KINGSTON Council has launched a series of free local exercise classes following the success of similar schemes in neighbouring boroughs.
The classes are sponsored by The National Lottery-run ‘Sportivate’ project and come as part of the London-wide ‘Our Parks’ campaign, which aims to improve community fitness and maximise usage of green spaces.
Born Barikor, chief executive officer of Our Parks, said: “We are so pleased to have additional hours funded through Kingston Council and Sportivate.
“The opportunity to cover more of the borough with the initiative as we move closer to the summer months is fantastic.”
Classes, including ‘Abs, Bums and Thighs’ and ‘Box Fit Bootcamp’, will run until mid-April.
The campaign follows the success of Chessington’s ‘ParkFit’ scheme, which encouraged inactive residents to attend one-hour yoga or muscle-toning classes.
Kingston Council revealed that over the course of 20 weeks, ParkFit saw 824 visits from people in the community.
Speaking about the figures, Barikor said: “The popularity has been amazing and the dedication the parkers have shown throughout the winter months is a true reflection of the hard work the coaches and council have put behind the initiative to make it a success.
“Our Parks is so important in many ways. Not only does it improve easy access to health provision for local residents, but it also combats social isolation and utilisation of the fantastic green space across the borough.”
In a 17 February statement, councillor Andrea Craig said: “I’m passionate about the difference that sport can make to our health and wellbeing, which is why putting classes in the heart of communities was such a brilliant idea.
“Uptake so far has been even better than we had anticipated, and my hope is that residents across New Malden and Kingston get involved, get fit and have fun.”
Box Fit Bootcamp will be held in Kingston’s Canbury Park every Saturday at 10am, whilst Abs, Bums and Thighs can be found in New Malden’s Beverley Park on Tuesdays at 9.30am.
A class for children called ‘Superhero Fitness’ will be held Sunday Mornings at 9:30am at Fairfield Recreation Ground, Kingston.
For more information about classes near you, visit http://www.ourparks.org.uk.
