"BOSU training has gone better than we ever thought. The classes are booked up weeks in advance and we are currently working hard to keep up with the demand,"says Virgin Active Master Trainer and personal trainer, Kris Tottman. The Milton Keynes club where Kris is based currently runs four BOSU classes a week; the Sunday morning class appeals to the real enthusiasts and 'die-hard' participants; the low-impact aerobic nature of the Monday morning class makes it suitable for beginners and the elderly alike; and the Thursday and Friday slots gain the attention of all ages and abilities.

Tottman and fellow personal trainer and BOSU Master Trainer Kieron Cronin, regularly meet and plan each week's team teach - a class format that targets all the major muscle groups. Set to Rock music the session typically sets off with an aerobic warm up, followed by three individual tracks each concentrating on muscular strength and endurance (MSE) in different areas of the body. A second aerobic conditioning track then leads into three more MSE Rock anthems and bringing the 45 or 60 minute class to a close is the final aerobic cool down.

To keep participants on their toes, Tottman and Cronin also vary the equipment used with the BOSU, from medicine balls and resistance tubing to dumbbells and barbells. "PTs in the clubs' gyms also contribute to the popularity of the studio classes, as many find their clients enjoying their one to one sessions on the BOSU so much that they then want to try out the new BOSU classes on offer," reports Tottman.

The BOSU (an acronym for "both sides up") Balance Trainer is used by elite athletes, sports teams and in health clubs around the world. It is designed to integrate balance, which is the foundation of all movement, with virtually all forms of fitness to give you a fun, new and effective workout. Training with the BOSU Balance Trainer creates a movement continuum from easy to incredibly challenging, from static to dynamic and from subtle balance adjustments to dramatic and highly reactive responses.

The BOSU Balance Trainer is distributed in the UK by the Physical Company and Penny Halls, Company Director, says: "Obviously we are delighted with the way in which the BOSU has been received by the Virgin Active members. We are confident that other clubs will also soon be utilising this great product in their group fitness classes, in addition to its existing popularity within personal training programmes."

For more information about the Physical Company and the BOSU please visit www.physicalcompany.co.uk or call 01494 769222.

To contact Virgin Active please call 0845 130 4747.