Emma Newham from South Shields returned home in 2001 after becoming a successful pilates teacher in London.

Since then, she has seen her MyBody Studios, in Station Road, East Boldon, go from strength to strength.

Several self-employed business people have taken up units within the studio complex, which now offers a one-stop shop for health.

Self-employed since 1994, Ms Newham, 39, who invested her own money into developing the studios, said: "The recession has not really impacted on my business in any major way.

"My feeling is that while many people may be cutting back on large, costly items, such as a new car or a foreign holiday, they are not denying themselves some of life's little luxuries.

"And this is not just about keeping fit and in shape.

"I run fitness classes for the over-60s and many of those people come along half an hour before we start, because there is also a social element to staying fit.

"People want to feel good on the inside, as well as the outside."

Ms Newham admitted she reached 'burn-out' point when she left London, after battling daily through traffic in the capital to lead some of the first UK pilates classes in people's homes.

But her business quickly took off, and Ms Newham is helping others by providing space in her premises for services ranging from chiropody to Botox treatments.

There are now seven self-employed people working within MyBody Studios.

Ms Newham added: "We are really like a one-stop shop or a holistic co-operative, offering all kinds of treatments under the one roof.

"I have enjoyed helping other self-employed people to make the leap from working from home to having their own units, and reducing the risks for them as well."

Ms Newham still specialises in pilates and yoga, welcoming people to the East Boldon health complex seven days a week.

"We have gone from 11 group classes in 2001 to 29 classes today, which is fantastic," she added. Call 519 3351 for more details.