EXERCISE novices are being offered free introductory group fitness sessions, which are run by former or serving members of the British armed forces.

British Military Fitness will launch Beginner Sundays at the Stray, Harrogate, on Sunday, from 10am to 11am, with the aim of motivating those who are new or returning to exercise.

The sessions, led by trained instructors, which will be varied to keep both the body and mind motivated while improving stamina, speed, agility and strength in a light-hearted and interesting way, will be held on the first Sunday of every month until September.

A spokesman for British Military Fitness, which holds sessions in 140 parks across the country, said: “Research has proven that those starting an exercise regime alone have a general dropout rate of about 43 per cent, whereas for those who train in a group environment, that figure lies around the six per cent mark.

“With the encouragement of expert instructors, people will train in pairs and groups, burning up to 700 calories a session.”

To book onto a free session, visit britishmilitaryfitness.com