ukactive releases new guidance for fitness and leisure facilities
The new guidance forms part of ukactive’s ‘Next Generation strategy’ for investing in the future of children and young people’s health and happiness by getting a million more active by 2030.
A survey of more than 1,000 children aged seven to 14 found that nearly half (49%) of children and young people say they want to be fit and healthy as they grow into adulthood.
Conducted with kids and family insight agency Beano Brain, the poll also found that 48% of children say they believe it is “important to keep physically active to be healthy”, signalling early recognition of its importance.
Separate figures from Sport England’s Active Lives Survey show the number of children and young people getting active in gyms and fitness facilities is growing, with a 12% rise in those taking part in gym and fitness compared to six years ago.
New guidance from ukactive, titled, ‘Children and Young People in Gym and Group Exercise Facilities’, forms part of their ‘Next Generation strategy’ for investing in the future of children and young people’s health and happiness by getting a million more active by 2030.
The guidance document has been developed and approved by ukactive’s Standards and Legislation Committee, legal experts, sector representatives, and partners specialising in physical activity for children and young people.
It will help operators to support and welcome children and young people over the age of eight into fitness and leisure facilities, with recommendations specifically relating to the gym area and group exercise sessions.
It is designed to promote the safe and optimal use of fitness and leisure facilities and includes recommendations for suitable activities, supervision of children and young people in facilities, and advice on appropriate ages for gym and group exercise activities.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said:
"The demand and need for gym and fitness activities among children and young people has never been greater, and we know that children value being active in safe, supportive and accessible settings such as leisure centres and gyms.
"Our members are driving the activity levels of the next generation in ways that are fun and engaging, which is vital for positive and sustained physical and mental health going forward.
"We want the Government to work with us to go even further by ensuring our sector’s facilities and services can reach every community to help create a generation of happy, healthy and more active children.
"This guidance will help our members to engage the target of one million more children and young people across the UK by 2030."
Access the guidance, ‘Children and Young People in Gym and Group Exercise Facilities’, on the the ukactive website.
