Alternative to obesity

As participation in sports and exercise decreases, and consumption of high calorie snacks steadily climbs, obesity amongst young people has become one of the most serious health and social problems currently facing the UK. The prevalence of overweight or obesity in children aged from two to ten years increased from 9.6 per cent in 1995 to 15.5 per cent in 2002. It is now close to 17 per cent.

In a drive to reverse this trend, the District Council has consulted with experts to devise programmes that will reintroduce physical activity into the lives of young people by offering exercise that they will enjoy.

"There is nothing more important to the District Council than the health and wellbeing of its young residents," said Cllr. Christopher Hersey, MSDC Cabinet member for leisure and culture. "Our three leisure centres, the Triangle at Burgess Hill, King's at East Grinstead and the Dolphin in Haywards Heath are uniting in a joint initiative that promises to make a real difference."

Staff at all three centres have been trained by the specialist organisation Fitpro which has designed junior workouts like Aerokidz, Aerojam and Team Combat. Team Combat offers a unique blend of martial arts and martial fitness in a non-competitive environment.

For full story see WSG September 6