The system, Gymkids Elite, is to be piloted in three schools in Bedfordshire initially and will be integrated into primary school PE lessons as well as being utilised in a partnership-
Childhood obesity continues to be an increasing problem in the UK, with rates trebling over the last 20 years. Currently 10 percent of 6-year-olds and 17 percent of 15-year-olds are considered to be obese.
Gymkids Elite, which utilises Veqtor Sport technology, connects to the exercise equipment a child is using and allows them to compete with other children connected to the same system elsewhere by being able to watch themselves as they row, run or ride in a virtual race against other racers on a screen.
“We are using Big Lottery Fund money to pilot the Gymkids Elite system as a way of re-engaging 45 pupils aged 5-8 who are perceived to have low levels of fitness,” explains Kay Garrod, Partnership Development Manager for North Bedfordshire.
“We are looking for the pilot to give these children a new level of enjoyment and increased motivation.”
A number of special Elite packages will be available to schools, from just the transmitter (which enables five pieces of equipment to be connected at the same time) to a full suite, with exercise equipment and screens. A sound-only option is also available for schools for the blind or with limited access to ICT equipment.
The packages also come with a variety of racing environments including a river course for rowing and a Tour de France-style course for cycling, which can be used to easily create rowing or cycling leagues.
“Gymkids Elite offers a ready made solution for competitive sport that not only reduces the demands on teachers’ time outside of school, but with schools being able to link up over the Internet to compete with each other, it saves on transport issues and costs,” explains Rick Dalton, Gymkids’ Director of Educational Development.
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Joe Palmer or Howard Robinson
Early Doors
T: 0207 754 5560
E: joe@earlydoors.com or howard@earlydoors.com
About Gymkids
Gymkids are suppliers of a range of children’s fitness equipment and programmes, suitable for use in schools, hospitals, gyms, health clubs and leisure centres. The products are not intended to enhance muscle development but, under adult supervision, to encourage children to enjoy fitness and take part in regular cardiovascular activity. In using the products, children will only ever push against their own weight. The objective is to make exercise fun from an early age and, in so doing, help engender healthy, active habits that will last a lifetime.
The company is a specialist in the area of children's fitness and its team comprises a number of education specialists. They are able to give advice on how the company’s fitness products can be used within the PSHE curriculum to variety to exercise, PE or gym-based classes, or in conjunction with the "Healthy Schools Programme".
For more information, visit www.gymkids.co.uk
