Anti-Gravity Treadmill Upgrade - Everyone Active Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre

At Everyone Active, providing opportunities for physical activity to people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities is at the heart of what they do. Since 1998, the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre has delivered a highly successful Exercise Referral scheme, enabling patients with a wide range of medical conditions to benefit from structured physical activity under the guidance of qualified instructors.

In 2016, the gym transformed its accessibility offering with the purchase of an AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill. This innovative equipment revolutionised opportunities for individuals who are unable to use traditional gym equipment or participate in sport due to medical conditions.

Participants wear specially designed shorts that zip into the treadmill chamber, which then gently inflates with air to provide body-weight support, creating a sensation similar to exercising in water. The level of gravity can be adjusted to suit individual needs, allowing users to gradually build strength, mobility and confidence in a safe and controlled environment.

In September 2025, the original treadmill was replaced with a new model at a cost of £43,000. The centre raised half of the funds, with Stevenage Community Trust generously matching the remaining amount. The upgraded model is easier to access, features an improved display screen, and enables the Exercise Referral team to deliver even more personalised and tailored exercise programmes.

The Anti-Gravity Treadmill is particularly beneficial for individuals living with neurological conditions, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, or those recovering from injury or surgery.

Juanita Prescott, Contract Activity and Wellbeing Manager for Everyone Active, said:

“When someone’s health or ability changes, it can feel like their whole world has shrunk. Some stop being active completely, become socially isolated, lose confidence and develop mental health problems as a consequence.”

The Anti-Gravity Treadmill is a game changer, we regularly see amazing transformations in both the physical and mental wellbeing of our customers.

We are incredibly grateful to the Stevenage Community Trust for their generous donation. Without their support, this wouldn’t have been possible, and the 300 people who use the treadmill each month would not be able to enjoy being part of the gym, meeting new people and looking after their health and wellbeing.”

Thanks to continued community investment and innovation, the centre remains committed to ensuring that exercise is accessible to everyone, regardless of circumstance.

The AlterG treadmill is available to qualifying members at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.

To find out more about the Exercise referral scheme and how to get access to this equipment you can follow up with Centre Activity and Wellbeing Manager juanitaprescott@everyoneactive.com