A TEAM of advertising sales staff are starting to get into shape after swapping their headsets for training sessions as they take part in the Office to Athlete Charity Challenge.

The ten members of The Northern Echo staff are aiming to raise as much money as possible for St Teresa’s Hospice.

In less than a month’s times, they all face off against each other after taking full advantage of the help offered by personal trainers from Darlington-based fitness company Boxfit and Foxfit Health Club.

Becca Evans, one of the trainers, said: “We have been using different methods of training with the competitors such as cardio circuits using the battle ropes, kettlebells, medicine balls to get the heart rate up.

“Strength training using free weights and set machines. A few have also been taking part in boxercise with Neil which is a circuit class working all parts of the body and using different punching techniques usually in partners.

“All the training is a key part ready to take part in the big challenge on the day! A massive improvement has already been shown by the people taking part with a lot of effort being put in, it has been great to watch them improve and can’t wait to see the results on the final day.”

On Saturday, July 15, they will go head-to-head in a number of challenges ranging from the longest plank to sprints on trampet, and to the most punches in one minute and the most press-ups in a two minute session.