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Get, set, go at Middleton Grange

SHOPPERS are hoping to prove their own Olympic mettle effort by rowing and cycling the equivalent distance to London on exercise machines.

Visitors to Middleton Grange Shopping Centre in Hartlepool have been asked to test their fitness by taking part in a novel challenge.

They have been set a target of covering 270 miles on an exercise bike and rowing machine – the distance between Hartlepool and London – ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony.

Mark Rycraft, manager of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, said: “With the Olympics now here we wanted to do something to get our customers excited about sports and fitness.

“The equipment has been donated by the Fit4less gym and their team have been here every day helping people to use the machines and measuring how far they have gone. Everyone who has taken part has really enjoyed themselves.

“And it’s not just been the shoppers, we have had staff from some of the stores taking part and it’s developed a bit of competition between the retailers. BHS is doing particularly well and manager Ian Davies clocked up an impressive 10 miles on the exercise bike.”

The equipment has been donated by the Fit4less gym, which has a range of cardio and resistance equipment, as well as exercise classes and boot-camps at its premises at Hartlepool Rugby Club.

Among those clocking up a few miles on the exercise bike were 11-year-old Hannah Buckle and her mum Beverley, from the West View area of Hartlepool.

Rebecca Lake, fitness consultant at Fit4less, said: “It’s a really good idea and makes a change from shopping.

“The shoppers have really enjoyed having a go and we have made sure they’re safe at all times – but there’s been some fierce competition between the staff at the different stores.”

The fitness equipment will be at Middleton Grange’s Centre Square every day until Friday between 11am and 2pm.

Picture - On your bike at Middleton Grange – (Left to right) Nadia Sobihy and Rebecca Lake, from Fit4less, with Hannah Buckle, 11.

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