Up Close: Meet Sharon and Lou, instructors at Sidmouth Leisure Centre

"I really try and emphasise," Lou said, "at the beginning of my classes, you have fun, you're here to enjoy yourself."

Sharon Prangley and Lou Saunders are LED Leisure instructors and work in Sidmouth and across East Devon, including in Honiton and Seaton.

They teach the Body Pump and Body Balance exercise classes - and always make sure to highlight the importance of having fun and making friends.

What are the Body Pump and Body Balance classes?

The Body Pump and Body Balance classes were developed by the New Zealand-based fitness company Les Mills and are choreographed to music.

Body Pump is a strength-based conditioning class using small weights and lots of repetitions.

Lou said: "It's an all-over body conditioning workout but it's weighted with plates and barbells."

Sharon, who teaches the class every Tuesday in Sidmouth, added: "It's for anyone 16+ who wants to improve their strength and conditioning and posture."

Body Balance is a mix of pilates, yoga and Tai Chi, and ideal for improving balance and mobility.

Sharon said: "I used to be five stone heavier, but my friend persuaded me to go to a yoga class, and then I joined and found out I loved Body Balance, I loved Body Pump.

"I've got a lady at the moment who's been referred to Body Balance because she's got post-viral fatigue. She's a runner, and she's really struggling, but you just come along, and you do what you can."

A community gym

Sharon and Lou encourage people to socialise in their classes while keeping everything Covid-safe, making sure to clean the equipment after use and keep windows open.

There are also lots of new faces at the classes, as well as regulars and people returning from before the Covid lockdowns.

Lou said: "The reason it's a community gym, is because people from this community meet up with each other and form friendships.

"That's why it's important we keep these community gyms. We look after each other and challenge each other. It's kind of a little family."

How can I join?

The classes have eight to ten people and last for 45 minutes. They're available throughout the week - call Sidmouth Leisure Centre on 01395 577679 to book yourself in.

A membership with LED Leisure could also save you as much as 50 per cent if you're using its facilities regularly. Click here to find out more.

Did you know that LED Leisure is a charity? Without their support, Sidmouth Nub News would not be able to provide the dedicated local news we do every week. Please support them.