A journalist turned fitness instructor has blasted the opening of pubs before gyms as making “no sense”.

Marc McLean worked as a reporter for the Rutherglen Reformer before becoming a weight training coach and author of the Strength Training 101 book series.

Gyms remain closed in Scotland due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions, but Marc has now questioned the logic of the decision in a piece for his former newspaper.

Marc, pictured, said the restrictions “make no sense”.

He wrote: “In Scotland we definitely have it backwards. Boozing: bad for your health. Gym/fitness centres: good for your health (physical and mental).

“Our First Minister has been at great pains to explain that the extreme lockdown measures are all about putting lives and people’s health first.

“By continuing this unnecessary delay to the reopening of gyms, people are being robbed of the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health, while strengthening their bodies and immune defences.”

Marc went on to cite the views of two health experts he interviewed at the beginning of lockdown, who he says “busted the myth that excessive exercise could hamper immunity”.

He added: “I’m delighted pubs and restaurants have reopened, it’s been a huge boost for people to be able to socialise again and stay as balanced as possible following some very testing months.

“However, the priorities are all wrong. It should have been gyms first, pubs second – or at least have them both open at the same time.”

You can read all our coronavirus-related stories here.