A Moresby woman has turned her passion for fitness into a full-time career, after discovering support for her classes during longdown.

Jess Longrigg, 25, was furloughed from her job during the first lockdown and started teaching fitness classes online for free over Instagram to help people stay active.

Once the rules began to lift, she started running outdoor classes in the local playing field at Moresby Parks. She found that these classes grew increasingly popular and said: "I was overwhelmed by the support I received and how much people found them enjoyable and helpful."

Jess had always intended to start up her own businesses and thought this seemed like the perfect time to do it. She added: "I have always wanted to create an exercise space that feels safe and affordable to everyone and that gives people a real community to be part of, so I quit my job and took Jess Longrigg PT on as a full time business."

She has launched a full class timetable including group cycling, box, aerobics, circuits and more which takes place six days a week, mostly on Sneckyeat Industrial Estate but also at St Peters Community Hall on Tuesdays.

There are also courses for beginners, and private one-to-one personal training sessions for those who have specific goals, are too nervous to go to class or prefer a more individual approach.

Jess added: "I am particularly keen to see those who struggle with their mental health to get involved. I struggled badly with anxiety and depression at university and getting into exercise has really helped me manage it and live life more fully."

"All the guys who come to classes embody this ethos, whether they are seasoned trainers or brand new to exercise and I have loved seeing a community develop, of people who would otherwise never have knows each other - especially during these strange times."

She said that she will aim to continue to keep the cost affordable. Unlimited classes at JLPT costs just £25 a month and people can go to as many classes as they like. Or they can choose to pay as they go with single classes.

In the new year she will be launching new health initiatives, including new classes specifically for those aged 50+ and courses for improving healthy living, weight loss and self-confidence.

If people want to find out more I am social media as Jess Longrigg PT or can be contacted via my website, www.jesslongriggpt.co.uk.