As an increasing number of youngsters are becoming overweight VICTORIA TAGG visits a Swindon gym which is running a children's exercise club designed to make fitness fun.

Children are being encouraged to take more exercise and cut down on junk food, as youngsters are increasingly overweight.

One in ten six-year-olds is now classed as obese and among 15-year-olds the figure is almost one in five, according to latest statistics from the Government's Health Survey for England.

But the gym at Swindon's Marriott Hotel, in Pipers Way, is helping tackle the problem with a children's fitness club.

Bouncing on space hoppers, dancing to pop music and circuit training are just some of the activities on offer at the Kidz Club for five to 16-year-olds.

Since the launch of the club in the summer, scores of parents have been bringing their children to the hour-long exercise sessions.

Tim O'Mahoney, the assistant manager at the Swindon Marriott Leisure Club, said: "Youngsters are leading more sedentary lifestyles because of the couch potato culture and our reliance on cars.

"Parents are wary of letting their children play outside.

"Here they can see their friends in safety and have fun while burning off calories."

Charlotte Mortimer, 12, from Old Town, says she looks forward to the classes because they make sport cool.

She said: "I don't do much sport at school and coming here beats playing hockey.

"It doesn't feel like 'taking exercise' because we have such a laugh."

Her brother, Sean, seven, is equally enthusiastic.

He said: "I get really excited about coming here and wish we could do more sport at school."

Sean doesn't think he will ever be fat because he plays so much football.

He said: "I do like watching TV. But I love sport too, so I don't worry about my weight."

Their mother, Valerie, 40, thinks the Kidz Club is a brilliant idea because it means the whole family can keep fit.

She said: "While the sessions run, I can use the gym or swimming pool.

"It means we can all exercise under the same roof.

"My children really enjoy the classes and just let go."

Emily Di Pierro, 12, from Lawn, comes once a week to supplement the sport she does at school.

She said: "There is so much studying to do, exercise is often the last thing on your mind. The space hoppers here are brilliant and I can get fit with my friends."

Her mother, Denise, 38, thinks the sessions are a great way to unwind.

She said: "Children spend so much time sat at desks or in front of computer screens and TVs, this is an opportunity to de-stress and be active."

Besides taking exercise, members also learn about their bodies and how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Kidz Club instructor Gemma Bourne said: "We teach them which muscles are being used.

"But because they are dancing to Justin Timberlake, it doesn't feel like learning. They love it."

The sessions for five to 11-year-olds are after school on Tuesdays and Fridays and on Saturday afternoons.

Classes for 12-16-year-olds are also held on Saturday afternoons. For information call 01793 512121.