Free exercise classes at leisure@cheltenham

On the weekend of 14 and 15 July you can take part in free exercise classes at leisure@cheltenham as they are holding their launch weekend. The free classes are open to members and non members, alike, and offer the chance for people to try something new and get fit in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics.

This launch weekend sees some new classes added as well as the usual body pump, spin and zumba. Over the weekend people can try their hand at trampolining, a taster badminton session for seven to 11 year olds, dodgeball, skiptrix, a skipping fitness class as well as BOKWA, the latest dance and exercise craze to hit the country, based on African dances, kick boxing and shadow boxing. holistic martial arts is also available - the class allows each student to move through gentle Tai-Chi type movements which will be very relaxing and therapeutic. Also taking place is a drop in soft play session for six months to seven year olds. This fun session offers children the chance to use the soft play, gymnastic equipment and inflatables.

All these classes can be tried out, free of charge, at leisure@cheltenham on 14 and 15 July. Classes are open to everyone on a first come, first served basis. Members and non-members are able to pre-book at customer services on 01242 528764 from Saturday 7 July.

Daniel Brookes, activities co-ordinator at leisure@cheltenham, said: “We’re offering classes to suit all ages and interests. With Olympic fever getting underway we’re giving people the chance to try out a new exercise and have some fun. There’s nothing to lose, apart from a few pounds, as the classes are free. Members of the team will be on hand to give advice and information about the various activities we have here at the centre. I’m sure the weekend will be popular so it’s best to book to avoid disappointment.’’

Cllr Rowena Hay, cabinet member for wellbeing and culture, added: “Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are so important. Cheltenham has been voted the seventh highest Local Authority area for sport in England*, so we’re hoping the launch weekend will attract a lot of interest and give people the chance to try something new.”

To celebrate the launch classes leisure@ will also be offering reduced joining and membership fees over the weekend.

A photographer is welcome along to the sessions.

For media enquiries, contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer, Tel: 01242 264154 or email kelly.carter@cheltenham.gov.uk

Class timetable

Saturday 14 July

9.00-10.00am Circuits (sports hall)
9.00-9.45am Spin Cycling (spin room)**
9.15-10.00am Body Step (dance studio)
9.30-10.30am Beginner Badminton (ages 7-11) (sports hall)
10.00-11.00am Holistic Martial Arts (multi activity)
10.05-11.00am Body Pump (dance studio)
10.15-11.00am Extreme Spin (spin room)**
10.45-11.45am Dodgeball (sports hall)
11.05-11.50am Body Conditioning (multi activity)
11.15-12.15pm Beginner yoga (dance studio) (class filmed)
12.10pm-1.20pm Trampolining (sports hall) (disabled)
12.20pm-1.20pm BOKWA (dance studio)

Sunday 15 July
9.15-10.15am Body Combat (dance studio)
9.30-10.20am Zumbatomic (ages 4-7) (multi activity)
10.30-11.20am Zumbatomic (ages 8-12) (multi activity)
10.30-11.15am Soft Play (ages 6mth-7) (sports hall)
10.30-11.15am Zumba (dance studio)
10.30-11.15am Spin Cycling (spin room)
11.30-12.30pm Body Balance (multi activity)
11.30-12.30pm BOKWA (dance studio)
12.35-1.20pm Skiptrix (skipping fitness) (dance studio)
5.30-6.30pm Yoga (multi activity)

**You may only book on one of these classes

Visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk or contact customer services on 01242 528764 for further information.


*From Sport England website http://www.sportengland.org/research/active_people_survey/active_people_survey_6.aspx