Joe Fagan was given a tour of the John Wright Sports Centre in East Kilbride, which has already been refurbished, along with Biggar Sport Centre, Strathaven Leisure Centre and Carluke Leisure Centre.

The gyms at Hamilton Water Palace and Lanark Lifestyles are currently closed for their own refits, and the programme will then move on to Eastfield and Fairhill Lifestyles, the Dollan Aqua Centre, Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill, Blantyre Leisure Centre, Coalburn Leisure Complex, and the Willie Waddell Sports and Community Centre.

Councillor Fagan said: “We believe helping our residents stay active and fit is one of the best investments we can make. That’s why we are upgrading gyms and fitness studios across South Lanarkshire, using £2.74 million made available in my Administration’s budget this year.

“This is ensuring our residents have affordable access to some of the best facilities in Scotland, including new stationary bikes, more cardio machines and fixed resistance equipment.

“I am hugely impressed with the improvements I have seen in my own local gym at the John Wright’s and elsewhere.  I am confident everyone else will too, and I’d urge our residents to see for themselves the brilliant facilities in their neighbourhoods.”

Full details of all the gyms and other facilities operated on the council’s behalf by South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) can be found on their website. 

Nick Lansdell, SLLC Chief Executive, said: “We have a whole range of great value memberships for people of all ages, and there’s always the option of a one-day trial so you can see for yourselves the fantastic equipment and facilities on offer.”