Sport to tackle child obesity

Manchester Metropolitan University is tackling the problem of child obesity and malnutrition with a unique series of fitness classes.

Expert instructors at the university sports centre at Didsbury are to offer fitness and gym training specifically for children aged 11-14.

Helen Wallis, duty instructor at Didsbury Sport Centre, said: “Going to the gym is normally seen as an adult thing but young people’s health has become such an issue that we all need to help solve it.

“Some children are involved in sports clubs, but what about all those who do not play football or hockey or club sports. How should they keep fit?”

The Junior Gym programme starts on June 7 for girls and boys aged 11-14 and runs for six weeks. Once a week sessions on Mondays or Tuesdays from 16.45-17.45pm will instruct about the body and encourage fitness through use of Fitness Suite Equipment, warm-up and cool down.*

A separate course Junior Athletics, also for 11-14-year-olds, will cover areas of athletic fitness such as warm up & cool down, flexibility, strength, stamina, sprints, throwing and jumping. This course also runs for six weeks on Mondays and Tuesdays 16.45-17.45pm, starting June 6/7.

Added Helen: “Young people’s health is being compromised by TV, video games and computers. The vast majority do like physical exercise but often need a kickstart. This pilot project offers a regular and structured way of getting them into a healthier routine.”