Mid Devon Leisure’s doors may be closed, but some of their customers are enjoying classes and fitness videos from their own homes.

The team of instructors - who used to energise customers with their workouts in the Council-run leisure centres - have taken their enthusiasm to social media instead, and in just eight weeks they have amassed more than 9,000 views of their 28-day challenge videos.

Most of the instructors were unfamiliar with performing to the camera, never mind the process that goes into editing the footage, but they are enjoying the challenge and the interaction with their supporters.

Leanne Vicary spent 12 years working in finance before following her passion and becoming a fitness instructor with the Council. She only joined Mid Devon Leisure in the autumn, but despite the closure of the leisure centres has loved the chance to showcase her work online.

Leanne said:

“The first time I did a video it took a while for me to get used to it. I was worried the house wasn’t tidy and there would be a mess in the background but I’ve enjoyed it and after the first few got more comfortable with the camera. We’ve done a fair few retakes between us but I love helping people keep active.”

Leanne added:

“We know we aren’t on the frontline of this crisis and I am so grateful to my leisure colleagues who are delivering food parcels and helping the really vulnerable, but I also know in times like this it’s really important to keep busy and to maintain or start an activity. This is not about money or business but it is all about people’s well-being.”

In addition to the 28-day challenge other instructors have filmed entire classes that are available on the Mid Devon Leisure website and the team has also filmed a host of “hello” videos to simply keep in touch.

Feedback has been positive with comments such as: “looking forward to this…miss you”, “just what we all need and “this class is awesome” which have all served as a great moral boost to the leisure team and their fitness followers.

Leisure Manager, Lee Chester, said:

“I am grateful to the all of the team as they continue to put the customers and wider community at the forefront of their minds. Mid Devon Leisure continues to support the Council to deliver essential functions even though the facilities remain closed. I would also like to thank my staff who are not able to work at the moment for their patience and reassure them, along with our keen customers, that as soon as Government instruction allows for the recommencement of the service we will keep you informed.”

If you want to take part in any of the online challenges or take part in a free class follow @MidDevonLeisure on social media or visit middevonleisure.com.