Worried parents are paying for children to get fit at gym

Helen Nugent reports that child membership of Britain’s major private leisure chains has increased by nearly 40% over the past three years.  She says parents want to instil an exercise ethic in their children and don’t want to rely on PE teachers.  Nugent advises that under-16 membership at Virgin Active has increased from 12,000 to 20,000 since 2003.  David Lloyd has over 40,000 members aged 6-17, up from 36,904.  Junior membership at Esporta has risen 95% in three years to 19,000.  At Next Generation younger members now account for nearly a quarter of the membership. “We know that schools are reaching two hours a week of exercise but it’s not enough… reaching targets of a few hours more will take schools a lot of time.  A lot of kids do not like traditional sport.  That is where clubs and leisure centres come in.  Clubs can be a bit more innovative and offer activities that aren’t so competitive.”  Shadow Health Minister, Tim Loughton, criticised the Government for allowing a huge rise in obesity: “For all their pronouncements about raising the amount of physical exercise at school it is still not happening in practice and parents concerned for the health of their children are having again to dip into their much raided pockets to access facilities at private gyms.  This has been compounded by the continued raiding of public playing fields for house building and an epidemic of ‘no ball games’ signs on housing estates.”

It is suggested that clubs include a varied programme incorporating activities such as street dance, circuits and martial arts and where possible encourage outdoor pursuits as well.  It is advised that adult supervision is essential when youngsters are using gym equipment.

(Times, p25, Helen Nugent, ½ page)