THE beginning of the new year means it's time to shed the pounds piled on during the festive season - and here's 10 ways to get back into shape here in Birmingham.  

We've compiled a handy list of health and fitness activities in the area so you can get cracking on starting the new year with a new you.  

1. Get out and walk more

Birmingham is lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful countryside and within the city itself are stunning parks. Make the most of them.

Getting fit doesn’t have to involve paying loads of money - fresh air is free.

The Lickey Hills, Sutton Park and Cannock Chase are vast and stunning.

Closer to home there are Woodgate Valley Country, Cannon Hill and Solihull’s Brueton parks.

2. Get fit the army way

British Military Fitness (BMF) is now firmly established with lots of classes in Birmingham and Solihull.

Using local parks, the Army physical training instructors put you through an hour-long bootcamp-style workout.

But you don’t have to be super-fit as every class has three groups: beginners, fairly fit and extremely fit.

As well as exercising, you will also be outdoors with all the health advantages that brings.

More details from the website www.britmilfit.com

3. Eat as nature intended

Farmers’ markets are springing up all over the city and are filled with home-grown meat, eggs, vegetables and bread all from local farms.

Studies have shown that eating unprocessed, naturally-produced food is better for you.

In Birmingham, farmers’ markets are at the following locations:

City centre, at the top of New Street/Victoria Square - first and third Wednesday of the month.

Sutton Coldfield, Parade - second Friday.

Harborne, High Street - second Saturday.

Moseley, St Mary’s Row - fourth Saturday.

Kings Norton, Village Green - second Saturday.

Kings Heath, ring 0121 443 4421 for details of locations - first Saturday.

4.Take advantage of being a Brummie

Birmingham City Council lets council taxpayers use its gyms and leisure centres free of charge during off-peak hours.

The Be Active scheme was originally just in Ladywood as a way of getting deprived people to become healthier.

But it became so popular it has now been extended city-wide.

All you need to do to sign up is have proof you pay council tax to Birmingham.

Details from the website www.birmingham.gov.uk/beactive

5. Run a 5km race every week for free

ParkRun has been operating in Cannon Hill Park for several years now and is growing in popularity.

You just sign up online and can turn up and take part in a 5km race free of charge every Saturday morning.

Your times are recorded so you can see how much faster you are getting.

Details from the website www.parkrun.org.uk

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