A new initiative being piloted in Liverpool could see people working out in their local library from next month.
Liverpool City Council has installed seven pieces of gym equipment, supplied by Technogym, at Liverpool Central Library at a cost of £12,000.
The low-impact exercise machines have been located next to the computer terminals so that people waiting to use the internet can have a work out.
A Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) accredited fitness instructor from the one of the city’s sports facilities will be on hand at all times.
Liverpool City Council leader, Warren Bradley, said: "This is all about breaking down barriers to health and fitness and trying to place exercise at the heart of people's lives. It's a brilliant way for people to get fit - from professionals to schoolchildren, from students to senior citizens."
Mark Jones, fitness manager at Liverpool City Council, added: "This new project will hopefully encourage many more library users to think about getting fit bodies as well as fit minds.
"The gym equipment will be discreetly placed so as not to interfere with the day-to-day running of the library and special clothing will not be required.
“Library users can do as much or as little as they want - if people only want to do a five-minute session, they can do just that."
The instructors will also give out advice on further activities available under Liverpool’s Active City initiative.
John Marsden of Active City, said: "Busy people often see working out as an indulgence they shouldn't waste time on - or they simply don't enjoy disciplined work-outs. But there are lots of new ways in which people can dedicate 30 minutes a day to getting fitter. It's just a matter of treating your chosen activity as a multi-tasking opportunity.
"Putting gym equipment in an environment people are already comfortable in will give many people that extra incentive they need to get fit.
“Whether they're reading or waiting to surf the net, this new initiative will hopefully give a new lease of life to thousands more Liverpool people."
The scheme is currently undergoing a health and safety assessment before the equipment is made available for use in September.
If the pilot scheme is successful, gym equipment could be introduced at other libraries throughout the city early next year. www.liverpool.gov.uk
