Our Equipment
Unlike conventional exercise equipment, Innerva does not rely exclusively on muscle power but by an electronic power system enabling users to work passively or actively, depending on their ability. As the user does not have to provide the motive force, they do not have to overcome inertia in order to use the equipment, so it is a perfect choice for anyone coming back to exercise after long periods of rest or inactivity, including older adults or those with limited mobility.
Our History
Shapemaster Global Limited is established
Howard Blackburn joins Shapemaster as Head of Engineering and is tasked with creating a superior range of power assisted exercise tables for the European market. This new range was launched within a few months and established Shapemaster’s position as a leader in design and manufacture of power assisted fitness equipment.
Shapemaster introduce single function Seated range.
From the outset, Shapemaster Global wanted to understand the drivers for exercisers using our equipment in a sustainable way. It was clear from customer feedback that the social element was important, which resulted in a new circuit of seated equipment that facilitated a social and group exercise experience for club members.
The benefits of this development are clear, with 75% of Shapemaster exercisers now attending their club 3 or more times per week.
Howard Blackburn becomes sole owner and Managing Director of Shapemaster Global Limited.
Having successfully negotiated a separation and buy-out in 1997, leaving the previous owners to focus on the traditional range of their resistance and CV equipment, Howard Blackburn becomes sole owner of Shapemaster Global Limited, allowing him greater freedom to innovate and create equipment to keep people fit and healthy “in the second half of their lives”.
Shapemaster introduce dual function seated range of equipment.
With customer needs at the heart of product innovation, Shapemaster combines upper and lower body exercise in the seated range, creating a space-efficient solution for gym owners and a time-efficient exercise circuit for members.
With the new range, members gained a 30 to 40-minute, full-body workout solution.
New distributor appointed for Scandinavia
A powerful new distributor partnership began with Zeizt AS, who developed the Feelgood franchise in Norway. Thye have recently opened their 50th site in the country. The Feelgood concept subsequently expanded in to Germany and Austria, creating a movement for active ageing across Europe.
Shapemaster launch the Ab Pullover, Tricep Dip & Leg Curl and Cross Cycle machines.
Ongoing feedback from end users and operators saw new functionality entering the range, with the popular Cross Cycle providing greater CV benefits. The Ab Pullover adds to the core strengthening benefits of the Tummy Crunch, keeping a key muscle group strong for our end users.
Shapemaster is awarded 5 Star Product Rating on the Cross Cycle Plus machine.
The UK’s leading disability lifestyle publication, Able Magazine, awards Shapemaster Global a 5-star product rating for its ‘Cross Cycle Plus’ power assisted exercise machine.
“Great products bring together form and function, be it a new car or a simple gadget to make life that little bit easier. It’s great when we see a cracking product that will genuinely help a disabled person in their day-to-day life”. Tom Jamison, Editor of Able Magazine
Silver Form are appointed as a distribution partner for the French market
French company Silver Form recognise the enormous potential of Shapemaster as an exercise therapy solution in France. The Innerva circuit model has recently attracted the attention of the French government’s Minister of Solidarity and Health, as a solution to relieve pressure on their national health service.
Shapemaster Global forms product innovation partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University
As a knowledge-led company, Shapemaster was keen to work with an academic partner to help refine and build on its existing product range, to ensure product innovation for future generations. A KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) was established with MMU with the appointment of Dr Matt Holland as our KTP Associate.
Innovation Partnership established with the AWRC (Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre), Sheffield Hallam University
Shapemaster Group identifies the government-backed Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, based at Sheffield Hallam University, as a key partner in its research and innovation-led mission to be a world leader in exercise therapy and provision for active ageing . Alongside Manchester Metropolitan University, the AWRC supports our product development team, providing the science, research and innovation behind our new product development.
Become a distributor
We would like to hear from distributors with expertise, experience and networks to promote the concept to potential buyers who will operate Innerva suites either within established leisure centres, health & fitness gyms, rehabilitation/therapy centres or retirement and care homes.
