A new anti-gravity treadmill is helping Stevenage residents improve mobility, reduce pain and rebuild confidence - with one member hailing it as "game-changing".
The upgraded AlterG treadmill at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre has replaced the original 2016 model and uses NASA-developed technology to reduce body weight impact, helping people with conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or balance problems - as well as those recovering from injury - to exercise safely.
The new machine was purchased through a £43,000 joint investment - with the centre raising half the amount and Stevenage Community Trust matching it.
A key feature of the centre's Exercise Referral scheme, the treadmill enables healthcare professionals to support patients through tailored exercise programmes, helping people manage conditions, recover from illness and adopt healthy habits.
Juanita Prescott, Contract Activity and Wellbeing Manager for operator Everyone Active, said: "When someone's health changes, it can feel like their whole world has shrunk. Some stop moving altogether, lose confidence and can become socially isolated. The AlterG turns that around - it gives people the freedom to move without fear and feel part of the community again.
"The new machine is a game-changer - it's easier to get in and out of, has an improved screen, and allows us to support even more people. We already see around 250 using it each month and have seen incredible transformations - from people recovering from serious accidents to those living with long-term conditions. The mental health benefits are just as powerful as the physical ones.
"We're incredibly grateful to Stevenage Community Trust for their generous contribution - without their support, this wouldn't have been possible," Juanita added.
For Stevenage resident Claire Thompson, the AlterG has been life-changing. Claire joined the Exercise Referral scheme in February 2025 after years of health problems and limited mobility.
"I never in a million years thought I would be a member of a gym," Claire said. "I thought I would be judged by my size or my limited ability to even put one foot in front of the other without tears falling down my cheeks because the pain was just uncontrollable. How wrong was I. The AlterG was the game changer. I get so excited every time I hear that zipper going around my waist, because I know each time I step off, my lower body thanks me for it.
"It's been around four months of using the AlterG once a week and it's given me pain-free movement. My balance has improved, I'm not at as much risk of falling, and my knees, hips and ankles hurt less. My ankles don't roll when I walk anymore. It's given my lower body a freedom it hasn't felt for nearly 30 years. I can now walk my dog for 20 to 30 minutes, walk up the stairs without holding on, and raise my arms above my head without screaming out in pain."
Juanita has even used the machine during recovery from a foot operation.
She said: "I went from being on crutches to running again in a fraction of the time I expected. Residents rely on this equipment - it keeps people active, connected and ultimately helps ease pressure on the NHS."
Steve McQueen, Vice Chair of Stevenage Community Trust, said: "The AlterG treadmill is more than a piece of equipment, it’s a lifeline for so many people in our community. From helping stroke survivors walk again to giving heart patients the confidence to rebuild their lives, its impact is profound. As we celebrate our 35th year, the Trust wanted to make a milestone investment that will continue to change lives for years to come. Partnering with the Chauncy Foundation to make this happen has been a privilege."
The AlterG treadmill is available to qualifying members at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.