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Yoga in U.K. schools to fight obesity

LONDON: In a bid to fight growing obesity among children, some of the schools in the United Kingdom plan to introduce yoga and dance classes for thousands 10 and 11-year olds.

Fitness instructors from health clubs will be going to schools from next month to inspire children with activities not currently on the timetable, a media report said on Sunday.

"Children are getting fatter," The Observer quoted director of communications at the Fitness Industry Association, Andree Dean, which is running the scheme with government funding. "We believe that is because they are doing less activity. It is energy in, energy out equation that is leading to the obesity epidemic," she said.

Ms. Dean said hundreds of schools would be pairing up with health clubs, which would offer pupils sessions like those they provide for gym members.

"Celebrities have shown that they can build strength and flexibility through these classes and children are latching on to that." Part of the scheme will be tailored to teenage girls. Health clubs were genuinely interested in helping schools and were not doing it to attract members. — PTI

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