Coronavirus: Fareham yoga teacher uses Facebook to stream free classes for people stuck indoors as Covid-19 scuppers new studio launch

Luke Voulgarakis had expected to unveil his new headquarters in West Street, Fareham this weekend but called the celebration off in light of the government’s latest advice.

In a bid to beat the virus the 35-year-old has instead opted to take to Facebook to broadcast his exercises live for free.

He said: ‘I didn’t know all this was going to happen but it would now be irresponsible of me to open the studio whether people wanted to come or not.

‘I’ve had to think of an alternative and, although I’m not making money, this is keeping people moving and reducing their anxiety at a very difficult time.’

LV Yoga, Mr Voulgarakis's company, had been sat at just shy of 700 Facebook followers when he started the live streams on Friday.

It now has almost 1,200 and the videos have attracted more than 2,800 viewers.

On broadcasting to homes across the region the teacher, who first took an interest in yoga by playing Wii Fit 12 years ago, said: ‘It’s a really strange concept. When I did the first class I was a bit nervous and I didn't know how people would respond.

‘But the feedback has been amazing and I'm overwhelmed by it all.

‘Yoga can help with mental and physical health, depression and it can help you to learn to love your body and improve your relationship with food.

‘If someone watching the videos can reap just one of those benefits, then for me that’s a massive positive.’

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He added: ‘I’m hoping this means I can get my name out there and people realise there is a studio out there dedicated to improving people’s wellbeing.’

To keep up with Mr Voulgarakis’s sessions, visit his business on Facebook at facebook.com/lvyogafareham