Should working out in the park be banned?

As one council puts up signs to stop anti-social exercising... NO

WheN lockdown was announced, I mourned the closure of my local gym in Bath almost as much as I did my children’s school.

I used to go up to five times a week, and even though it put on amazing online classes, sweating it out in my living room while the kids climbed over me just wasn’t the same.

so the minute socially distanced meet-ups were allowed, I was one of the first in the park, thrilled to be able to work out alongside my pals. It was a turning point for me, mentally and physically, and I’m shocked to hear that those using parks to keep fit are being bad-mouthed by curtaintwitching neighbours.

In Leigh-on-sea, essex, residents have complained about fitness fanatics dominating public spaces, disturbing the peace and damaging trees and memorial benches with equipment. Not in my experience.

the park I use is small, but we are respectful and keep our distance. one resident complained about the beeps from my trainer’s timer, so they stopped using it. And we’ve not worked with trees or benches in any of the high-intensity interval training or weightlifting classes I’ve been to.

since I started getting fit five years ago, I feel stronger and more energised — which is essential when you’re a mum to two small children.

how can people criticise those trying to keep fit during a global health crisis, when the extra pounds you carry really can be the difference between life and death?

those using the great outdoors to run, cycle or train are the opposite of the Covidiots, who cram on to beaches and beauty spots, leaving litter and human waste. We only use the space for 45 minutes, unlike those We should encourage people, not them shame settling in for a day of cider drinking and burger flipping on a disposable BBQ burning a hole in the grass.

And who would you rather look at — some fit men and women doing press-ups, or the beer belly of your typical Brit-abroad-but-nowstaying-at-home sunbathing?

I know what I’d rather see. our trainers are easy on the eye, and more than once I’ve spotted a couple of grannies walk off with a spring in their step after a glimpse of wellhoned bicep.

Now more than ever we should be encouraging people to look after themselves, not shaming them for being active.

While I applaud the eat out to help out scheme’s aim to get our economy going, I think there should be a similar initiative to get our nation moving. Government- subsidised fitness classes, with the motto Work out to help out, would give the nation a chance to improve its mental and physical health, rather than stuff their faces on a budget.