A OUTDOOR trim trail to encourage Southampton residents to get fit has been launched at the city’s Sports Centre.

The ten station trail, which is free to use, was designed with help of a leading outdoor fitness group British Military Fitness to create a challenging course for people of all abilities.

It starts with simple warm up stations such as a balance beam and arm stretch then moves on to rotate between upper body and lower body exercise stations.

The last two stations are a test of endurance with five hurdles, ending with a sit up bench to help keep waistlines under control.

A recommended route map is provided with a diagram demonstrating how to use each station correctly.

The launch of the trim trail comes as the Daily Echo continues its Beat the Bulge to get more people exercising.

A council inquiry revealed that obesity costs Southampton £147m every year and that just over one in four adults and nearly one in ten five-year-olds are dangerously fat.

The council’s leisure boss councillor John Hannides said: “Southampton City Council continues offer free and accessible ways for residents to keep fit and stay healthy.

“We are pleased to be able to increase the diversity of the activities on offer at the Sports Centre with the Trim Trail, and hope that it is enjoyed by everyone who gets to use it.”

Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre manager Paul Fuge said: “We are delighted to unveil the Trim Trail. As with the recently developed Cyclo-Cross track, this offers a free facility at the Sports Centre for people of all ages to enjoy while keeping fit.”

British Military Fitness will be running sessions at the Outdoor Sports Centre in Thornhill Road every Monday and Wednesday from June 21.

The Southampton Sports Centre is set in 150 acres of land on border of the municipal golf course in Bassett.