A Hull inventor and fitness enthusiast has created a unique piece of gym equipment – and it is being installed at Woodford Leisure Centre today.
The Monkey Mill, a unique motorised monkey bar machine, is the creation of Mike McKenna.
The equipment provides users with a mixture of strength and cardiovascular training and has been extensively tested by sport scientists at Leeds Beckett University.
Mike McKenna said: “The idea for Monkey Mill was born back in 2012 while training for the monkey bar obstacle at the first UK Tough Mudder event. At the time there was nowhere, other than playgrounds, where we could train for this particular obstacle.
“What if there was a treadmill-style solution that provided an endless set of monkey bars in the same way a treadmill provides an endless road?
“We’ve come a long way since then and with the support of a talented team, the concept has turned into a fantastic training solution that we feel will transform many training facilities across the world over the next few years.
“The unique experience of training on Monkey Mill combined with highly effective results is proving to be a real hit, and feedback from our early adopters has been very positive. The set-up at Woodford Leisure Centre is fantastic.
“Being from Hull originally, I am really looking forward seeing Monkey Mill being used and enjoyed in my home city. It means a lot to get it used by the people of Hull, it’s a big milestone for me.”
Mike, 36, who has worked in architecture for past 15 years, combined his passions for fitness and design to produce the Monkey Mill. The company started installing versions of the product in gyms and leisure centres six months ago, while the equipment is being used by gym-goers in Yorkshire and Wales.
The equipment will be available at Woodford Leisure Centre in the functional fitness area. It will be the first gym to offer use of the latest version.
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure said: “We are delighted to be providing further investment and choice of fitness equipment into our leisure facilities in Hull, ensuring that our customers and members have state-of-the-art fitness equipment at an affordable price.”
