Adults with learning disabilities are taking part in interactive fitness classes using the latest gaming technology at The Venue leisure centre in Borehamwood.

Watford Mencap is using the site, which is run by sports trust Hertsmere Leisure, to provide social, leisure and creative activities for its members as part of its Leisure Together service.

The participants, aged 20-45, have been working out on ZigZag’s arcade-style dance platforms, Exer-Station Pro game controllers, and 8ft x 4ft interactive Sportwalls.

Brenda Pegg, the Hertford Leisure Together co-ordinator, said: “I approached The Venue last year as were keen to help our members access leisure facilities in the local community.

“We ran four very successful sessions - our autistic members seemed to do particularly well. Everyone enjoyed it and showed a lot of enthusiasm for the interactive games, which provided a way for some of our more active members to enjoy fast-paced exercise that could be programmed for their particular level of fitness, while the less fit members could also work at their own pace.”

Fergus Ahern, director of ZigZag, added: “The Sportwall is especially helpful for people that have difficulty with reading, motor planning, physical co-ordination, attention span and body awareness.

“It provides heightened levels of stimulation to ‘jump-start’ neglected areas of motor co-ordination and neurological wiring and is kinetic training where the entire body is engaged, including the senses, so it’s more relevant in terms of fundamental movement and motor skills.”