A PERSONAL trainer has installed the first vertical Training Wall in the North-East.

Neil Kirtley, who brings valuable expertise as a research scientist to his SciFit Personal Training and Sports Massage business, has also moved to the Innovation Centre managed by UK Steel Enterprise on the Kirkleatham Business Park, Redcar.

The new £4,000 Training Wall 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."

Mr Kirtley started his business eight years ago and is using the wall as an integral part of his new system which aims to provide long-term relief for people with back, hip, knee or shoulder pain. He has also invested a further £2,000 in additional equipment and a website re-development to launch his move.

He said: "My 25 years as a research scientist with ICI has been invaluable enabling me to provide a more scientific approach to training. Now, with my new premises and the Training Wall, I feel I can really take the business forward."

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.