A personal trainer from Istanbul who took part in online fitness classes run by a Bury studio during lockdown has made the long journey to the town to do sessions in person.
Sebla Cadirci, a personal trainer from the Turkish capital, got involved in sessions organised online by Luv Fitness on Parson's Lane, arranged at a time when gyms were closed due to coronavirus restrictions.
She worked out to their videos each morning on the beach in Istanbul.
Since discovering Luv Fitness she has taken part in 1,029 of their live Zoom classes and 836 on-demand workouts.
Read more: London-style nightclub gym comes to Bury
Luv Fitness owners, Nick and Louise Phillips, said that as a business owners, it is easy to get caught up in logistics but stories like this make everything worthwhile.
Nick, from Prestwich, has been in the fitness industry for 17 years.
He said: “Community is so important to us and this has been incredible.
Read more: 'It's time to give something back' Charity champion organises black tie ball
“She has dedicated so much money and time to come over to this little studio in the middle of Bury, it is amazing to know that it has all been worth it and see how far we have come.”
Sebla travelled from Turkey in October last year, taking part in five classes at the studio over her weekend visit.
She said she is in the best shape of her life and feels she now has a family in Bury and Manchester.
Read more: Free food recycling bin bags to be cut in Bury amid budget costs
Nick added: “She looks amazing and the whole family here at Luv made a big deal of her visit, she even came in time for our big Halloween party.
“Since starting up, we have been going from strength to strength, we're really about the community.”
Luv Fitness, which opened its premises last year, has a nightclub sound system and lighting, and the space is fully soundproofed.
Cameras have also been installed in the studios so online and live Zoom classes are available for those unable to travel to classes.
Louise said: “We want people to be excited and look forward to training.
“It shouldn’t be ‘I’ve got to go’ it should be ‘I want to go’.
“The endorphins, experience and music make you feel like the best self you can be.”
If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here