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Special: Dutch naturists enjoy 'Naked Sunday' and Naturists UK gets a mention on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire!

As this Google search reveals, the story about Dutch naturists getting the opportunity to work out nude has really captured the imagination of the media; but will it inspire any enterprising gym's over here, and entice the many couch potatoes amongst us to lose their clothes, as well as a few pounds, and discover the health benefits of naked exercise?

Well, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire's Alex Harris thought it might when he contacted Naturists UK's Richard Collins to talk live on air about the new Dutch initiative.

Here's a transcript of their conversation yesterday afternoon on Monday's Drive Time programme. You can ‘listen again' until next Monday's programme replaces it.

Alex Harris, hosting the Jeremy Sallis - Drive programme Monday 5^th Mar - 16:00, introduces the item:

Start: 01:20 (approx. 5:23pm)

Alex: ...coming up shortly we'll talk with the news editor of the Cambridge Evening News about what they've got going on in the paper today but before that; some people find any trip to the gym a little unnerving and people are often a little self-conscious but imagine you creep over to the treadmill and to your surprise you find the person running next to you is totally naked.

Well, this is what would have greeted you at the Fitworld gym in Heteren in Holland yesterday. They began their run of Sunday sessions for people who want to get fit and go naked. So, would this appeal to you and can we expect a gym in Cambridgeshire to follow suit? Well, joining me now is Richard Collins who is setting up an organisation called Naturists UK; and may be known to people in Cambridge as the Naked Cyclist. Richard, thanks for joining us on Drive Time.

R: Hi Alex.

Alex: I guess, erm, the first thing I could say to you is, this erm idea of going naked in the gym would probably strike you as a good idea?

R: Erm Yeah - a great idea! (as I chuckle) Erm. It's a good way to avoid a lot of washing afterwards of sweaty clothes! I mean the human body is designed to keep cool and umm it works far better without a lot of clobber all on it.

Alex: And, is there anywhere in Cambridge that you're aware of that people can go and work out without their clothes on?

R: Er, not any indoor gyms that I am aware of? But er the streets of Cambridge (laughs) are fine in the summer! (Laughs more...) You know, when it's warm enough! I I find it's great fun to get out there in the sunshine and fresh air so I don't think you need to pay a lot of money and go and run on a treadmill when you can er get on your bike really; and cycle the cycle paths of Cambridge.

Alex: I guess you can do, but it - it's slightly more controversial going out into the public than it is... unfortunately... I I know you wouldn't agree with the controversy but it is...

R: It's a lot more fun, that's why I laughed ‘cos that's the usual response I get when I'm out on my bike it's - you know - people think it's great fun. It it's all about freedom and that's what naturism is about so umm, I think it's a really good idea. I mean, there are gyms that do have saunas and things but they've got signs up saying "Costumes must be worn"; I mean, that really is crazy...

Alex: uh hmm (agreeing?)

R: ...I - I can understand people not liking bits bouncing up and down when they're, you know, doing the exercise erm both men and women...

Alex: It's practical isn't it...?

R: Yeah, but absolutely. But erm I would like to see more gyms saying: fine "natural choice" in the sauna, erm you know, because that's how it was invented, it is a bath after all. That's what the Scandinavians invited it for!

Alex: OK, well... so you're starting up an organisation called Naturists UK, so I assume you have contacts with other naturists around the area?

R: Quite a lot Yeah All over the country

Alex: Would you say that there was a market for one of the gyms in Cambridgeshire to open for a day where it's strictly naturists only?

R: Definitely Umm Yeah Definitely Umm There was one, er LA Fitness, that used it as er - an advertising campaign with some naked ladies er in various erm tasteful poses to promote ‘the body', you know, because I think too many people wear clothes all the time and they don't see what's happening to their body when they suffer from over eating and a lack of exercise; so if we were to get our kit off a bit more often, we'd actually probably take more notice of how we are and er make more of an effort to keep fit and eat less.

Alex: OK

R: Most people eat out of boredom. Erm You know, there's not a lot on, so if you can get out in the fresh air, go jogging, cycling or whatever, you'll find this is a lot better for you.

Alex: Good. Yeah, well I think I'll wait until it warms up a little bit...

R: Me too!

Alex: ...before I run around Jesus Green without my clothes on, but maybe I'll give it a go in the Spring. Richard Collins. Thanks for joining us this afternoon.

R: Thanks a lot.

Ends: 01:23:48

Well, that was a bit of fun!

If you run a gym, the buff £ is certainly something you shouldn't ignore! Our numbers are growing all the time as naturism becomes ever more popular. Fresh air and sunshine are free but can you entice our numbers to enjoy your facilities - at least your sauna, spa and the other wet areas of your health suite where clothes really aren't necessary!

And to naturists: mention this and lobby your local gym, local authority or pool provider, and ask them to consider our needs! We should be aiming for clothing-optional sessions on a Saturday or Sunday evening every week in every major town up and down the country!

Or do we simply rebel and ignore the "costumes" signs and vote with our feet if they don't accept us?

(Our ‘Comments' system will be open for business soon, please ‘bare' with us!)

Stop Press: Just as I completed this, we've had another caller join Naturists UK who said a similar discussion took place yesterday morning on Radio 2. It's the Ken Bruce Show, 9:30am - 12noon. Enjoy it here.