Sheffield International Venues (SIV) is the first company in the north of England to provide a specialist new Arke equipment kit for gym goers.

The Arke tools are new to the Fitness Unlimited gym at the English Institute of Sport-Sheffield and are designed to improve coordination, stability, balance, flexibility, strength, speed, agility and respiratory capacity.

The 16-piece Arke equipment has a water, earth, air and fire theme and can be found in the functional training area of the gym. The kit includes air-filled stability core balls, water balls and an agility pendulum.

Fitness Unlimited members, and the general public, can also attend Arke Circuit classes on Fridays at EIS Sheffield.

SIV group fitness manager, Peter Clark, said: "We are the only club in the north of England to have the Arke equipment, which is a more functional rather than resistance based way of keeping fit. It also offers something a bit different than running, cycling or walking on the traditional machines at the gym.

"It's a great way for us to provide a diverse range of exercise equipment that anyone of any fitness level can use. It can be as easy or difficult as people like and we've seen everyone from people from our GP referral scheme, who have done little or no exercise, to elite athletes really benefit from it.

"More than 100 people have already signed on to our 30 minute introductory sessions and our weekly Arke Circuit classes are also growing in popularity. We've had some excellent feedback."

Fitness Unlimited membership also provides access to Ponds Forge, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Concord Sports Centre and Don Valley Stadium.