Generation Alpha is driving demand for fitness and health services according to figures released by ukactive today (12 November), as it publishes new guidance to support fitness and leisure facilities engaging children and young people.
A survey* of more than 1,000 children aged seven to 14 found that nearly half (49%) of children and young people say they want to be fit and healthy as they grow into adulthood, demonstrating a mature awareness of personal health and wellbeing.
Conducted with kids and family insight agency Beano Brain, the poll also found that 48% of children say they believe it is “important to keep physically active to be healthy”, signaling early recognition of its importance.
Separate figures from Sport England’s Active Lives Survey show the number of children and young people getting active in gyms and fitness facilities is growing, with a 12% rise in those taking part in gym and fitness compared to six years ago.
It means almost a quarter of children and young people (23%) are engaging in gym sessions, which equates to a population total estimate of 1,697,900, and places gym and fitness in the top 10 activities that children and young people are now taking part in.
New guidance from ukactive, titled, ‘Children and Young People in Gym and Group Exercise Facilities’, is published today and forms part of ukactive’s ‘Next Generation strategy’ for investing in the future of children and young people’s health and happiness by getting a million more active by 2030.
The guidance document has been developed and approved by ukactive’s Standards and Legislation Committee, legal experts, sector representatives, and partners specialising in physical activity for children and young people.
It will help operators to support and welcome children and young people over the age of eight into fitness and leisure facilities, with recommendations specifically relating to the gym area and group exercise sessions.
It is designed to promote the safe and optimal use of fitness and leisure facilities and includes recommendations for suitable activities, supervision of children and young people in facilities, and advice on appropriate ages for gym and group exercise activities.
It also includes practical examples and real-life case studies from leading operators and suppliers such as Everyone Active, Lifestyle Fitness, Les Mills, Nuffield Health, and Oldham Active, that are designed to help others to establish or refine their strategies for engaging children and young people.
The guidance is published as ukactive calls on the Government to recognise and support the role of ukactive’s members in driving physical activity levels among children and young people.
Just under half of all children and young people (47.8% or 3.5 million) meet the recommended average of 60 minutes of activity per day, but the Government has the opportunity to work in partnership with the physical activity sector to ensure all children and young people have access to facilities.
ukactive is calling on the Government to make physical activity a core part of its National Youth Strategy and harness the power of the sector in both this and its new PE and School Sport Partnership Network.
ukactive is working with partners across industry on initiatives and programmes that can help drive change for children and young people, including a new partnership with the Greater London Authority which aims to strengthen the connections with schools and fitness and leisure providers.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “The demand and need for gym and fitness activities among children and young people has never been greater, and we know that children value being active in safe, supportive and accessible settings such as leisure centres and gyms.
“Our members are driving the activity levels of the next generation in ways that are fun and engaging, which is vital for positive and sustained physical and mental health going forward.
“We want the Government to work with us to go even further by ensuring our sector’s facilities and services can reach every community to help create a generation of happy, healthy and more active children.
“This guidance will help our members to engage the target of one million more children and young people across the UK by 2030.”
To access the guidance, ‘Children and Young People in Gym and Group Exercise Facilities’, click here.
ukactive will be hosting a special webinar on Tuesday 2 December for operators to learn more about using the guidance – register here.
