Fitness fanatics can wave goodbye to stifling workouts and pongy locker-rooms this summer – with Islington's first alfresco gym. <br><br>Whittington Park, N19, has been kitted out with a raft of new machines for fresh air fitness sessions. <br><br>The equipment includes a chest press, cross trainer, stepper, leg press and lateral pull-down. <br><br>Councillor Ruth Polling, Islington Council's Executive Member for Leisure, said: "This gym is a breath of fresh air for our residents and a great way to get fit this summer without paying a penny. <br><br>"We hope it will appeal to people who don't like the traditional gym environment, or just want to try something different. <br><br>"This is the latest way to enjoy the borough's growing number of green spaces." <br><br>Helen O'Keefe, Islington Primary Care Trust's Public Health Prevention Manager, said: "Providing free access to gym equipment is a fun and innovative concept which could further help Islington residents to undertake their recommended daily exercise. <br><br> "The best activity is one that you can fit into your everyday lifestyle and that you enjoy."<br><br>The machines, paid for by an education company attached to construction firm Balfour Beatty, sport artwork designed by two local secondary schools. <br>Highbury Grove and Samuel Rhodes Schools' students have been working together in their Saturday art classes to produce colourful images with a Dick Whittington theme. <br><br>Islington Council's Greenspace team has been working closely with the Friends of Whittington Park to ensure its future success. <br><br>Other projects in the pipeline include a wildlife pond, new changing rooms and regular volunteering days.<br><br>ENDS <br><br>For more information please call Chris Weeks on 020 7527 3032 or 07825 098804 <br><br>PICTURES: <br>GYM01: Samantha Weller, 16; Cllr Ursula Woolley; Sophia Urumova, five; Islington's Mayor Cllr Stefan Kasprzyk; Alistair Woolley, six<br><br>GYM02: Samantha Weller, 16; Sophia Urumova, five; Alistair Woolley, six; Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council's Executive Member for Leisure <br><br>GYM03: Gym-goers in Whittington Park, N19
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009