A NEW outdoor gym is set to open next month.

The fitness area, on the north side of Lower Colchester Castle Park, near to Leisure World will give residents somewhere to go to work out.

The gym will have 16 pieces of equipment and will be split into two ‘zones’ - one for cardio, including cross country skiers, rowers and walkers,and one for strength, which will include leg stretch, leg press and chest press equipment.

Paid for by developer contributions as part of Colchester Council’s 2012 Olympic Games Legacy plan, it is due to open in July.

Annie Feltham, Colchester councillor responsible for leisure, said: “Castle Park is already popular with walkers, runners and cyclists and we hope that this new outdoor gym provides an added attraction for them to visit the park.

“The new gym will be free to everyone so they can exercise whilst enjoying the fresh air.

“Those striving to ‘get fit’ - young and old - will be able to benefit from the equipment and make the park part of their daily fitness routine.”

Equipment is being installed by leisure park contractors, Lightmain.