Hair students at MidKent College’s Medway Campus have been getting some exercise thanks to a sports engagement project being run by undergraduates at neighbouring University of Kent.
A four-week fitness programme was launched last week for students in one of the college’s many level two hair design classes. It focuses on getting girls back into sport. “We specifically wanted to aim the project at girls aged between 16 and 19,” said Jason Green - one of three University of Kent students behind the scheme. “Our market research revealed that girls are highly likely to leave sport behind when they move into post-compulsory education, so we were keen to develop a fun fitness programme that would re-engage them.”
Enjoyable aerobics classes are now held weekly for the class, which comprises mainly girls. “It’s all about getting the students to understand what benefits fitness can bring,” said aerobics instructor Julie Patching, who is running the college-based classes. “For many young women, sport is just not that trendy,” she continued. “However, a lot of them simply don’t realise just how important exercise is in preventing future health issues.”
16 year-old Katie Macinnis is pleased to be involved in the scheme. “Most of the girls in my class don’t do any exercise at all,” she said. “These classes have provided them with a great opportunity to get up and get active.
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