The children enjoyed the celebration along with The National Lottery who provided funding to pay for the fitness equipment.
10th June 2019
Fresh Air Fitness have already installed outdoor gyms into 3 of the primary schools across Frays Academy. Having seen the huge benefits these gyms have given the children at these schools, Head of School, Mr Davies wanted to promote health and fitness in the same way at Cowleys St Laurence. “At my previous school we had one installed and we saw the benefits of that, we wanted something that would be long lasting and the children would get excited about and that they could use throughout the day, particularly at lunchtimes and breaktimes."
The school wanted to ensure that children stayed more active throughout the day and that they had variety during their PE lessons and afterschool clubs to boost engagement. Shaun McAuley, Director of Sport said, "It has been hugely successful in our other schools throughout the trust. It’s really increased physical development levels. Structured playtimes have been really good in terms of behaviour management. Afterschool clubs have improved in terms of participation levels. Lots of children are now signing up."
Fresh Air Fitness installed a nine-piece outdoor gym from their Children’s KS1 & 2 range of equipment. There was lots of excitment when local MP Boris Johnson came to the school to unveil the gym. The whole school was part of the event. “It was fantastic to have Boris Johnson here to open this new gym equipment. This new apparatus will have a hugely positive impact to the wellbeing of local young people, and we’re grateful to National Lottery players for making this a possibility”, said Mr McAuley.
The outdoor gym is great fun to use, getting the whole body moving, swinging or cycling. It is also very social, many products can be used by 2, 3 or 4 children at the same time, perfect for break and lunchtimes when friends want to be able to play and talk to each other while burning off energy ready for learning back in the classroom.
The cardiovascular equipment, including the new Cardio Combi, Air Skier, Elliptical Cross Trainer, Double Cross-Country Skier and Rider really elevate the heart rate, get the children moving and burning energy. They also build strength in the arms, legs and core muscles. Children used to regular physical activity can move at a faster pace, while others can move at a slower rate, building up stamina and fitness overtime.
The Arm and Pedal Bikes, Hip Twister and a Seated Leg Press, facilitate whole body strength building, tone, flexibility, balance and coordination.
The nine-piece gym provided 17 user stations allowing 17 children can use the gym at once.
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