FOOTBALLER Chris Birchall is keeping trim by doing fitness training at a new council-owned leisure complex.
The former Trinidad and Tobago International, who also played alongside David Beckham in the LA Galaxy team, has become a member of Jubilee 2 in Newcastle.
He is using the facilities at the recently opened £10 million centre for his fitness training three times a week.
Chris said: "When I returned from America, there seemed to be a real buzz around J2. The centre was recommended to me by a number of friends and family.
"The gym has everything I need to maintain my fitness. There is so much to do there and the staff are always helpful and approachable."
Chris needs to keep in fighting form as he is hoping to return to his old club Port Vale once the embargo on new players is lifted.
Jubilee 2 is owned by Newcastle Borough Council and features a gym, a 25-metre swimming pool, an aqua sauna with a monsoon shower, climbing walls, and more than 40 exercise classes every week.