Ananova:

A dozen middle-aged and elderly men - but no women - turned up for a Dutch gym's first naked work-out session.

Participants at the Fitworld gym in Heteren were outnumbered by journalists, photographers and five TV crews.

"There are things that you like to do, and for a nudist, it just feels better to do them with your clothes off," said Ron van der Putten.

Patrick de Man, owner of Fitworld, decided to open the inaugural session to the press after receiving inquiries from as far away as Russia and Australia.

No women nudists attended, though De Man said eight had signed up, out of nearly 100 applicants overall.

Local councillor Frits Witjes, who cut a ceremonial ribbon to declare the day open, said there had been a mixed reaction among residents: "Some people are happier about it than others," he said.

Staff and helpers wore aprons with a nude body painted on. Exercisers were required to put towels on weight machines and to use disposable seat covers while riding bikes.

In addition, the machines were to be cleaned three times before they would be used again by the gym's regular clientele who had expressed concerns about sanitation.