Locals taking part in exercise class. Pic: Hackney Council

Hackney Council are providing free exercise classes for residents as the festive season approaches to help combat holiday indulgences.

Classes on offer include box fit, dance fit, yoga and bootcamp. Starting today, the sessions are led by qualified and experienced instructors and will take place both indoors and outdoors across the borough. The classes will run until the end of March 2015.

In addition to adult classes, young people’s classes (for ages 8-11) will also be available. Timetables will be displayed in parks, libraries, leisure centres and the Hackney Service Centre.

Hackney has a higher than average child obesity rate with over 25 per cent of year six pupils categorised as obese, a rate which is among the highest in England. Hackney also has a higher rate of adult smoking than the English average.

Public Health England listed reducing child obesity and smoking cessation as local health priorities for the council for 2014.

Councillor Jonathan McShane, the Hackney Council cabinet member for health, social care and culture, said: “As we move into the party season, Hackney Council is giving residents the opportunity to keep fit and healthy with our free workouts. With a varied programme of indoor as well as some outdoor activities being held across the borough there’s no excuse not to turn up and tone up!”

To register or receive more information visit their website or call 0800 1114 464. Sessions are booked on a first come, first serve basis.