A Tees-based personal trainer has invested thousands of pounds in a move to new premises and installed the first vertical Training Wall in the North East to meet growing demand.
Neil Kirtley, who brings valuable expertise as a research scientist to his SciFit Personal Training and Sports Massage business, has moved into the Innovation Centre managed by UK Steel Enterprise on the Kirkleatham Business Park at Redcar.
The new Training Wall, costing £4000, provides a powerful workout but, unlike other training systems, enables the user to work without any compression of the spine. It coordinates and balances the upper and lower body simultaneously and has more than 15 tools from a chin up bar to a rebound panel.
Craig Young, managing Director of Training Wall UK, said: We are delighted to be working in partnership with SciFit to bring our innovative and versatile system to the North for the first time. Neil has made a major investment to create a state-of-the-art facility that will contribute to the health and well-being of his local community.”
Neil, who started his business eight years ago, is using the wall as an integral part of his new Release system which aims to provide long term relief for people with back, hip, knee or shoulder pain. He has also invested a further £2000 in additional equipment and a website re-development to launch his move.
“My 25 years as a research scientist with ICI has been invaluable enabling me to provide a more scientific approach to training,” he said. “Now, with my new premises and the Training Wall, I feel I can really take the business forward.
“Having started out in a converted garage at home, I needed professional premises and an answer to parking problems. The Innovation Centre facilities and surroundings are great with free parking right outside and the UKSE team has bent over backwards to help.”
SciFit is seeing a general growth in demand from clients in their early twenties up to their seventies with an increasing number in the 50-plus age bracket.
“As we live longer, people are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining their general health, weight, fitness and mobility,” he said. “Some people can feel intimidated about training in public gyms so we aim to provide a relaxed environment with up-to-date and affordable training.
“Some people just want to get in shape for a holiday or special event and I am also working with others who want to prepare for the physical tests needed to join the armed forces, police or fire service.”
Peter Taylor of UK Steel Enterprise, said: “We have more than 40 businesses in our Innovation Centre at Redcar, involved in sectors from engineering and finance to software and interior design. SciFit is our first training company and I suspect Neil will be attracting a number of new clients from the Centre itself.”
Details of UK Steel Enterprise’s help for business, with finance and premises, from 01642 777 777 and at www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk. SciFit Personal Training is on 07956 264 725 and atwww.scifit.co.uk