A FORMER baker who ditched to dough to help people drop the pounds has been hosting fitness classes in care homes across the county.

Italian health and fitness enthusiast Sandra Campanella from Devizes set up her mobile personal training business business, Vita Nuova, meaning new life.

Now Miss Campanella hosts classes where she teaches elderly and disabled people how to keep fit.

She said: “I have been offering free trials to quite a few care homes in the area of Devizes, Trowbridge, Melksham, Marlborough and Swindon.

“Most of them are homes for people with disabilities or recovering from illness.

“The trials have been 100 per cent successful and the homes have given me the opportunity to perform my classes on regular basis and for this I am very grateful to all the managers, activity coordinators and also the nurses who seem to love joining in and having a lot of fun with us.

“My classes consist in an hour of gentle exercise on chair or standing when possible at the rhythm of Latin music as being Italian is my favourite and it seems to get everyone moving, smiling and tapping their feet! It also creates a special energy in the room which in most cases gets everyone up and dancing. I also use very light dumbells for simple weight bearing exercises which people follow very well.

“I still offer my personal training private sessions and I love it, it’s great to gradually see people feeling healthier and looking great day after day.”

Miss Campanella has received very positive feedback from current clients.

Neil Baker, of Downlands Road, Devizes said: “Sandra has been my personal trainer for the past year.

“I feel stronger and fitter all the time. I am 84 yrs old and feel sure that I will have a good few more to go.”

Vita Nuova Fitness classes run in a number of care homes through out the week, some of which are open to the public. For more info visit theVita nuova fitness Facebook page.