Her initiative comes in the same week Highland Council launched a new strategy to encourage people of all ages to become healthier and more active.
Linda, who is based in Avoch, is running the summer camp at Fit4Less — formerly Fitness First — in Inverness and has already enrolled several youngsters from the Ross-shire area. Spaces are still available.
A committed champion of the benefits of exercise, she continued training a number of clients for free last year after funding was controversially pulled on a two-year pilot scheme which allowed GPs to “prescribe” exercise rather than pills for patients they felt would benefit.
The active referral scheme, which was backed by many medical professionals including Black Isle GP Colin Fettes, was credited with benefiting people with a wide range of complaints by easing them into appropriate forms of exercise.
Explaining the rationale behind the camp, Linda said, “If we can reach the kids at an early age and get them familiar with using gym equipment along with the more traditional forms of exercise and make it a part of their everyday life, we have a much better change to win the battle against childhood obesity.
“It is a terrific way for the children to have fun whilst exercising and making new friends.”
The three-hour camp combines traditional games like egg and spoon races, tag and dodgeball with a gentle introduction to new challenges which improve fitness and help balance and co-ordination.
Linda insists that it has been designed “for all shapes and sizes” and aims to give everyone attending a great workout.
Children attending will also learn how to use the treadmill, cross trainers, and other gym equipment during the course of the six-week camp.
To find out more, contact Linda on 077 6969 3993 or visit her website www.baileyshealthandfitness.com.
l Linda will this month begin a regular health and wellbeing column for the Ross-shire Journal which aims to answer questions posed by readers and help people become more active. She will also be offering to train two lucky readers free of charge.
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Personal Trainer Linda Bailey is launching a summer fitness camp for children Iona Spence |
