Bedfordshire company continues fitness classes in a bid to tackle mental health

When COVID-19 social distancing precautions were enforced in March, a Bedfordshire fitness company was forced to move its usual outdoor sessions online.

In an attempt to protect people’s health and wellbeing during lockdown, the ‘owner of Full Bottle Fitness’ is now offering free classes.

Tina Sales, 49, says she is worried about the financial cost to her business but wants to help as many people as she can.

Mrs Sales, of Haynes, said: “I refuse to stop helping my clients because fitness has huge benefits on lifestyle and mental health- even if I am essentially doing it for free.

“Many of my clients are self-employed so have not had money coming in since the new government guidelines were introduced which temporarily stopped their businesses running.”

Many Full Bottle Fitness clients are also elderly so had stopped attending classes weeks ago to self-isolate, meaning the company has been losing out on income for a while.

Mrs Sales added: “Technically, my only source of income is from clients who are willing to pay for online ZOOM classes as all my Facebook sessions are free and I worry people will continue relying on these once lockdown ends.

“Unfortunately, because of the amount of outgoing payments I have, I’m not making any money at the moment. I am also not entitled to any grants from the government due to my partners earnings despite establishing the business myself.”

Those benefiting from the Full Bottle Fitness’s free classes have praised the company for continuing to promote staying active during lockdown.

Lesley Farmer, 66, said: “We are living in strange times at the moment and Tina’s classes give me something to look forward to and I certainly feel more energized afterwards.

“The fitness classes on Facebook are fabulous. Great for people who can’t afford a class or for anyone who doesn’t like the thought of others being able to see them.”

Jeanette Skipsey, Market Development Manager for the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes MIND charity has commended fitness companies for helping with well-being and emphasised the importance of staying active during lockdown.

She said: “Fitness increases oxygen into the blood stream which helps enhance bodily activity as well as releasing endorphins and serotonin.

“Exercise is proven to help you sleep better and is a great interaction for the mind during these times.”

To get involved with Full Bottle Fitness’s online classes visit: http://www.fullbottlefitness.co.uk/index.php

Tina Sales did outdoor boot camps before COVID19