Stoke-on-Trent gym sessions aim to get non-sporty kids active

A Stoke-on-Trent fitness instructor has introduced children-only fitness sessions, to try to reach youngsters who do not enjoy team sports at school or clubs.

Finn Waterton has run classes for children at his gym in Brindley Ford near the city on Monday nights since April.

A child health expert has suggested a focus on organised sport is not helping children become more physically active.

Mr Waterton said: “Whether they’re sporty or not, I want the emphasis to be: ‘you come, you do what you can and you enjoy it’.”

The children work on adjusted adult machinery in a 45-minute circuit which includes punchbags, rowing machines and weights.

A young cricketer, Fraser, said the sessions allowed him to keep up his fitness during the winter season.

“I think it’s really good… They’re very welcoming and they show you how to do everything,” he said.

13-year-old Jess added: “I’d definitely encourage other people to come. It’s just something different.”

Individual Fit with Finn sessions cost £7, although those signing up for several weeks get discounts.

Over-emphasis on sports clubs was an issue raised by Dr Andrew Daly-Smith from the University of Bradford in research into inactivity among young people.

Recent statistics from Sport England indicate that 53% of children and young people are not reaching the suggested 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

Dr Daly-Smith said headteachers told him that team sports were not always effective in helping pupils to enjoy exercise.

“Sadly, the persistence of governments to focus on sport is turning many children and young people off being physically active.”