After 10 years of running its flagship Innerva suite in the UK, Lincs Inspire invested in an additional circuit of power assisted exercise machines to create a Wellness Hub within Grimsby Health & Wellbeing Centre. The Wellness Hub now has 22 Innerva machines across three rooms, with over 600 regular members visiting regularly to improve their health, activity levels and wellbeing.

View the full case study here.

Innerva, the power-assisted exercise specialists, are involved in a groundbreaking trial that aims to boost the recovery of stroke survivors through exercise and other therapies.

The University of Strathclyde has partnered with NHS Lanarkshire to launch a Technology-Enriched Stroke Rehabilitation Hub at the University Hospital in Wishaw to meet the overwhelming demand for intensive rehabilitation.

New National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines suggest stroke patients receive three hours of rehabilitation a day, five days a week. This is a dramatic increase from previous NICE guidance of 45 minutes a day.

Dr Gillian Sweeney, an occupational therapist with NHS Lanarkshire and advanced practitioner for stroke survivors, led on the development of the trial and set up the hub. She says: “The NHS can’t meet new the NICE guidelines in isolation; current data suggests that on average patients receive just 14 minutes of physiotherapy, 13 minutes of occupational therapy and 7 minutes of speech therapy a day. The new hub allows stroke survivors to access the intensive therapy they need to transform their rehabilitation outcomes.

“Recent research conducted in the University of Strathclyde has shown this type of model to be safe and feasible when used by people in the chronic phase of stroke recovery, and has led to improved outcomes. It is exciting to now be trialing ‘technology enriched stroke rehabilitation’ with NHS Lanarkshire inpatients, who are in the early stages of their recovery.”

The impact of stroke can be profound and the months immediately after a stroke are key to recovery. Located within the hospital’s stroke unit, the largest in Lanarkshire, the hub aims to address the motor, cognitive and communication impairments caused by stroke with a range of integrated technology. This includes a treadmill with a specialist harness, a balance trainer and Innerva’s power-assisted equipment which supports users to exercise allowing them to work passively or actively, depending on where they are in their stage of recovery. In addition, the hub houses specialist cognitive and VR equipment.

NHS therapy staff will design programmes for stroke survivors, who will be guided through their sessions by experienced professionals.

With funding from the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council’s Impact Acceleration Account, a research assistant will assess the impact of the hub on inpatients in the early phase of their recovery with the aim of enabling them to achieve, or even exceed, the recommended levels of rehabilitation.

Dr Andy Kerr, Department of Biomechanical Engineering at University of Strathclyde, who is leading the project, says: “Global guidelines recommend that survivors of stroke receive rehabilitation therapy that is individually tailored, intensive and delivered within enriched environments. However, the overwhelming need for this rehabilitation far outstrips the capacity of most health care systems which don’t have enough specialist staff to deliver this service, which results in suboptimal, and often inequitable, rehabilitation. Technology offers a potential solution to bridge this gap.”

Dr Kerr would like to see rehabilitation hubs established in community settings across the country to provide stroke survivors with easily accessible therapy for optimal recovery.

“We are delighted to be part of such an important initiative, which has the potential to transform the recovery process for stroke survivors across the UK. This project is a perfect example of how the healthcare and health and fitness sectors can work together to impact public health,” says David Heathcote, Head of Business Development, Innerva.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO has officially opened a power-assisted exercise suite at one of Europe’s largest action sports venues to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Corby.

The new Active in Motion suite features 12 power-assisted exercise machines from Innerva as well as free weights, suspension training, changing rooms and showering facilities.

The Duke was guided around the venue by Adrenaline Alley CEO, and founder, Mrs Mandy Young MBE DL, before unveiling the official opening plaque for Active in Motion.

Established in 2006, Adrenaline Alley covers a six acre site with over 120,000 sq. ft. of skatepark areas and welcomes approximately 60,000 visitors per year.

Mandy Young MBE DL co-founded Adrenaline Alley with her son John Chard-Young to provide a safe space for young people. She was inspired to offer the Innerva wellbeing solution to the wider community after experiencing the benefits of power-assisted exercise herself.

“Our mission is to make a real difference to people’s lives with the help and guidance of our experienced instructors. In the short time that Active in Motion has been open, we have seen how this supportive and sociable environment has contributed to the health and wellbeing of a wide range of individuals from our local community and beyond,” she says.

As the only centre of its kind in Corby, Active in Motion allows Adrenaline Alley to extend its charitable mission and cater for new audiences. It also serves as a compelling addition for Adrenaline Alley’s existing visitors, particularly accompanying adults and action sport athletes suffering from injuries.

Active in Motion manager, Gary McQuade, said: “As a charitable social enterprise, we wanted to develop a wellness centre that is accessible to all. This power-assisted exercise equipment does not exist anywhere else in Corby and caters for people of all ages and abilities. Over 70 per cent of our clients have issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, MS, stroke recovery and COPD.”

The centre receives referrals from social prescribers, physiotherapists as well as the Northamptonshire Community Stroke Team and local mental health and special needs charities.

With no membership fee, Active In Motion recorded 494 visits in October and aims to attract 1,000 users by January. The charity is currently applying for funding to introduce a minibus service to provide free transportation for local care home residents to and from the Active in Motion suite.

People using the centre can also apply to the John Chard-Young Legacy Fund via the Northamptonshire Community Foundation for free sessions and therapies in the suite.

In addition to promoting physical health, Active in Motion fosters a sense of community with plans to host social events and workshops focused on nutrition and mental health.

Active In Motion was made possible thanks to funding from the new FCC Communities Foundation.

Liz Wright from Innerva, who worked closely with Mandy from the outset, said: “Adrenaline Alley already plays an incredibly important role in Corby by providing a safe place for local young people to take part in action sports. Now, with the launch of Active in Motion, Mandy and her team are addressing the physical and mental health of the wider community with a warm, welcoming and accessible exercise space.”

A health and wellbeing studio has opened at a Salvation Army site in Kirklees as part of a trial to make exercise more accessible for older adults.

The Legacy Active Gold suite, which features specialist power assisted exercise equipment from Huddersfield based manufacturer, Innerva, has been developed by the social enterprise Legacy Sport to promote active ageing in the community.

Targeting the over 55s, Legacy Active Gold is housed in the Salvation Army Community Hall in Mirfield. The self-contained suite has been supported with additional funding from the local NHS delivery partner, Locala, with an additional support from the Kirklees Council innovation fund.

Local Councillor Martyn Bolt who was instrumental in helping find a location for Legacy Active Gold commented: “It is important as we get older to maintain physical activity. I am grateful that Mirfield has been supported with this equipment and investment from all parties and I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact it has for our ageing population.”

The suite features eight pieces of Innerva’s power assisted equipment which cater for all abilities with settings and features designed to guide users through effective and safe exercise routines. Wheelchair accessible, the facility sits adjacent to a welcoming refreshment area where users can socialise after their exercise sessions.

Kim Leadbeater MP for Batley and Spen, and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sport, was one of the first people to visit the site. The former college lecturer and fitness instructor said: “This is a fantastic facility which provides a great opportunity for people of all abilities to work on their mobility, strength and overall health and wellbeing, and is an excellent example of private and voluntary stakeholders working together to improve the health of our community.”

“Promoting mobility and exercise for older people works towards preventing more serious health complications later in life. And the Salvation Army is a great local facility which also provides a social space to make movement and exercise enjoyable with brilliant mental health benefits.”

Opening for a trial period of 12 months, the Mirfield suite will run five days a week with staff present at all times to support and guide users through their sessions. The trial aims to assess the impact of the Legacy Active Gold model on the community and its impact for rollout in other areas of Kirklees.

“After 12 years of improving the health and wellbeing of young people, we are delighted to be working with Innerva to keep the over 55’s mobile, healthy and increasingly independent. We believe the combination of our power assisted exercise suite and social space will ensure the Legacy Active Gold project makes a positive difference to the lives of our customers,” says Shaun Fox, CEO of Legacy Sport.

Donna Oldman, Social Impact Manager at Locala, said: “Locala Health and Wellbeing are delighted to support Legacy Gold Active to create this much-needed health and wellness hub for older adults and those affected by long-term health conditions. As local health care providers, we understand how important initiatives such as this are for local people who want to keep active and stay connected. Supporting our communities to live well and age well is one of our key priorities and we are thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture.”

The new site also forms part of the UK Health and Innovation (UKRI) project led by Innerva, which explores new solutions that promote active ageing. This is the second venue to take part in the UKRI trial following the launch of Everyone Active’s Active Wellbeing studio in Middlesborough this summer.

“We are looking forward to working with Shaun and the team on the UKRI trial. This important project aims to give operators and community organisations the tools to help people remain independent and socially connected for as long as possible, while improving accessibility for older people and those with long term health conditions,” says Jon Hymus, Managing Director of Innerva.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

For more information about Legacy Active Gold, see https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551440096013&locale=en_GB

BeMore Fitsolutions is introducing Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment to the Benelux region for the first time.

Industry veterans Joop de Boers and Ruud Morees, who have more than 50 years’ combined experience in the European health and fitness sector, established the company with a clear mission: to provide comprehensive fitness solutions that truly make a difference.

Innerva’s innovative power-assisted exercise solution aligns perfectly with this mission, with research showing the profoundly positive impact of the equipment on the mental and physical health of users.

The power-assisted nature of the equipment gives people who are unable or unwilling to join a traditional fitness club due to their age or health the opportunity to exercise in a safe, supportive and sociable environment.

Industry colleague Hans Muench first introduced de Boers and Morees to the Innerva concept, which is manufactured in England. After witnessing the success of the solution in Norway, where there are now over 55 Innerva-equipped Feelgood studios, they were determined to bring the concept to the Benelux region as exclusive Innerva distributors.

“There is nothing like Innerva anywhere in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Many older people want to be active to maintain their independence and prevent ill-health, but don’t want to join a gym. The Innerva circuit allows them to come together with others to exercise safely and socialise – it’s the whole package,” says BeMore Fitsolutions co-founder de Boers.

Like the rest of Europe, the Benelux countries have rapidly ageing populations, with the associated problems of loneliness and social isolation, which can lead to a variety of health conditions.

Fellow BeMore Fitsolutions founder, Morees, says: “Innerva is so much more than exercise equipment. Yes, it builds strength, aerobic fitness and improves balance and flexibility, but it also instils confidence in users and encourages social interaction that enhances their overall wellbeing. These remarkable social benefits help to make Innerva so unique.”

The first Innerva-equipped studio is due to launch in Middenbeemster in the Netherlands by the end of the year. And in February 2024 the second Innerva-equipped studio will open its doors in Zevenbergen. BeMore Fitsolutions are in talks with other parties interested in the Innerva concept either purchasing the equipment or investing in a fully branded solution.

“The active ageing market remains largely untapped by the fitness industry, which is a significant missed opportunity. We are excited to embark on this journey with Innerva and are committed to transforming the fitness landscape in the Benelux region by helping people of all ages to lead healthier, more active lives,” says de Boers.

David Heathcote, Head of Business Development at Innerva, says: “We are delighted to be working with such experienced fitness professionals as Joop and Ruud to expand Innerva’s power assisted exercise solution to the Benelux countries to benefit the ageing population as well as those with long-term health conditions.”

A groundbreaking report shows the impact of power-assisted exercise on the physical and mental wellbeing of older adults and the benefits of engaging with this member demographic.

The release of the End User Impact Report 2023 from Innerva documents the profound effect of power-assisted exercise on the management of long-term health conditions among users, many of whom have previously felt excluded from mainstream health and fitness facilities due to their age, health or lack of confidence.

The headline results demonstrate how the Innerva wellbeing solution helps improves the five elements of healthy ageing – aerobic fitness, muscular strength, balance, flexibility and social wellbeing – to reduce the risk of falls and fractures, enhance coordination, maintain muscle mass and boost mood and overall wellbeing:

• 94% of users reported improved aerobic fitness

• 88% felt stronger when getting up from a seated position, with 87% experiencing increased strength for lifting heavier items or carrying shopping

• 80% reported improved balance, critical for falls prevention

• 93% noticed enhanced flexibility, important for everyday days and mobility

• 5% reported a positive impact on mental health

Building on the findings of its previous report in 2020, the new research was conducted with six Innerva operators across the UK and generated a total of 853 end user responses (80% female and 20% male).

With 94% of users aged over 50 years old and 75% over the age of 60, it shows how operators are successfully using Innerva’s power-assisted wellness solution to engage older adults and forge links with health partners to service the UK’s growing ageing population.

“The Innerva Wellbeing Suite has been a fantastic addition to our facility in Brandon. Not only has it added a new offer to our community, but it has also added a different dimension to our work with community health teams and other partners within the NHS,” says Warren Smyth, CEO, Abbeycroft Leisure.

The report highlights the loyalty of older adults and their high levels of engagement. For example, almost half of individuals (44%) visit Innerva-equipped studios three or more times a week, while over three quarters (77%) use the equipment two or more times in a week.

Notable highlights include the impressive Net Promoter Scores (NPS) achieved by Innerva operators. Net Promoter Score is the world’s leading metric for measuring customer loyalty. All Innerva operators scored +70 or above, with Pendle Leisure Centre recording the highest NPS score of +87. The average score across Innerva operators is +78, which is considerably higher the latest NPS score for the UK leisure sector of is 44 (Source: Active Insights 2023). It also compares favourably to the top 25% of performing organisations which have an NPS of +72 or higher* – Apple’s NPS score is +72 and Amazon’s is +25.

Jon Hymus, Managing Director of Innerva, says: “Our latest research shows the life-changing impact of power-assisted exercise on older adults and those with chronic conditions. It also demonstrates the value of meeting the needs of these loyal customers - with Innerva operators achieving an average NPS score that is almost double that of the UK leisure sector. As society grapples with an ageing population and people living for longer in ill-health, we hope this report serves as a call to action and encourages more operators to create inclusive environments where everyone can take part in exercise to age well.”

Download The Innerva End User Impact report here

A woman who used Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment to treat her long-term health conditions has become the exclusive distributor of the brand in Ireland.

Martina Calvey, a businesswoman and former teacher and guidance counsellor, is the driving force behind Hello GoodLife Wellbeing, a new company dedicated to rolling out Innerva’s cutting-edge equipment across Ireland.

Ms. Calvey is committed to making exercise more inclusive and accessible following her own health challenges which excluded her from mainstream health and fitness facilities.

The previously active 56-year-old from the West of Ireland was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1991, which threatened to confine her to a wheelchair. Unwilling to accept such a fate, she explored alternative therapies and treatments and eventually discovered Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment.

The unique power-assisted nature of Innerva’s equipment had a profound impact on Ms. Calvey’s health. With regular use of the equipment her symptoms improved and the condition went into remission for two decades. She has lived with a return of the disease since 2011 - following a brush with cancer, the arthritis returned and confined her to bed for months, left her unable to walk independently for almost two years and resulted in her 14th surgery followed by life in a wheelchair for six months. Remembering the positive impact of power-assisted exercise years before, Ms. Calvey contacted Innerva to bring the solution to Ireland.

With the support of her partner, Seamus Davitt, Ms. Calvey established Hello GoodLife Wellbeing. As the exclusive distributor for Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment in Ireland, the pair are committed to making exercise accessible to all, regardless of their physical limitations. Martina understands firsthand the challenges faced by individuals who are unable to access traditional gyms and aims to provide a solution through Innerva’s innovative equipment.

“There are lots of people like me who can’t access standard gyms, not because we are lazy or disinterested, but because health and fitness clubs aren’t set up to cater for our needs. As a former gym user, I felt so excluded when I couldn’t find anywhere to exercise. Discovering Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment was life-changing for me, and I want to bring the solution to Ireland to make exercise accessible for everyone,” says Ms. Calvey.

Hello GoodLife Wellbeing is not just about supplying equipment; it’s about creating a movement. Ms. Calvey wants to establish hubs across Ireland, where people can engage in inclusive and uplifting exercise experiences that prioritise their physical, social and mental wellbeing.

With Ireland’s ageing population, there is a growing need for specialised fitness solutions and Hello GoodLife Wellbeing is set to support various sectors including leisure, rehabilitation, therapy and care.

David Heathcote, Innerva’s Head of Business Development, says: “Martina’s inspiring journey is testament to her determination and resilience and the potential of power-assisted exercise to transform lives. We’re thrilled to partner with Hello GoodLife Wellbeing to bring our solution to Ireland and make inclusive exercise a reality for everyone.”