EDUCATION - PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Cowley St Laurence Primary school is one of 5 schools within Frays Academy Trust. Having seen the success of the outdoor gyms installed into sister schools, Cowley St Laurence were keen to install an outdoor gym at their school for their children to benefit from too.
“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 break-times." Head of School, Mr Davies. The school wanted to ensure that children stayed more active throughout the day, especially during break-times and that they had variety during their PE lessons and after school clubs to boost engagement.
Having secured funding from The Big Community Lottery Fund, the project could progress. With concerns over childhood obesity levels, the school needed a solution that would encourage every child to get involved, even those who wouldn't normally choose to be physically active during break-times.
Fresh Air Fitness supplied and installed a nine-piece outdoor gym from their Children’s KS1 & 2 range of equipment. The selected products provide many benefits. They are fun to use, getting the whole body moving, swinging or cycling. They are social pieces, many for 2, 3 or 4 children to use together, great for break and lunchtimes when friends want to take the opportunity to chat at the same time.
The cardiovascular equipment, including the new Cardio Combi, Air Skier, Double Cross Country Skier, Elliptical Cross Trainer and Rider. These 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 those who don’t can move at a slower rate, building up stamina and fitness overtime. While two Arm and Pedal Bikes, a 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.
The gym was opened by local MP Boris Johnson, much to the excitement of the entire school, “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. “It makes the playground look really exciting. I would recommend Fresh Air Fitness gyms to anyone”.
“We chose to work with Fresh Air Fitness on this project because it's a company that we’ve worked with before at our other schools and we found them a very good company to work with. It's been a really easy process and the equipment itself is very good and the children will enjoy it for years to come”, said Mr Davies.
If another school was looking to make a similar purchase, I would definitely recommend Fresh Air Fitness. The equipment is very good for promoting high levels of fitness and it’s something enjoyable for the children and in a time when obesity is on the rise, it’s certainly something that I think other people should consider.
MR DAVIES, COWLEY ST LAURENCE PRIMARY SCHOOL
It makes the playground look really exciting. I would recommend Fresh Air Fitness gyms to anyone
SHAUN MCAULEY, DIRECTOR OF SPORT, FRAYS ACADEMY
‘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.
SHAUN MCAULEY, DIRECTOR OF SPORT
