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.

Boxing club launches exercise sessions for women-only

WOMEN of all ages can limber up without being self-conscious thanks to a new initiative in the Watchet Boxing Club gym.
The sessions, which have been organised by West Somerset Council, offer afternoon and evening workouts so women can choose how to fit the exercise into their lifestyles.
Qualified gym instructor Izzy Silvester is running the women-only sessions for anybody from beginners to experts, no matter whether they are teenagers, mums, or grandmothers.
District council leisure, culture and recreation portfolio holder, Councillor Neil Parbrook, said: “We live in a very health conscious age so it is a sensible idea to give ladies who might feel inhibited with men around the opportunity to get fit in a ladies-only atmosphere.
“They will learn how to exercise correctly, and hopefully discover that keeping fit can be fun, too.
“We would like to thank Watchet Boxing Club for supporting the sessions.”
Monday afternoon sessions are from 1.15 pm to 2.15 pm until December l7, except during the schools half-term, at a cost of £2 per session. Creche facilities are available at the local children’s centre.
Thursday evening sessions are from 7 pm to 8 pm until December 20, except during the schools half-term, and also cost £2 per session.
Anybody who is interested can go along to the sessions for an introduction, or they can contact Sam Fahey on 01984 633655 or 635980.