The City of Subiaco has banned group fitness classes from being held in its parks unless trainers hold a permit that dictates when and where their sessions occur and how many people can take part.

Under a new permit system recently introduced by the local council, trainers conducting classes in Subiaco parks and reserves will now be required to adhere to a number of conditions and pay fees ranging between $400 to $1800 a year.

A council sign erected at Subiaco Common park. Credit:Simon White

It comes as the council-owned Lords Recreation Centre in Subiaco experiences a decline in visitors, memberships and group fitness class attendance.

An operational report on the gym revealed participation in its group fitness classes had declined from an average of 25 people between January to March 2015 to 18.5 people from July to September the same year.