The mention of winter evokes images of sparkling snowflakes and skaters gracefully gliding across the ice. Winter definitely has its bonuses; ski trips, comfy clothes, football games, log fires, and the right to drink as much hot chocolate as you want!

And now you can go skiing right on your door-step with the new Ski Ergometer from Concept2 only at Celtic Haven.

Celtic Haven is pleased to introduce the Ski Ergometer, which is designed to be part of a regular fitness programme and/or get you geared up for that ski trip in the Alps. The ergometer is a unique ski training tool which builds ski-specific strength and endurance and will help you get fit and burn more calories.

Iân Morris, Celtic Haven's fitness professional, explained how the machine works and the benefits: "The SkiErg offers terrific exercise for the entire body and is an impact free, high calorie burning exercise complimentary to the motion of rowing and is good cross-training for a variety of sports for all ages and abilities.

"It builds ski-specific strength in upper body, core and legs, provides a quality aerobic workout, and encourages proper and effective Nordic skiing technique.

"Each pull engages the legs, arms, shoulders and core in a downwards 'crunch', using body weight to help accelerate the handles."

An ergometer, or 'erg"', is a device which measures work. This is what sets the SkiErg apart from most other ski training devices. Every SkiErg includes a 'performance monitor' giving skiers immediate, accurate and comparable feedback. This allows skiers to measure output, monitor progress and compare scores with others.

Iân added: "Even if you are not a skier, Nordic skiing is an exhilarating and aerobically demanding sport, so it's no surprise Nordic skiers are extremely fit athletes. The SkiErg makes this terrific aerobic exercise accessible to anyone."

Although Concept2 is best known as a rowing company, quite a few members of the Concept2 family are skiers based in Northern Vermont, where the lakes are frozen for at least half the year and there's plenty of snow during the winter.

Skiing and rowing are two of the most aerobically demanding sports and serve as effective cross-training in opposite seasons. Both sports use the entire body, requiring the heart and lungs to provide oxygen to many muscles of the body at once.

The SkiErg is suitable for people of all sizes and is used comfortably by athletes from four-foot 11 to six-foot five.

Call in for a look at Celtic Haven's leisure club facilities, including the SkiErg, have a chat with Iân and find out more about all the health and fitness services they offer, including tennis coaching, Gentle Gym classes and personal training.

Contact them on 01834 870000 or check out their website at http://www.celtichaven.co.uk">www.celtichaven.co.uk