THEY say gardening is good for your health but a Glasgow charity is taking that literally - with exercise classes in its allotments.

Environmental charity South Seeds is hosting Gym at the Croft, fitness sessions in its Urban Croft.

Among the rainbow chard and the runner beans, fitness fans are doing burpees and planks under the eye of fitness instructor Tracy Chambers.

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Tracy said: "I do a lot of things in parks so this isn't too unusual for me. I've been out in storms and all sorts.

"You burn more calories outdoors and this setting is lovely. It's good for wellbeing, being outside, and the setting changes every time you come.

"For example, there's a sunflower that wasn't out on Monday and it's out today.

"We've made a pact that we will all keep coming even if it's raining. There's no excuse not to.

"People will say, 'I can't go out, it's raining.' Nonsense. Buy yourself a jacket. Even when it's raining it's lovely."

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Fitness sessions of 30 minutes are on Tuesdays at 11am and Wednesdays at 6pm running until October 12.

Tracy has her class use anything available in lieu of gym equipment - so participants do tricep dips off the side of planters and hold planks in the soil.

Helen Melone, of Queen's Park, has joined up to the sessions as a lead in to getting fit.

The 46-year-old said: "It's tough but fun, it's local and it's free. I have been meaning to go to the gym but this seemed more attractive.

"Gyms are very intimidating - a lot of people in Lycra lifting big weights. This is a stepping stone from where I am now to signing up to a gym.

"I love being outside; I spend my weekends hillwalking.

"At the gym no one talks to you, you're scared to speak to people who are sweating and lifting weights.

"It's lovely, it's a wee oasis away from the hub bub."

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Grant McManus, 48, of Crosshill, is also taking part in the classes.

He said: "There's the fitness angle and the fact it's outdoors and there's good company. It's not in a gym and it's not one of the more tough boot camps.

"It seems more of a community exercise. It's got community spirit and support that you wouldn't get in a gym. I'll absolutely keep coming back and will be until the end of the sessions."

South Seeds, based in Govanhill, turned disused tennis court of the Queen’s Park Bowling and Tennis Club at Queen’s Park recreation ground into allotment spaces for locals.

People apply for a growing bed and in March 24 spaces are allocated for one year.

Those who take over a plot agree to use organic methods and are given access to advice and support from South Seeds staff.

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Lucy Cunningham, South West Projects Coordinator, said: "We wanted to get more people into the croft, not just the people who grow here, and were trying to think of different activities that could work in the space.

"We thought we'd try this and, so far, it's really working."