Residents are being encouraged to get active this January and take advantage of the wide range of sports and physical activities on offer across the borough.

Reading Sport and Leisure (RSL) offers more than 100 group exercise classes across Meadway, Palmer Park and south Reading, with something to suit all ages and abilities.

Palmer Park gym has recently benefitted from a £35k investment in 28 new pieces of equipment, including Cardio, fixed weights, free weights, spin and stretch areas.

Students on a tight budget can sign up for membership before January 31 and get three months membership from only £35 (less than £3 a week).

There are also classes tailored for the over 50s, and the Everybody Active programme is ideal for adults with disabilities - with football, gym, cycling, trampolining and boccia on offer.

For under 5s, there are pre-school gymnastic courses as well as indoor play sessions at Meadway. For older children learning to cycle safely, Palmer Park Sports Stadium offers a number of cycling sessions. RSL Aqua Academy also offers a variety of swimming lessons.

For more information, visit the RSL website at www.readingleisure.co.uk.

For those who love getting out and about, aspiring runners can join in with the free Saturday Park Run at Prospect Park (www.parkrun.org.uk/prospect).

Locals can take advantage of the many beautiful parks and gardens in Reading, and those looking for a gentle walk with an opportunity to socialise can join in with Reading Health Walks community walking scheme (www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/south-east/reading-walks-programme).

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, Reading's lead member for health, wellbeing and sport, said: "There are so many great activities on offer across Reading. Why not try a new activity or get back kinto a sport you once enjoyed?

“The health benefits of getting active for at least 30 minutes a day are immense. Not only can it give you more energy, a better mood, help you sleep better and manage your weight, longer term it can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

“As a council we’re committed to delivering improved sport and leisure facilities in order to support Reading people doing more sport and exercise. Last year Prospect, Palmer and Cintra parks all benefited from investment in sports facilities and this year we will be progressing our with our commitment to deliver modern new sports facilities for Reading. It is hoped that a new leisure operator will be selected this year and we will then be working in partnership to deliver new and improved facilities as quickly as possible.”