Rico prepares for his national bodybuilding competition at Lifestyle Health and Fitness Suite.

New equipment at Torquay's Lifestyle Health and Fitness suite is proving essential to Ufuk Akin as he trains to take part in a national bodybuilding competition.

Ufuk, known as Rico, says he wouldn't be able to train for the competition without the latest equipment - a Smith machine and an award winning Ab Coaster. He said: "I can do exercises and train effectively for this competition which I couldn't do before. These new machines will help me to build up my muscles using different exercises. It's great that Lifestyle has invested in them."

This is the third time Rico, who trains five days a week at Lifestyle, has attempted to take part in the UK British Championships, run by the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation. He said: "The cost has put me off before and the birth of my daughter, but this year I'm determined to compete. I've been doing bodybuilding for 20 years now and have been training seriously for the last three or four years. I've given up smoking and drinking and have to do it this year. I'll be taking part in the 90 plus kilos category."

The competition takes place in October in Nottingham. Colin Pemberton, Lifestyle Manager, added: "Lifestyle is continually developing and investing in new equipment and we decided to buy this equipment despite the recession. "The new equipment is proving very popular as it allows Lifestyle members greater variety in their workouts and helps to cater for their further advancement. The equipment isn't just for body building; all levels of gym users will find them beneficial. "We're also pleased the equipment will help Rico to prepare for the competition and give him a good chance."

The Smith machine is used with an adjustable incline bench for a host of workouts enabling them to be performed in a safe and effective way. The Ab Coaster delivers an intense abdominal workout that is easier and more comfortable than other abdominal exercises. The Ab Coaster promotes core stabilisation while exercising the abdominals through a full range of motion.

For further information please contact Jenny Thompson, operations and marketing manager at RICC on 01803 206 307 or email jthompson@ricc.co.uk