ThoraxTrainer is a new full-body workout machine that imitates cross-country skiing – described as the world's toughest sport.

It activates all major muscle groups, simultaneously testing strength, core and endurance, with up to 1,500 calories burned per hour. It’s ideal for high-intensity interval training, as heart rates can be rapidly elevated.

More than 50 exercises are possible on the ThoraxTrainer, so it can be used as the cornerstone of any training regime, no matter what sport the user is involved in.

Its developers claim that some triathletes have improved their Ironman performance by 1.5 hours, with 40 per cent less training, using the ThoraxTrainer in their preparation.