Fitness and gym sessions are linked to creche facilities for first time

PARENTS who want to become fit before the summer are being invited to a free open morning at the West Somerset Sports and Leisure Centre (pictured), in Minehead.
Taster sessions in the sports centre’s gym are being offered on Tuesday, January 13, from 9.30 am to11 am.
The centre provides an opportunity for parents to exercise while their children are safely looked after and can enjoy learning in a local crèche.
It is the result of work by West Somerset Council’s community team to link the leisure facilities with the neighbouring West Somerset College and the Alcombe and Dulverton Children’s Centres.
Council community portfolio holder Councillor Neil Parbrook said: “This is a great opportunity, especially after the indulgences of Christmas, for parents to try free mini gym taster sessions and to see what else the centre has to offer.
“While parents work out, their children will be cared for by students and qualified staff at nearby crèche facilities at the new skills and enterprise centre.
“This is the first time crèche facilities have been linked with fitness facilities in Minehead and, if the taster sessions prove popular, they could become regular events.
“We may even be able to extend the scheme so that parents can use other elements of the skills centre, such as visiting the hairdressers.
“The mini gym taster sessions are overseen by qualified instructors who will advise people on the best exercise for their level of fitness.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for couch potatoes to put their New Year resolutions into practice, or to just train up in time for a trimmer summer.”
The gym is open to all members of the community daily from 8.30 am to 11.30 am.
More information is available by calling Rob Odams on 01643 700030 or Jayne Lethaby on 01643 708815.

'Running for fun for beginners' starts next week

PEOPLE who want to make themselves fitter before the festive season - and possibly hoping to shed a few pounds afterwards - can enjoy a 12-week ‘Running for Fun’ course which starts on Thursday, November 6.
The weekly evening fun run at Minehead Sports and Leisure Centre is funded through the Active Somerset project, which includes West Somerset Council and Somerset Primary Care Trust among its partners.
The scheme is aimed at anybody who wants to start becoming fitter in a friendly and social environment.
Council community portfolio holder, Councillor Neil Parbrook, said: “I think there are quite a few people who might enjoy getting fitter in a relaxed enjoyable way rather than being fast-tracked into a serious sporting environment.
“The aim of this course is to get fitter and enjoy the experience.”
Somerset PCT spokesman Paul Harwood said: “Exercising at this level is enjoyable and brings benefits to the heart, lungs and to health in general.
“Running in groups is more fun than running alone, promoting good mental health, and the social aspect means people are more likely to stay the course.”
The weekly sessions cost £1.70.
More information is available by calling Jayne Lethaby or Mandy Godsell on 01643 708815.