A mobile wellness centre has been launched in the Wear Valley to tackle the problems of inactivity in isolated and socially deprived areas.

Wellness on Wheels (WOW) is an articulated trailer equipped with Technogym fitness equipment that can accommodate up to 16 people exercising at one time.

It will also feature the Technogym Wellness System, which will record and monitor users’ progress and link into the existing Technogym equipment in the leisure facilities at Glemholme Leisure Complex and Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex.

The trailer will travel throughout the Wear Valley to promote the benefits of physical activity and encourage key lifestyle changes in local communities in remote, low-income areas.

It will particularly target novice exercisers and the elderly and the WOW project team will work will key partners to target issues such as childhood obesity, diabetes prevention, GP referrals, cardiac rehabilitation, injury rehabilitation, nutritional advice and fitness provision.

The project is the result of a partnership between Wear Valley District Council, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, Sport England and Technogym.

It has been funded by the Active England programme – a joint initiative between the Big Lottery Fund and Sport England, as well as from the Single Regeneration Budget, Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, the Inclusive Fitness Initiative and Sportsmatch.

“The key aim of the project is to introduce new people to exercise and encourage them to sustain an active lifestyle once the Mobile Wellness Centre has moved on,” said project manager Natalie Drew.

The project will last for three years during which time the team aims to compile evidence of the benefits of exercise intervention and evaluate which of the programmes are most effective.