletic Union Boxing club. The state-of-the-art dedicated venue includes two brand-new boxing rings measuring at 20ft and 14ft respectively.
“The industry leading Powerbase Gym supports our growing MSc in Strength and Conditioning and student pathways in this area of work. The highly instrumented and accessible facility also provides support for increased research activity related to sport performance and coaching.”
Setting new benchmarks in accessibility
From its outset the facility has been designed to be fully inclusive and accessible, setting new benchmarks in the sector. Key accessibility designs include entry through new wide access Speed Gates, no raised platforms, increased space around equipment and a single level training environment.
Platform and equipment colour and contrast differentiation has been incorporated throughout to support athletes with visual impairments.
Focus groups with practitioners from national governing bodies, EIS (English Institute of Sport) and Loughborough Sport has helped to define new accessible rack designs from BLKBOX. These innovations include moving weights to a one level central toaster storage design, wider dip bars and moveable pull up bars – all key innovations to allow easier access and training for wheelchair users.