A DEESIDE gym has come up with a unique way to ensure people are still getting their exercise during the coronavirus outbreak.

Number One Health Strength Performance CIC in Queesnferry has closed following the latest government guidelines, however staff have come up with a way to ensure members - and non-members - can still access workout material.

A Whatsapp group has been set up which allows a video link of a session which can be carried out at home or in the garden.

Ed Harper said: "The gym is a community interest (not for profit) company so everything we do is with the members and community at heart. We are a gym based on results whether that's fat loss or sporting performance rather than number of people through the door.

"We have such a good family between our members and coaches we felt it was our job to make sure everyone had the best advice, some accountability and a routine to stick to.

"We know that everyone is in this together and something so big isn't something people should be trying to make a profit from so where it takes our coaches a few hours a week to plan classes and do live sessions straight to peoples homes the number of people it has affected has been phenomenal.

"Everybody and anybody is welcome to join our WhatsApp group with all the info and class links (link on our Instagram bio) the more people we can support the better. So far we have had whole families joining in as well as front line service workers following shifts and everyone in between.

"People value the community spirit, routine and the fact that we have set up a two-way link so we can actually see them and coach them through the session rather then letting them follow a video.

"The WhatsApp has over 100 members already with challenges, useful links about activities and shopping and all sorts as everyone is in the same boat."

The Whatsapp group and live sessions are available free of charge for anyone who would like to take part.

John Shepherd, who is a member of the group and takes part in the sessions, added: "I’m a member of the gym and I think what the team at Number One HSP are doing is incredible.

"For the last few nights I’ve been in my back garden or living room following the gym instructor on a video link and getting my training in. The gym has thought creatively about how they can continue to engage not only their members but the wider community.

"They have a WhatsApp group set up that anyone can join (even non-members) they’re posting workouts to do yourself at home and then we join in on a live video evening session. They’re providing a real support network during this time and I just think it’s an innovative way to reach out."

The WhatsApp group can be accessed via https://chat.whatsapp.com/I6K8KATnUvO34qZ0lZeOSz.