Tired of dredging through the mud and horrible weather conditions during pre-season training, like every other club in the country? Well now there is a solution to that problem and it comes in the form of Jackie Skelly fitness. Clubs in Meath are now part of an exclusive number of counties in Ireland that can avail of the state-of-the-art equipment, training programmes, numerous classes and flexible timetable at Jackie Skelly Fitness based in Johnston, Navan. Centrally located in the heart of Meath, the gym, which has been opened since last November offers corporate rates to all clubs wishing to get involved and Regional manager Claire Doyle explained to the Royal County GAA Yearbook about the benefits any team can reap from the Country's leading fitness club. Jackie Skelly Fitness is a name that has become synonymous with the health and fitness industry since the first gym was opened in Clarendon St, Dublin in 1993. At the time, gyms were more associated with pumping iron, but that common thought has changed dramatically during the intervening years and peoples' health has become an important part of every day life. "Certainly times have changed with regards health and fitness and people are far more conscious about their lifestyles now. This is due to people being made more aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle," said Claire. "Since the premises was opened here last November, 2400 adults and 700 children have become members, while the Jackie Skelly Fitness chain has been increasing all the time." Jackie and her joint managing director Mark Tooke now have eight premises in Clarendon Street, Navan, Ashbourne, Ballsbridge, Parkwest, Swords, Greystones and Drogheda, making them the country's leading Leisure Company. "We are looking at ways to improve each individual gym all the time and here in Navan, we have released a new holistic timetable, which has proven popular with members. Customer retention is a major part of the Jackie Skelly Fitness philosophy and the facility in Navan is determined to build their membership along with retaining their present members. "That is our main aim and we feel that our location means that there are a lot of untapped sources around the county, like GAA clubs that can take advantage of our facilities. "We cater for everyone's needs and just some of the classes that we have include spinning, boxercise, circuit training, high impact training and body training system, which would be of interest to GAA clubs for early season training," stressed Claire. Jackie Skelly Fitness boasts an extensive variety of exercise & fitness equipment so you will always get a good aerobic workout no matter when you train. "There are several types of memberships that you can choose from and a variety of different payment plans. We have single, dual, family and corporate rates. "Our membership rates are competitive and we pride ourselves on our service, our cleanliness, and the standard of our centres. The gym equipment is the best on the market and our instructors are fully qualified professionals. There are no hidden costs. "Your membership includes classes, 12 fitness programmes, bonuses for attendance and monthly progress, use of the swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzi. There are also beauty and physio facilities on site," revealed Claire. The Navan facility comprises of a state of the art 32,000 sq. ft. club, luxurious 25m swimming pool, 150 pieces of world class equipment; relaxation suite, modern, spacious and fully air-conditioned, treadmills, steppers, bikes and rowers, arc trainers and stair climbers; satellite TVs with personal headsets, latest industry leading equipment, weight training machines; extensive free weights area, free personalised training plan, monthly personal training session, seated refreshment area and free parking. "A physiotherapist is also on hand to look after any sports injuries that players might have and there are expert instructors on hand to develop a training programme to suit every client," he added. Osteopathy is an established recognized system of diagnosis and treatment, which lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. It is distinctive by the fact that it recognizes that much of the pain and disability that we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease. Physical Therapy is a scientific from of assessment and treatment of musculo-skeletal dysfunction using a combination of hands-on techniques including massage and stretching. Physical Therapy focuses treatment primarily on the soft tissue elements of the body and in doing so aims to improve muscular and joint mobility, increase vascular and lymphatic flow and decrease the pain associated with many types of musculo-skeletal strains. Sporting injuries and work related postural strains are common examples of this. The majority of GAA players begin training in early January when the weather is less than favourable and underfoot conditions are soft to say the least. Football in Meath plays a major part in people's lives and the success of the Royal County in the All-Ireland championship has lifted Gaelic football to a new level. Almost every child in the county wears the green and gold jersey with Menolly Homes adorned across the front of it. Meath supporters are some of the most passionate in the country and this has lead to an increase in the amount of players at club level. "The plan is to develop internally and improve the service that we provide, even though it is of the highest standard already, you have to keep moving with the times." Jackie Skelly Fitness offer a professional service that will meet the needs of any GAA club in the county and with competitive corporate rates on offer, it will be well within everyone's price range. So forget about running around a soggy pitch and avail of the high quality facilities on offer in Johnstown. Tweet

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