A HARWICH couple are launching their own classes of a new fitness craze sweeping the world.

Bridie and Gary Stanford will open the first aerial fitness classes in Tendring next month - a form of exercise using safety harnesses and bungee cords attached to your waist and the ceiling.

Called Grounded Aerial, founded by dancer and world renowned choreographer Karen Fuhrman, from New York, the classes allow you to jump high, swing around in the air and even do flips, all while getting fit.

The bungee cords are used to aid movements, such as high star jumps, for fun such as swinging in circles and levitating above the ground and as resistance for running on the spot and falling backwards, but at the same time being low impact on joints.

Bridie, who runs Harwich Free FitClub and lives in Wick Lane, Dovercourt, said: “There is nothing like this in Tendring.

“And as far as I am aware there is nothing like it for people with disability, which we will be doing.

“A lady from America is coming over in February and doing classes people can take part in.”

Grounded Aerial classes are billed as a fun way to get fit and are suitable to all levels of ability.

Having started in America, the brand of bungee fitness has swept across the globe, including throughout the UK.

But the first fitness-style classes on bungee ropes are thought to have started in Thailand.

Bridie added: “There are dance classes, double bungee classes and other classes are more relaxation and stretching inspired by yoga and pilates.

“The classes are good for general fitness, it’s a whole new experience to fun fitness. Initially there will be classes at Frinton Tennis Club for two weeks.”

The hope is then to hold classes across Tendring, depending on suitability of locations for the bungee cords and popularity.

The first classes in Frinton from February 5 will include Grounded Aerial, aerial bungee special abilities, double point bungee workshop, and movement, development and creation.

For more details and to book, visit bookwhen.com/gbfitnessnutrition or call Bridie on 07403316735.