Residents in the East Riding will be able to borrow a 'Gym in a Box' from their local mobile library to help them exercise at home.
Free gym equipment will be available to borrow from mobile libraries across the East Riding starting this September.
Residents looking to improve their health without the expense of a gym membership can now check out a 'Gym in a Box' alongside their usual library books.
The new initiative aims to tackle health inequalities in rural communities by providing easy access to fitness tools and guidance completely free of charge.
Funded by Libraries Connected, the scheme is specifically designed to encourage people who might not otherwise engage in physical activity to try exercising from the comfort of their own homes.
It is also aimed at those who want to be active but do not have easy access to local fitness resources.
The launch of the project ties in with National Fitness Day, which takes place on Wednesday the 16th of September.
The annual campaign, run by ukactive, highlights the vital role that physical activity plays across the United Kingdom.
It helps to raise awareness of the importance of movement in assisting people to lead healthier lifestyles.
Each 'Gym in a Box' contains a variety of equipment suitable for both cardiovascular workouts and weight training.
The kits have been carefully curated to ensure they are appropriate for users of all fitness levels.
Inside the boxes, borrowers will find a mini exercise bike.
This versatile piece of equipment can be used as a traditional bike while seated, or placed on a table to be used as an arm bike for a low-impact cardiovascular workout.
For those looking to build strength, the kits include resistance bands, small dumbbells, and a gym ball designed to be used for weight training.
Additionally, a yoga mat, a Pilates ball, and Pilates bricks are provided to assist with stretching and flexibility training.
To ensure users get the most out of the equipment, each box also contains comprehensive guidance and suggested exercises for every item included.
By taking part in the project, library officials hope participants will become more physically active and see tangible improvements in their mobility as well as their mental health.
The scheme also aims to give residents the confidence to take part in other fitness activities in the future.
The boxes will be available to all East Riding Library members for an eight-week loan period.
This extended timeframe is intended to give customers ample opportunity to adjust to and build upon their new fitness routines.
As an added incentive to keep residents moving, East Riding Leisure is offering a reward for those who participate.
Once the 'Gym in a Box' kit is returned to the local mobile library, borrowers will receive a free one-week gym pass.
These passes can be redeemed at any East Riding Leisure centre, encouraging people to continue their fitness journey.
The East Riding Mobile Library Service is a vital lifeline for many rural areas, visiting more than 160 stops every single month to bring books and other resources directly into local communities.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, welcomed the new initiative.
He said:
"We are pleased to bring the 'Gym in a Box' scheme to residents in the East Riding. The project allows residents to borrow gym equipment and explore exercise no matter what their fitness level may be, from a Mobile Library in their area.
"This inclusive scheme broadens the offer of our popular Mobile Library Service whilst helping people to improve their fitness, gain confidence and move towards a healthier lifestyle."
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