Kids – it’s fun to be fit!

A whole week of fun activities for children is being offered in Scarborough, Whitby and Malton this July to encourage their interest in getting fit, keeping healthy and living longer.

To coincide with National Childhood Obesity Week, local children's dietitians and leisure providers have teamed up to offer a variety of free or low cost activities for children and young people of all shapes, sizes and fitness abilities.

Claire Ramsey, Paediatric Specialist Dietitian from York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust explained: "Children over the age of five need to be active for at least 60 minutes everyday on top of any activity they do in school. Introducing our children to new and exciting activities can spark their interest in getting fit, keeping healthy and living longer.”

"Nearly one in three children in the UK are obese but their families may be unaware of the problem. Long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes can develop in the future but during childhood overweight children can develop joint problems and sometimes find it difficult to keep up with their friends. Eating healthily is very important but increasing activity will help improve health, fitness and self-esteem."

The event runs from Monday 1 until Sunday 7 July and includes a number of free activities at various gyms and sports centres. Fun2bFit activities in the Scarborough area include childrens and young peoples bootcamps, circuit training and badminton at Scarborough Leisure centre, Filey road (all free of charge). If your child has a more adventurous spirit then why not have a go at climbing at Sunset gym. Hunmanby Hall Sports centre are offering their junior classes at half price and a woodland walk for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Whitby Leisure centre are welcoming children over 12 years old in their hi-tech gym where you can work towards completing the Tour de France or New York Marathon while enjoying your favourite television programme, listening to music or social networking with a free 7 day pass following an induction if booked during the week of 1^st-7^th July. You can also have free access to the swimming pool for the whole week and for a small charge you can join in their Fit Club which runs on Saturday mornings and includes various activities.

Malton Community Sports centre are offering mixed dodgeball working to improve fitness and agility and multi-sports to allow your child to experience a number of new and more adventurous sports helping them to find an activity that engages their interest and which helps them get fit for fun!

Booking is not necessary but if you would like more information contact Scarborough Children's Dietitians 01723 342415 or any of the above named Leisure providers.