As part of the school’s efforts to encourage healthy living amongst staff and pupils, King’s Hall School has installed a gym in its sports hall.
The independent school in Taunton has expanded from a single exercise bike (donated by a parent) to a working fully-facility, complete with cross trainers, weights and a section for floor work. The school said it will continue to add new equipment to the facility.
As well as helping pupils to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the gym is designed to aid recovery and provide strength and conditioning. It is is also open to staff who want to stay fit and healthy during the work day.
The King’s Hall gym is currently used by year six, seven and eight pupils as part of their weekly PE lessons. The school said it wishes to teach children how to use the equipment safely and sensibly, whilst igniting a love of physical fitness and healthy living.
The gym has made a huge difference to the school community; not only in the way pupils approach their sports, but in all aspects of their education
The facility also forms part of the school’s co-curricular offering, with a specialist gym club running four times per week.
Director of sport Ali Halls said: “The gym has made a huge difference to the school community; not only in the way pupils approach their sports, but in all aspects of their education.
“Starting a new fitness journey can be hard, but we believe that with time and dedication our pupils can feel comfortable in a gym surrounding. This is particularly important, especially for those children passionate about sport and/or interested in a sporting career.”
Headmaster Justin Chippendale added: “With our own version of the Park Run, the King’s Loop and the recent addition of this excellent equipment, I love the fact that increasingly our children talk about healthy lifestyle and regular exercise as if it were just an assumed part of their routine.
“The uplift from a strong base in enthusiasm and the benefits it brings have created a halo effect in many other areas, too.”
