Moray MP Douglas Ross may be one of the region’s political heavyweights but yesterday he was lighter on his toes as he tried out a gravity-defying treadmill.
The £50,000 equipment at Moray College UHI in Elgin is one of only two publicly-accessible versions of it in Scotland – the other being at a private hospital in Edinburgh.
The futuristic technology is commonly used by sports stars across the world to improve their fitness.
However, it is hoped that the move4ward treadmill in Moray can also help people recovering from serious injuries or conditions, including multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s.
The machine works by zipping a runner into a bubble at the waist before it is pumped full of air – creating an invisible cushion beneath their feet.
David Powney, an exercise and rehabilitation specialist at Moray College UHI, explained the conditions could be pushed to make people feel only 20% of their weight to make it feel as if they are walking on the moon.
He said: “Something like this can make a big difference to people as they try to get back on their feet after a big injury. It can give them the confidence of getting back running again without feeling pain through their joints.”
Mr Ross added: “I had a tough training session last night. Usually my legs would be tired after that but running on this they feel fine.
“I was still sweating so it still pushes you but without getting the impact on your legs. It’s fantastic we have this in Moray.”