THE former owners of a Radcliffe gym have launched a new venture and exercise venue.

Nick and Louise Phillips unveiled their first live fitness classes streamed from their new filming studio in Newton Street, Manchester, last weekend.

The classes proved an instant hit and drew in participants from across the globe.

Mrs Phillips says: “We launched from our new filming studio last weekend and it was a huge success, vindicating our business decision to evolve the business in this way.

"It was truly amazing to have people from as far away as Dubai and Turkey joining over the weekend.”

It comes after they took the decision to close their gym, Hub Fitness in Milltown Street, Radcliffe, for good, following the coronavirus lockdown.

After being forced to shut on March 23, the 38-year-old husband and wife turned their attention to creating a virtual fitness business, HubLive, in a bid to keep people physically and mentally healthy without needing to get down to the gym.

The couple had viewed in premises in Manchester prior to lockdown with a view to opening a boutique spinning club.

This was then transformed into a film studio for live-streamed fitness classes, including decor, lighting and music; and a 70-inch screen allowing Mr Phillips to give personalised feedback live to clients seen on camera.

They tested out their project by clearing out their children's toy room and sharing lockdown workouts via their website, using Zoom.

These workouts were joined by dozens of online participants who praised their exercises "fun and fabulous".

The couple have also launched a sister brand, LuvCycle, which sets virtual cycling challenges for people from the comfort of their own homes, and gives them to ability to ride to the music of their choice.

Mr Phillips said: “We are extremely excited for the future and looking to grow the number of sessions we can deliver, by working with more fitness trainers.

"From our roots in Radcliffe, we have now started to create a truly global brand, thanks to our grit and determination during lockdown and the capacities of modern technology.”

For more information or to sign up visit hubfitness.co.uk