PEOPLE who over-indulged during the festive season and want to get back into shape can turn to the council for an answer.

Profiles, which is the brand name for four high-profile fitness suites, is designed to help people who want to get or keep fit, either seriously or casually.

The four suites, based at Atherton's Howe Bridge sports centre, Ashton, Wigan International Pool and now Robin Park, but there is also a free quarterly Profiles fitness magazine, T-shirts and gift vouchers.

The package includes use of all four fitness suites for the price of one and passcard holders swim for free during casual sessions.

Operations manager Graeme Hinde, said: "During the past 12 months Profiles has gone from strength to strength. It is a unique feature offered by Wigan Council and uses the best equipment and the best staff. It is clear to us that the use of fitness suites is the recreational activity of the future. Ever since our Open Day in September the uptake of people applying for passcards has been incredible. The number of people registered for the 12 month gold card rose from a handful to over a 160 in a weekend."

And figures should increase further on January 23 and 24 when the card, which usually retails at £220, will be on offer at £160.

Mr Hinde said: "Not surprisingly because of the popularity of Profiles we are hoping to extend facilities at Ashton and Howe Bridge, and introduce new equipment at Wigan Pool."

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