Blackburn kids’ fitness offer to launch

Children in an East Lancashire borough will soon be able to take advantage of a brand new £15 a month fitness offer.

From Monday January 12 Blackburn with Darwen Council’s BwD Leisure arm will be promoting the programme designed exclusively for 10 to 15-year-olds.

Following demand from parents, the team have designed a tailored programme specifically for those aged 10 and above which will be available in all three leisure centres in the borough – Blackburn, Darwen and Witton.

The membership, called ‘Kickstart’, will offer gym access with instructor support, unlimited swimming and track use; plus, junior-only fitness classes for £15 a month on direct debit, with no minimum contract term or additional fees.

The offering focuses on age-appropriate fitness training, which includes developing movement skills, coordination, technique, confidence, teamwork and general fitness.

All gym and group fitness class sessions will be fully supervised by qualified instructors, ensuring activities are suitable for each age group and ability level; and delivered in a fun and friendly way.

Instead of lifting heavy weights or doing high-risk exercises, juniors will focus on bodyweight exercises, light resistance and functional movements, with good balance and posture.

Classes will be held at Blackburn and Darwen Leisure Centres every Monday to Friday at 3.45pm for half an hour, with gym access at 4.15pm.

At Witton Park, sessions at the same times will be available on a Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Swimming access at Darwen and Blackburn and track access at Witton will be in line with the regular timetable.

All classes can be booked by visiting the leisure centres or on the BwD Leisure app, downloadable on Android and Apple.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s resident services boss Cllr Jim Smith said: “We’ve been asked for it many times, so I’m delighted that very soon we’ll be able to offer a junior membership and dedicated classes to 10 to 15-year-olds at BwD Leisure.

“As a council owned service, it’s important that our leisure centres provide an opportunity for children and adults of all ages to take part in movement that makes them feel good.

“We anticipate that there will be strong take-up once the programme is fully launched.”

Borough children’s boss Cllr Julie Gunn said: “As a council, we want to encourage healthy habits from an early age.

“With growing awareness of the importance of physical activity for young people’s physical and mental wellbeing, this new offering is going to be brilliant addition.”