A student from Kingswood has been helping to keep her neighbours stay active with a street-wide fitness class.
Health and social care student, Vicky Newport, has been busy during lockdown, getting her neighbours together for an outside active session.
The 20 year old from Kingswood had been completing her work experience at SGS College with the Sports and Enrichment team before lockdown took hold. Here she undertook sports sessions for special educational needs learners which gave her the tools needed to hold these classes for her neighbours.
Vicky said: “I thought running a street fitness session would not only help people in my street come together at this difficult time but also keep them fit and healthy.
"I wanted to use the skills I have gained throughout college and my placement to help people and I know that fitness is not only good for physical health but also mental health.
“I was inspired to run the fitness classes as I would like to teach physical education in the future.
"It is hard enough during lockdown and I felt the fitness class each week would give my neighbours who are home, something to look forward to each week and to feel good about themselves for completing it.
"I tend to work on many areas of the body so a few exercises will be targeted for legs, arms and core. I begin and end with a warmup and cooldown.
"Most of my neighbours, who are families with children, join in and I have also had a couple join in too. Even the people who are a lot older get involved but instead of joining in they sit and watch and cheer us on with clapping. It really is a great atmosphere.”
Activity development officer and Vicky’s work placement mentor, Megan Knowelden, added: "When completing work placement with the Sport and Enrichment team, Vicky was extremely confident and always jumped to support those who needed the most help.
"She would happily take on responsibility and on many occasions ran sport sessions independently.
"It is amazing to see what Vicky has done and her desire to help others is amazing. Great job Vicky - you should be very proud of yourself."
