There will be no excuses for not exercising in the New Year when a series of outdoor gyms are built in the borough.

The new gyms will be built in parks across Barnet and a consultation on what should they should include ended on December 4.

Edgware Councillor Helena Hart, who has been backing the plans, said: “Nothing improves health more than physical activity. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous.

“People can take it at their own pace and ability. Exercise can be as important as nutrition in staying healthy – and avoiding heart disease, cancer and all other illnesses. That’s why it’s so terribly important.”

The equipment in the gyms will include cycling machines and treadmills, though it will vary from locations.

Proposed locations include Barnet Playing Fields, Childs Hill, Edgwarebury Park, Friary Park, Hendon Park and Watling Park.

The plans also include marked and measured routes for cyclists.

Cllr Hart added: “You only have to do half an hour of running to improve your health. I don’t want to tell people what to do, but if we can help them access these things, we’ve done a good job.”