Free gym time helps pupils combat stress

Apr 29 2009 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

THE final exams at secondary school can be a stressful time – but senior pupils from St Aidan’s High School in Wishaw will have the opportunity to keep their minds and bodies fit next month.

Fifth and sixth year teens who are on study leave will have access to free all-inclusive health and fitness memberships which will allow them unlimited use of gyms, swimming pools, health suites, fitness classes and weight loss clubs.

And pupils are planning to take full advantage of the offer. Daniel McGarry (17), a sixth year pupil at the school, said he would be using the gym to get himself into shape, while David Tonner, also aged 17, said he had used the service last year and was impressed.

Study leave membership is available to all pupils in North Lanarkshire and covers 11 different leisure centres including Wishaw Sports Centre, Shotts Leisure Centre and the Aquatec in Motherwell.

Jillian Kennedy, a fitness instructor for North Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “The service is free for a month but after that they get it for only £8 for the rest of the summer. We run the scheme during the summer and encourage students to keep fit while they are studying.”

Last year, over 600 students took advantage of the offer and around 200 continued their membership after it had ended.

The scheme aims to ensure pupils can effectively manage the potential stresses of exams by taking time out to enjoy health and fitness activities, which have been proven to boost body and mind.

Councillor Jim Logue, chair of North Lanarkshire Leisure and convener of learning and leisure services, said: “This initiative is about supporting our young people at one of the most challenging periods of their lives and I would encourage pupils to take advantage of this great health and fitness offer. I am delighted our youngsters will have this opportunity during their very important study leave period and wish them all every success during exams.”

Blane Dodds, chief executive of North Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “We are confident pupils will benefit hugely from this scheme, both in terms of their physical fitness and from the added mental edge that can come from exercise during their all important study period.

“North Lanarkshire Leisure staff look forward to welcoming pupils to our leisure centres during the study period ”