Fish could be the secret ingredient for a better yoga, pilates or body balance class – if a new programme from Nuffield Health and the National Marine Aquarium proves a success.

Starting this week, aquarium visitors will be able to experience monthly wellbeing events in front of aquariums and fish tanks to help improve their physical and mental health.

The group classes kicked off with a body balance class in front of the aquarium’s Eddystone Reef tank, led by personal trainers from Nuffield Health.

“People lead increasingly busy and stressful lives so public aquariums can help provide valuable calming and relaxing experiences,” said Josh McCarty, head of marketing at the aquarium.

“Combining meditative exercise with the aquarium environment for the Nuffield Health sessions is a great combination and we hope those taking part in the session will feel the restorative benefits.”

Research in 2015 by the National Marine Aquarium, in partnership with Plymouth University and the University of Exeter, found that people who spend time watching aquariums and fish tanks see improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing.

The study, published in the journal Environment and Behavior, showed that looking at aquarium displays led to reductions in blood pressure and heart rate, and that higher numbers of fish helped to hold people’s attention for longer and improve their moods.

Daniel Lewis, deputy general manager at Nuffield Health Plymouth, said: “All participants are really engaged and love the opportunity to try the classes they enjoy in a unique setting.’’

The classes are designed for groups of up to 60 people and cost £5 (US$7.10, €5.70) per person.