Toning tables are often used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation and have brought many benefits for users.

Three years ago Michael Speed suffered a stroke. The 61-year-old, from Bradford, was driving to work when he experienced problems changing gear and operating the pedals. Concerned about his condition, Michael went straight to the doctor.

He was transferred to a hospital bed and kept on an observation ward. During his three month hospital stay, it was discovered that a blood clot on the right side of his brain had caused his stroke.

Michael lost the movement down his left side. For a time he was unable to walk but he was determined to walk out of hospital and he did.

Follow-up physiotherapy and chair exercise at his weekly Shipley Stroke Club meetings helped him on the road to recovery but the greatest changes emerged through toning table exercise.

He was taking part in the Stroke Club exercise class when he met fitness expert, Francine Hoddy. Francine runs We Are Not A Gym in Idle.

"The classes at Shipley Stroke Club got me started but I was thinking I needed to do more so I discussed it with Francine," says Michael.

Using toning tables as part of his exercise programme has increased his flexibility and loosened up limbs he wasn't able to use while recovering from what is a potentially life threatening condition.

"In my case toning tables loosened me up and helped build up my muscles," explains Michael.

He also believes the old adage mind over matter' played a part in his recuperation. "I believe it doesn't matter what you do, if you haven't got the right mind set it won't work. You have to believe it will do you some good."

Michael also credits the help and support he received from the Shipley Stroke Club and Francine and her staff.

"Stick with it" is his advice to others is to "Don't give in and do as much as you can."he says.

Says Francine: "We structure each of our programmes to the individual's goals and abilities. Michael came to us with a left side weakness which is typical of a stroke.

"The toning tables were a good starting point for improving his joint mobility, flexibility and muscle strength."

Francine explains: "It's like building a house. You need a good foundation to work on.

"The toning tables were the first layer of that base for Michael and many others like him.

"As he got stronger, we also started to work on his cardiovascular fitness with the aim of increasing the health benefits this brings."