Burnley gym showing primary school kids fitness is fun

Out to inspire kids through their expert tuition, Fitness Evolution - based at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre - is showing that keeping fit and healthy doesn't have to be something to dread, with the high-tech gym's fitness experts delivering sessions to hundreds of primary school children in a pioneering programme to encourage a love of fitness at a young age.

“We’re the first in the UK to be delivering this primary schools’ fitness initiative which encourages children to develop habits that will last a lifetime and find a fitness activity that suits them," said Ashley Alderson, manager of Fitness Evolution. "Our sessions are very inclusive – there’s something to suit every taste and no one is left on the sidelines.

"We have the specialist skills at Fitness Evolution to ensure that every single child can find something to do, including those facing barriers to staying active", Ashley added. "We are IFI accredited – which means this is an inclusive fitness initiative.”

Launched with the support of specialist sports makers, Helen Tyson and Fiona Callaghan, from Burnley and Pendle schools, the fitness programme started out with a handful of schools in Pendle and has been taken up across East Lancashire, with Fitness Evolution enrolling primary school teachers on a Level I fitness course to study anatomy, nutrition, and fitness so they can continue the great work.

“We’re proud to be fitness ambassadors at Fitness Evolution, spreading the message that everyone can stay active," Ashley continued. "Staying fit and active is important for young people: every student at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre is entitled to a free session at the gym, can take part in one of our many classes, and is eligible for discounted membership.

"Plus, we have the successful Academy of Sport and Elite Athlete programmes for students who are as passionate about their sport as they are their studies and, of course, we have lunchtime activities for those who want to let off some steam," he added.

“We hope the primary school pupils we’re encouraging today through dance, Boxercise, Boogie Bounce, Commandos, Pound, or Glow For It will be the fitness fans we welcome at Fitness Evolution in years to come – and perhaps even one of the UK’s top athletes.

"Picking up the fitness habit at such a young age could change their lives.”