Fitness class in Morecambe raving its way to top

Glow Stick Exercise Classes 'Clubbercise" are being run by fitness Instructor Ruth Langley at Pure Leisure South Lakeland Leisure Village in Carnforth. 16th November 2015

Gym-goers in Morecambe and Lancaster are turning to an alternative way to work out, with glow sticks, lasers, face paint, disco lights and club anthems.

Lancaster instructor Ruth Langley is encouraging people to swap the weights and rave in the dark in her Clubbercise sessions.

The 34-year-old was inspired to bring a part of her dancing past to the fitness world to emphasise how fun the industry can be.

Ruth, who used to be a dancer in the 90s at the Empire and Carleton in Morec ambe and the Warehouse in Lancaster, has been running the rave sessions at Pure Leisure in Carnforth and DW Fitness in Morecambe.

Ruth, who used to be a  visual merchandiser for Levis, said: “Clubbercise is bringing that experience of having a night out but you are doing a workout at the same time.

“The 90s dance scene was a big inspiration for me, we all sing along and a lot of the ladies feel a bit more comfortable if they get a move wrong because we are in the dark, it’s just about having fun.

“Anything now that is a bit different in the fitness world takes off.”

Clubbercise sessions are run across the country and Ruth was one of the first in the area to sign up to the unique fitness concept.

Ruth’s sessions often attract more than 50 people with mainly women attending, although men are welcome to join too.

Ruth said: “Sometimes on a Wednesday night lots of people would turn up, which got pretty crazy, it was like a full on rave!

“I do want to get more men involved, you can tell some of them would enjoy it but may be a bit embarrassed. I’ve been branded with the name ‘Clubberciser Ruth’ now forever.”

Claire Taylor, 36, from Morecambe has been attending Ruth’s Clubbercise sessions since she started a year ago.

The beauty therapist said: “It is not like a bog standard gym were you feel like you are doing chores. I have got no rhythm whatsoever but you can still put your all into it.”

Frances Whittaker, 51, from Lancaster said: “I have been a few times and it’s just terrific fun, you really are missing out if you don’t go.”

The most popular songs Clubbercise members like to rave to are Rhythm is a Dancer by Snap, Pump Up The Jam by Technotronic, Mr. Vain by Culture Beat, Playing With Knives by Bizarre Inc and Set You Free by N-Trance. Ruth runs Shine Health and Fitness.