Now inmates get personal trainers and steroid tips!

PRISONERS now have their own personal trainers who advise them on ‘diet, nutrition and steroid awareness’.

Inmates at HMP Inverness are ‘encouraged to plan their physical activities’ with gym staff who offer ‘bespoke personal fitness programmes’, according to a watchdog.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons David Strang praised the availability of ‘fresh gym clothing, towels and showers within the gym facility’.

But he said the ‘range of activities available was limited almost exclusively to cardiovascular exercise and the use of weights’. Last night, there was anger criminals have access to a perk that would cost up to £65 an hour for gym-users in the outside world.

Victims of crime campaigner John Muir, whose son was stabbed to death, said: ‘It is outrageous criminals are getting this kind of privilege when, for many of their victims, it’s often a luxury.’

In his report, Mr Strang said Inverness staff provided a relaxed atmosphere for prisoners to engage in fitness activities.

He said: ‘They placed a strong emphasis on promoting a healthy diet combined with appropriate regular exercise.

‘Prisoners were encouraged to plan their physical activities in consultation with gym staff, who provided bespoke personal fitness programmes and advice on diet, nutrition and steroid awareness.’ He added: ‘All prisoner populations had an opportunity to access a small, well-equipped gymnasium five days per week, three evenings each week and at weekends.

‘However, due to staff shortages, the facility was not always available to prisoners during the evenings and at weekends.’

Meanwhile, the report complained that human rights were not explicit in the jail’s ‘equality and diversity strategy’, saying: ‘An explicit reference to human rights is important as it covers all prisoners and staff.’

Last night, a Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: ‘We encourage all those in our care to live healthy lifestyles and work to ensure the support we provide is person-centred and, where possible, tailored to specific needs.’