People in Liverpool suffering from 'gym phobia' are being given the chance to become more active after a series of fitness centres were opened in community fire stations.
Liverpool Active City, a programme which is jointly managed by Liverpool Primary Care Trust and Liverpool City Council, has installed three gyms at Speke/Garston, Belle Vale and Croxteth community fire stations.
Dr Paula Grey, Director of Public Health for Liverpool said: “If you haven’t exercised in a long time or are body conscious, going to the gym can be intimidating.
"This project is about encouraging people to get back into exercising in an environment where they feel comfortable and secure, and removes many of the barriers that are associated with the fear of going to a gym."
A number of firefighters at the stations have gained the Level Two Gym Qualification, which is the same level as a gym instructor.
They will not only be on hand to advise people on gym equipment and fitness routines, but will also be taking the opportunity to speak to them about fire safety in their homes as there is clear evidence of the link between inactivity and home fires.
To use the station gyms people will need to contact either of the stations directly or via their local Active City Co-ordinator or Health Trainer.
The sessions will be free of charge for the period of 12 weeks, after which they will be signposted to their local Lifestyles centre.
This gives participants an opportunity to become familiar and comfortable working out in a gym environment as well as ensuring they have enough time to build up their fitness levels, before progressing onto the various membership options within Lifestyles.
Councillor Roz Gladden, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for health, said: “We need to get as many people as possible into the habit of exercising on a regular basis in order to combat the chronic problems caused by heart disease and other illnesses brought on by an inactive lifestyle.
“This is a great scheme which will give one to one support to residents and help them develop habits which will make a major difference to their overall health and wellbeing.
“Fire stations are community buildings and this is a great way of extending their use so they benefit as many people as possible.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mike Hagen of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are delighted to be enhancing fitness facilities for local residents.
"This is one of many successful partnerships we now have with local organisations that are benefiting the community and opening up the fire station.
We want all our fire stations to be at the heart of our communities and this is a great way of helping local residents to become safer, stronger and healthier."
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