TEAM GB water skiers Hannah and Lauren Bird from Burnham-on-Sea are very accomplished athletes when it comes to testing their strength, skill and balance on the water.

But now they are taking on a new fitness challenge thanks to 1610 and an innovative floating fitness class which is launching at Trinity Sports & Leisure in Bridgwater.

Trinity Sports and Leisure is the first leisure centre in the South West to launch floatfit, a revolutionary high intensity interval work which takes place on an inflatable mat which floats on water.

It has been developed by Aquaphysical and it is a new way of exercising which challenges core stability, strength and balance.

Hannah, 17, is the current European water ski champion for her age group and the sisters are among the first in the South West to try out this new training technique which could help them during their winter fitness training programme.

“It was really fun but challenging on your muscles, the balance you have to have to stop yourself from falling off the board is incredible, we really enjoyed it.," Hannah said.

"Water skiing is purely based on balance, core and the legs and the core muscles you have to have for water skiing and floatfit are very similar, so it is very, very good training for us.”

But the new fitness class is not just for elite athletes as it has proved popular with Trinity Sports & Leisure members who have been part of trial classes.

1610 wellness manager Matt Bryant said: “It is enormous fun to do and is a very effective work out for key muscle groups and for core stability and strength.

"It's a challenge every time you do it but our customers really enjoy it and it has also provided a lot of laughs until they can master the technique.

"A video of the class on our Facebook account has already attracted 15,000 views, so we know it is going to be popular.”

The new floatfit classes will take place at Trinity Sports & Leisure on Mondays 7pm- 7.30pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7pm and 7.30pm and Thursday 9am.

For more information please contact Matt Bryant at Trinity Sports & Leisure 01278 429119 or email MBryant2@1610.org.uk.