Girls encouraged to get active

Archived press release

Date Published: 23/02/09

New fitness classes are being introduced at Aqua Vale in Aylesbury to give young people the opportunity to get fit and have fun at the same time.

Under the umbrella of ‘Girls Getting Active’, Aylesbury Vale District Council’s scheme to encourage teenage girls to take part in more physical activity, the sessions will include fitness circuits, aerobics and dancing.

The fun classes are aimed at 13 to 16-year-old girls who may usually shy away from attending sports clubs.

National research has shown that many girls are put off PE because of ugly sports kit, cold weather, shyness about their bodies and the competitive nature of team sports.

The sessions will initially run for eight weeks starting on 3 March from 4.30pm to 5.30pm and will cost just £1 per person per session.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “It is a national problem that when girls get to secondary school their interest in physical activity, sport and fitness often diminishes. If they can get into the habits now, then hopefully when they leave school they will continue doing something they enjoy.”

The sessions are a partnership between AVDC and Aqua Vale. For more information, call Abbi McMullen on 01296 431580.