A group of children from St Leonard’s Primary School have been the first school in the Borough to use the youth ‘SHOKKs’ gym at the newly refurbished Padiham Leisure Centre.

The children were given access to the centre for a nominal fee and have had two sessions learning how to use the adapted youth fitness equipment and took part in various fitness challenges. PE Co-ordinator Mr Neil Claxton said of the sessions:

‘The facility is fantastic and gives the children a great work-out, it is bright colour-ful and easy to use. Not only is it a good way for them to learn about fitness, but the range of activities on offer can also link into other areas of the school curriculum. Having the facility on our doorstep will help us to achieve the ‘5 hour offer’.

The fitness equipment is like that of any adult gym but has been specifically adapted to suit the developmental needs of children aged 8 to 14 years. Equipment includes water rowers, spinning bikes, treadmills and a SHOKK target wall which is great for improving hand-eye coordination.

All children having now completed their induction phase are able to use the centre in the evenings and weekends as part of the SHOKK fitness and exercise programme delivered by Burnley Borough Council.

If your school is interested in using the SHOKK’s fitness gym during school times please contact Padiham Leisure Centre on 01282 664588.