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A resident performs sit-ups at a community gym in Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Shaoxing News]

Shaoxing in East China's Zhejiang province plans to increase 50 public gyms at residential communities this year, according to local media on Sept 2.

Over the past few years, the city has been improving facilities to involve more residents in sports.

The 50 new gyms will be laid out in different neighborhoods, aiming to allow all residents to get easier access to sports facilities.

The gym at Qixing sub-district in Xinchang county is entering the final stage of construction. The local authorities spent 120,000 yuan ($17,304) on 300 square meters of sports venue.

Once the gym starts operation, it will be open to the public for free, said Zhang Junliang, top official of Shizhuwan village in Qixing sub-district.

Other community gyms offer services at a cheap price. The Yuedu Community Gym, which covers more than 500 square meters, only charges users 365 yuan a year.