Plans for a new outdoor gym could reinstate a 19th century fitness complex in Glasgow Green.

In the 1860s, exercise equipment was installed in the open air to help get local people fit.

It was eventually turned into a play park for children but has been lying unused for decades.

Friends of Glasgow Green are now hoping to recreate an open air gym in the popular visitor attraction.

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The group has already raised £12,000 towards the cost and is hoping the remaining £8000 will be donated through crowd funding.

Friends group chairwoman Trisha Ingram said outdoor gyms operate in other city parks and have proved to be very popular with people using the one in Bellahouston Park even when there is snow on the ground.

She added: “Calton and Dalmarnock are areas of deprivation with people suffering from heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

“A lot of people in the area cannot afford to join a gym but would not have to pay membership fees to use the outdoor gym so we thought it would be a good idea to set up something on the original site.

“We are hoping it will be used by people aged from 12-years-old upwards. Mothers trying to lose weight after being pregnant could take their baby in the pram and dog walkers could tie up their dog nearby.

“Also some people may be shy about attending a gym but in the park they could choose a quiet time of day to go and exercise.”

The Friends group is checking out what kind of equipment is popular in other city open air gyms but is considering a cross trainer and rowing machine.

Trisha said: “We are going to look at what works well in other parts of the city. It is likely the new gym will allow people to have a 20 minute session which will give them a whole body work-out.

“We want local people to take ownership of it. We are looking at getting a trainer once a week and inviting groups down to try it out in the hope individuals decide they want to come back.”

To donate to the outdoor gym fund go to http://www.mypark.scot/projects/outdoor-gym or text GGYM50 £5 to 70070.