GETTING fit in the fresh air is now a breeze for residents as outdoor gyms have been installed in two parks in Popley.

Two new outdoor gym trails at Chineham Park and Tewkesbury Close open space, both in Popley, have been provided by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council after residents called for more opportunities for increased physical activity locally.

The council consulted with local residents last October to get an idea of what people wanted to see available and the most popular concept was a trail of outdoor gym equipment around both parks.

The new trails will be officially launched at an event this afternoon at Chineham Park, off Popley Way, from 3pm.

Members of the Chineham Running Club will be on hand to help people unsure of how to use the equipment and share some fitness tips.

The council’s Cabinet member for partnerships, Councillor Cathy Osselton, said: “This new gym equipment is aimed at helping residents to get outdoors and active at a time to suit them and for free.

“Having access to sports and fitness activities plays a key role in improving health and wellbeing in the borough so I hope that residents will use these trails to train or set themselves fitness challenges.”