A PERSONAL trainer who will soon attempt to row the distance of 20 major lakes in Britain has set up his own gym with a difference.

Peter Nelson, 29, has recently opened Peter Nelson Fitness, on the industrial estate in Pickering, but unlike other gyms packed with treadmills, exercise bikes and weight machines, people who use the gym are encouraged to be the machines.

Peter, who has been a personal trainer for the past five years and worked in council run gyms for two years, said that he wants to get the community as active as possible.

"We're not like other gyms in the sense that we don't have lots of gym equipment. It is more about using your body to be the machine. We cover everything from rehabilitation pilates to metabolic and strength conditioning. My main aim is to help people in the community get as active as possible."

Before setting up Peter Nelson Fitness, the personal trainer was holding classes in local village halls and going to clients houses for personal training sessions but he said he is thrilled to finally have his own business.

He said: "I have always wished for this to happen but I never thought how difficult it would be to set up. I have had a lot of support from friends, family, local businesses and existing clients who have all pulled together to help me and to spread the word."

Later this month Peter will also be taking on a 24 hour rowing challenge where, along with clients and local business owners, he will attempt to row the distance of 20 major lakes on the rowing machine.

He said: "We will be raising money for Ryedale Special Families and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance but it would be great to split the money between several local charities.

"I am hoping it will take about 15 hours but we'll have to wait and see. Everyone is welcome to come down to help us put some miles in on the rower."

To find out more about Peter Nelson Fitness visit www.peternelsonpt.co.uk or email peter@peternelsonpt.co.uk