Ian Gray plans to expand fitness firm into Aberdeen

A FORMER professional golfer is planning to expand his fitness business into Aberdeen after his Edinburgh studio broke through the £1 million turnover mark.

Ian Gray, who also played squash for Scotland, launched Studio EH1 in 2008 with his wife, Helen. The studio uses “whole body vibration” training, which was developed by the Soviet Union to help cosmonauts regain the muscle mass they lost in space.

Studio EH1 uses vibrating power plate machines, which are popular with golfers including PGA tour players Nick Dougherty, Rocco Mediate and Mike Weir.

Ian was the professional golfer in residence at Banchory and Murcar in Aberdeenshire and at Rungsted Kyst in Denmark. Helen said that the attraction of the technique was how quickly customers were able to see results.

“The appeal is also down to the sessions lasting only 25 minutes, making is easier to slot it into busy schedules and most importantly, it is good fun,” she added.

Fans of the technique include Dr Aileen Keel, deputy chief medical officer for Scotland, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003 and wanted a fitness programme to help her maintain her motor functions.

“Each time I go, I leave feeling I have used every muscle in my body,” said Keel. “I feel it has helped me to keep fit and mobile, and improve my core strength.”