A STOWMARKET doctors' surgery is today one of the first in the country to install a personal trainer and gym in a pioneering move to encourage healthy living.

A STOWMARKET doctors' surgery is today one of the first in the country to install a personal trainer and gym in a pioneering move to encourage healthy living.

Stowmarket Health Centre now has a state-of-the-art personal training and beauty studio at its premises in Violet Hill Road.

GPs themselves are using the facilities run by fitness instructor Jez Cooksley which include a treadmill, rower and stepper machines as well as weights.

Dr Simon Rudland, a former navy diver, said: “Gym work is very important and we are very excited about this.

“To have this is very unique and we can recommend patients go to Jez, although he is not an NHS service, we have the confidence of having someone here who is very capable.

“He can work with clients who would otherwise be concerned about going to a gym and can help rehabilitate people with a range of areas, including with those who are overweight or have respiratory issues.”

Mr Cooksley, a personal trainer for more than a decade who is more used to being based at gyms, said: “We have established a state-of-the-art, fully air-conditioned personal fitness studio within the health centre and will be working closely with physiotherapists, doctors and nurses through their long-term conditions clinics to promote the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

“I am 100 per cent committed to helping people, the intention is for patients to tackle issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and other such conditions, the natural way, by education, healthy eating and exercise.

“Personal training is no longer for the rich and famous. It has become increasingly popular with people of all ages, abilities and means who are looking to achieve lasting results and make the best of their time.”

The health centre based gym's first step is up to an hour consultation to assess people's health and fitness levels and after that the professionals of guidance each step of the way, advising on correct nutrition and training them on a one-to-one basis.

In addition there is also training offered in pairs and small group fitness and nutrition classes with session catering for beginners and people at an intermediate or advanced level of fitness, as well as workouts for those aged over 50 at the recently opened facility.

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