A new fitness craze that is endorsed by celebrity TV host Nadia Sawalha is coming to Cumbria.

'Rebounding' - which sees exercise routine performed on mini trampolines, or rebounders - was initially developed by NASA to help recreate the feeling of zero gravity.

It has since been transformed into a low-impact fitness trend that is already popular in other parts of the UK.

Now a Carlisle gym has become the first to bring it to Cumbria.

The iCan fitness centre, formerly Curves, is now situated in the former Mitchell Dryers premises in Denton Holme.

After hearing about rebounding, four of the team travelled to London recently to try it out and get trained up.

Julia Clifford, a director of iCan, was among them, along with sister Jo, Lisa Williams and Suzanne Hunter.

She said she was instantly converted to rebounding for a wide range of reasons. "They say it's the highest calorie burning exercise on the planet. It's not trampolining. With trampolining you are jumping up. With rebounding you are pushing down," she explained.

"It was originally created by NASA for astronauts, to get a higher G-force. It has so many benefits - it's low-impact, it's great for bones and bone density, helps your pelvic floor, and it's proven to increase your lymphatic drainage, which pumps toxins around your body.

"It's also a lot of fun and is great for all ages and fitness levels. Nadia Sawalha from Loose Women is a big fan."

The four have since filmed a video showing them taking part in a rebounding class at key locations across Carlisle.

The gym is launching its first rebounding classes on Tuesday, each running for 30 minutes.

There will be three a week, some open to the public and some for members only.

Julia stressed that it may be a fairly short workout, but it is tough and has great results.

"You do a five minute warm up, then 15 to 20 minutes of non-stop bouncing, then some core and toning, stretches and a cool down. It can be quite tough. You definitely work up a sweat.

"It's so much fun and quite addictive. I've lost 23 pounds!" she added.

The sessions cost £5 each or £25 for a course of six.