Every Wednesday between 1pm-2.30pm at Archway Centre (95 Roundhay Road, Leeds), OWL wellbeing activity worker Lee runs his new Fit4Free exercise group. We spoke to him to find out all the details about these exciting sessions…

What are the new Fit4Free sessions all about?

They are a great opportunity for young people to take part in a free fun fitness session and build new supportive relationships. As well as exercise, we also offer support and advice around nutrition to anyone interested about this side of fitness. Every 6^th week we invite guest fitness professionals to run more specialised classes such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and much more…

What does a typical session look like from start to finish?

All sessions begin in a relaxing environment, giving participants a chance to chat and catch-up. The fitness aspect of the session lasts for around 45 minutes and is split into a warm-up, main fitness workout and then a good stretch and cool down to finish. We then discuss the session over snacks while listening to great music selected by the young people themselves.

How does exercise help one’s wellbeing?

When we exercise the body releases chemicals called endorphins or “The happy hormone”. This hormone is proven to reduce feelings of depression and stress and promotes emotional wellbeing as well as improving energy levels and sleep.

Do I get anything out of doing all the sessions?

As well as getting the physical, mental and social benefits from the sessions, we are also giving all new members a reward card. Every session you turn up to translates as a stamp on the card… when you reach 8 stamps you’ll receive a small prize for staying so committed!

I’m not part of OWL but I’m 16-25 and I live in the area, can I still come to a session?

All sessions are for service users only and you can only attend if you are receiving support in any capacity from OWL or if you attend any of our other groups. Just speak to your support worker or leader of the group you attend and they will refer you over to us where you’ll be put on a waiting list for the free sessions and contacted when a slot is available.

You can learn about nutrition at the sessions too!

Meet the staff member: Lee Davy

I’ve recently joined Owl as one of the new wellbeing activity workers. Our role is to offer support on a 121 basis to young people by helping them engage in a range of positive activities around the city to improve their mental health. In a past life, I spent 7 years within the fitness industry working as a fitness instructor/personal trainer as well as attaining a BSc (Hons) in Sports & Exercise Science.

(Picture Credit: Smoothie photo: Element 5 and cover photo: Fitsum Admasu both via Unsplash)