GYMS and leisure centres across the country may have had to temporarily close, but St Helens residents can still access quality, free workouts from the comfort of their own home.

Delivered by qualified sports coaches and personal trainers from St Helens Council’s Sports Development team and leisure provider, Go Active, the online classes are streamed daily through social media, with something for all ages and abilities to enjoy – from high intensity interval training (HIIT) and yoga, to household Olympics - with little or no equipment required.

Meanwhile, as part of a community sport programme, coaches have also been out visiting residential homes in St Helens Borough to support elderly residents in keeping active; carrying out exercise classes in the court yard for them to repeat in their rooms.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, Councillor Anthony Burns, said: “With everything that is going on at the moment, keeping our physical and mental health intact is very important.

"Our Sports Development and Go Active teams have really stepped up during this hour of need to provide a fantastic free service to keep St Helens Borough active – and the reaction and engagement so far has been nothing short of outstanding.

“With promising weather upon us, I would urge residents to try and avoid the temptation of going out where possible and instead to take part in a fitness activity together - as exercise really can do wonders for keeping spirits up.”

To get involved go to https://en-gb.facebook.com/SportDevSTH/