East Riding Leisure becomes first to trial innovative new fitness peer group matching technology

East Riding Leisure, part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, has become the first to partner with GroupPT, a UK based technology start-up whose purpose is to connect people together, reduce social isolation and increase levels of physical activity.

Trialling the technology at East Riding Leisure Beverley and Withernsea, the initiative uses data to match members of the same East Riding Leisure centre with like-minded individuals with shared fitness goals.

The online platform then helps the peer group to keep on track with their goals including scheduling workouts together and provides an AI generated programme to follow.

Once members join and create a profile, the AI algorithm matches members at the centres into small peer groups of four people with shared goals, availability, and ability.

The platform then allows them to message each other, share their schedules, track each other’s streaks, hold each other accountable and track progress towards common goals.

The trial scheme, which is free to East Riding Leisure members, will launch on Monday, 19 February as a pilot for two months, with a series of onsite promotion and events, as well as direct member communication.

Tim Hicks, the council’s Health and Wellbeing manager, commented: “We are delighted to be the first to trial this unique solution to bring members together and enhance their overall experience using our wide range of fitness services. If the trial is successful at Beverley and Withernsea, we hope to roll this out across our centres.”

Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, added: “I am very proud that East Riding Leisure is leading the way in the partnership with GroupPT for this innovative approach. I hope that members at Beverley and Withernsea will want to sign up for this trial, and experience the benefits that I am sure it will bring.”

GroupPT’s founder, former technology consultant and qualified personal trainer, Daniel Robinson, said: “I’m so pleased with East Riding Leisure’s commitment to innovation and becoming the first to pilot our technology. By combining social connection with movement, we can help people overcome barriers such as intimidation, boredom, lack of knowledge and accountability and improve members fitness experience to make it more enjoyable, connected and personalised.

Visit East Riding Leisure Beverley or Withernsea for further details.