Tire fitness device snapped up by rugby giants

ERJ staff report (TP)

Lancashire, UK – A 22-year-old entrepreneurial graduate from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has transformed the "humble" tire into a high intensity interval training device that has been picked up by Super League rugby team Wigan Warriors, reported Bdaily.

Sam Marsh, owner of fitness equipment company Jigsaw Fitness Ltd, has created the interactive Jigsaw Flipper which uses a digital score system and a tire fitted with a sensor to allow athletes to go head to head in a test that develops almost all areas of conditioning from core stability to leg power.

Now Super League’s double champions Wigan Warriors have incorporated Sam’s invention into their Academy teams’ training sessions less than a year after the sport and exercise science graduate left university and set up his fitness company.

Marsh, from Tarleton, Lancashire, said: “I’m thrilled that Wigan has seen the potential the Jigsaw Flipper has to really harness the players’ competitive edge.

“Having involvement in the training of rugby athletes is a huge honour and I hope I can develop more products that enhance the players’ ability to perform when they step out onto the pitch.”

Ian Bentley, Wigan Warriors Academy strength and conditioning coach, said: "We have been really impressed with the timing/tire flip system and it has become a key part of our gym set up.

"The timing system is used to organise circuit sessions, allowing us to focus on key aspects such as technique rather than having to focus on simply timing the exercises.

"The competitive element added by the tire flipper encourages fast powerful actions that will transfer onto the field on match day.”

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Full story from Bdaily