Winchester leisure centre launches new exercise class to reduce gender gap
This comes after the Active Lives Adult Survey reports that women remain less likely to exercise than men
'This Girl Can' exercise sessions. PHOTO: EMD UK
Submitted by Everyone Active
Winchester Sport & Leisure Park in Hampshire will host a series of free ‘This Girl Can’ exercise sessions, to reduce the gender gap in sport and fitness.
The Active Lives Adult Survey reports that women remain less likely to exercise than men and it’s hoped the new classes will help to redress the balance.
The 60-minute workouts have been designed for woman of all ages and abilities.
Everyone Active, in partnership with Winchester City Council, will be hosting the sessions from Monday, February 7.
The sessions are in support of the Sport England campaign with the same name.
The hour is split into sections which include a warm-up, three 10-minute exercise blocks and a cool-down.
The exercise blocks include any combination of dance fitness, boxing fitness, move, tone or yoga-inspired stretch, so participants can experience a variety of activities.
Class leaders have undergone a 'This Girl Can' training course with EMD UK, which is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
Everyone Active membership is not required to attend the sessions.
Alison Norman, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “It is vitally important that we play our part to close the gender gap when it comes to exercise.
“We want to offer opportunities for more women to get active and have fun in a supportive environment and believe these classes provide an ideal route into regular physical activity, for those who wish to take it further.
“The classes are accessible and are designed to appeal to women who would like to dip their toe in the water and see how their local leisure centre can help them exercise and improve their fitness.
“We hope women from the community will come down to their local centre, take part in a class and begin to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities on their doorstep.”
Cllr Angela Clear, cabinet member for communities and well-being at Winchester City Council, added: “This Girl Can reaches out to women and girls of all backgrounds and ethnicities, this is a fantastic opportunity to get active, build confidence and have fun.”
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