Holding outdoor fitness classes is a growing trend, but one that may soon cost you, as the City of Woodstock is imposing a rental fee to keep their parks in top shape.

People who exercise in the park on their own can continue to do so free of charge, but instructors who charge clients a fee to attend outdoor classes will have to pay.

Despite the fees, the City of Woodstock says it would like to see the classes continue.

“We think that if we actually have groups come in our parks and partake in this, then it actually might encourage a lot more people to say let’s get active,” says Woodstock City Councillor Bill Bes.

He says there have been multiple requests from fitness instructors wanting to use park space, but in order to make sure everyone can be accommodated, the city has decided to charge a $10 dollar an hour rental fee.

“We just want to make sure that all the user groups actually have full use of the facilities and they don't have to worry that anything is conflicting or you know interferes with it,” Bes adds.

The city says it isn't looking to make profits off this program which is why it decided to keep the fee low at $10 dollars.

Yvonne Billone runs a fitness club in the city and says it’s a reasonable request.

“Most people that are working out as a group are paying the instructor anyway, so if it was me and I was charging a group to work out, ten bucks (is) fine,” she says.

Interested instructors will have to register with the city’s parks and recreation department and complete an agreement outlining the number of people involved in the class, as well as the time and space needed.

Billone says exercising outdoors is a great motivator and hopes the city's efforts to promote it will inspire more people to get involved.

“You get out there and you start just working your body, you don't need equipment, you don't need to have anything extra, you just need to work what you got,” she adds.