New workout options for Welsh language speakers will be made available following a collaboration between Matrix Fitness and the Welsh language units at Bangor University.

The addition of Welsh to the Matrix 7xe consoles takes the number of supported languages to 15.

Matrix Fitness approached The University's Centre for Welsh Language Services Canolfan Bedwyr for assistance on the basis of the centre’s experience in developing Welsh language solutions for Microsoft and Sharp.

Mindful of the need for the language to gain a stronger foothold in sport and leisure, Dr Llion Jones, director of Canolfan Bedwyr, was particularly keen for the centre to be involved.

He said: “Language planning experts all agree that the use of minority languages in the leisure domain is crucial to their vitality. The goal of seeing Welsh language equipment used in gyms and leisure centres throughout Wales, and indeed worldwide, was a clear motivating factor for our involvement.”

The translation work was undertaken by Canolfan Bedwyr’s Cymraeg Clir (Plain Welsh) unit. Eleri Jones, principal editor, said “We wanted to produce a version that was clear and easy to understand so that Welsh-speakers and learners of all ages and ability would opt for the Welsh interface when exercising.”