Fitness sessions for children

A fitness group which has helped hundreds of adults of all ages and abilities to take up running while having fun is now launching junior sessions for children.

The sessions for children aged from four to 10 are being launched by Fitmums and Friends. The group is supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s public health service.

The sessions will teach children to run, throw and jump in a friendly and supportive environment, whatever their level of fitness.

“It is all about creating fun opportunities for kids to be active whilst supporting their development of agility, balance and co-ordination,” said Fitmums and Friends co-ordinator Sam Barlow.

Fitmums and Friends was launched in 2009, offering running, fitness walks and buggy sessions in Cottingham for anyone, mums, dads, grandparents and friends. It uses a unique coaching technique to ensure that everyone feels supported and encouraged to keep going, with no-one left behind.

A successful spin off group started last year in Beverley for adults on Tuesdays from 9.45am at Beverley Leisure Centre and Thursdays from 7pm at Longcroft School. The group at Beverley Leisure Centre has childcare available.

Councillor Jonathan Owen, chairman of the East Riding health and wellbeing board, said: “The key to Fitmums’ success is its friendliness and its emphasis on everyone being supported, whatever their ability or goal.

“I am delighted that the group is now able to offer the same opportunities to children, enabling them to understand that being active is an important part of their lives and that you don’t necessarily have to be the best or fastest in sport to enjoy it,” he said.

The new junior sessions will be held on Mondays at Longcroft Lower School in Beverley, from 8 September, and places must be booked.

The sessions for four to six year olds will be held from 4.45pm to 5.30pm, with those for seven to 10 years from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

To book a place or for more information, email info@fitmums.org.uk or ring 07870 654586.