Inverness Leisure is increasing its support to young gym goers with dedicated resources and ‘guest coaches’ appearing in the gym regularly to offer advice and guidance, particularly in relation to weight training.
This new focus on delivering a quality experience for gym users under the age of 16 coincides with changes to arrangements for gym access – from 6th May, under 16s will need to be accompanied by a person over 18 after 6.30pm, Monday to Thursday (ratio of one responsible adult to two under 16s).
Steven Clelland, Manager of Inverness Leisure explained: “We find that our busiest period for under 16 gym goers is between 4pm and 6pm, so during these times, we aim to provide more expert staff and resources on hand to offer support. It is important for their own physical wellbeing and safety – and the safety and enjoyment of other users – that they are using equipment properly and have good, solid techniques.
“To ensure all our members can have an enjoyable gym experience, we have taken the decision to introduce an adult supervision policy after 6.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We hope this move won’t impact peoples’ routines too much and would stress that these new arrangements only apply on the times and dates outlined.”
To support under 16s who prefer to visit the gym after 6.30pm, Monday-Thursday, special offers are being made available to parents and carers who are not currently High Life members or who have not completed a gym induction at Inverness Leisure. A transition period is also being put in place, which will allow continued access for under 16s to the gym after 6.30pm without an adult until 27th May.
Head of Leisure at High Life Highland, Graeme Ross explained: “At High Life Highland we are keen to support our young gym goers, helping them on their fitness journeys, so we want to make the transition to these new arrangements as easy as possible for families. Therefore, we are continuing our 7-day pass offer during May and offering free gym inductions.
“No under 16s will be turned away if they arrive for an evening work-out before the 27th May, as we recognise that parents and carers have busy lives and will need time to make the necessary arrangements to help them comply with this new policy.”
Under 16s will be able to continue to enjoy the gym facilities at Inverness Leisure at any time Friday to Sunday.
Have a question about these changes? We have created a special FAQs page to help answer some of the common questions.
If you have any concerns or wish to ask us a question, please feel free to reach our team at Inverness Leisure by email: [email protected]