A DANCE fitness class has been praised for helping people to lose weight and gain confidence.

Emma Mcaneney, 42, is from Alston and started her business, Clubbercise and Megafitmix with Emma, after having twins and sought to regain her confidence through exercise.

Taking part in Clubbercise built her confidence. Emma said: "I loved how the dark atmosphere made me feel more relaxed."

Now, Emma couldn't be happier. She said: "I love what I do, and I feel really lucky to meet such amazing people."

"It's a really good workout and fun at the same time, it's quite intimidating to start a fitness class but all the ladies really welcome new people," she said.

Emma says Clubbercise helps customers with depression, anxiety, and weight loss among other benefits. "One woman even said it's been life-changing for her," she added.

Clubbercise is a dance fitness class set in a dark room with disco and UV lights. "There's a big appeal with the darkened atmosphere, it feels a lot more relaxed and non-judgemental," Emma said.

One happy customer said: "It just doesn't feel like exercise as it's such great fun and Emma really spurs you on."

Glow sticks are also used in Clubbercise routines, people wear UV face paint, neon clothing, and sing along to dance club music.

Another customer praised the class for improving her confidence. "Three years ago when I started my Clubbercise journey, I stayed at the back and hardly moved. Now look at me - I'm wearing the brightest leggings, standing at the front whooping and singing along," she said. "I love it so much."

Megafitmix classes are set to 1980's and 1990's music. Emma's clients are mainly women and encompass ages up to 70 years old.

"There's different moves fit for everyone, and in a nightclub atmosphere everyone can lose themselves," she said.

Sessions run every Tuesday at Corbridge First School, starting from 6.15pm and the Megafitmix classes follow at 7.15pm.

Emma also runs sessions at Prudhoe Highfield Middle School on Thursday, with Megafitmix starting at 6.30pm and Clubbercise at 7.30pm.

Individual classes are £5 and to book both sessions is £9, which Emma said is a popular choice.

"We say: 'sing like no one's listening and dance like no one's watching.'"

To book Clubbercise or Megafitmix classes online, go to https://bookwhen.com/, or email clubbercisewithemma@yahoo.com.