Newton Mearns doctor’s lunchtime fitness classes for kids during lockdown

Dr. Ashley Walton, 29, from Newton Mearns is a fitness instructor with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, who are offering workout sessions especially for children to start and round up the week during lockdown.

The short sessions encourage kids to get moving and have been scheduled at lunchtime to help fit around the homeschooling schedule and will also be available to catch up at any time.

Dr. Walton said: “Children’s whole worlds have been turned upside down again as most are away from their schools and friends. It’s not the same for those in the key worker hubs either as they may have different teachers, friends and reduced class sizes.

“We wanted to offer these sessions to help kids shake off any worries and focus on feeling good. The classes will be suitable for any age and stage and will last twenty minutes, as we know parents and children are juggling home schooling and work commitments.

“We hope these sessions will offer kids something to look forward to and help look after their mental and physical health.”

Ashley is a doctor at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and has continued to work with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure to host online adult fitness classes during the pandemic, as well as online kids’ yoga, mindfulness and exercise classes.

She added: “I think it’s very important for people to look after their wellbeing and mental health just now, including children, so it’s great that East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure is running these classes for free so everyone can access them from home.”

Ashley, who also has a two year old son, usually teaches 27 fitness classes per week, including sessions at Eastwood Park Leisure Centre and Barrhead Foundry.

Move with Ashley will take place live on Mondays and Fridays at 12.30pm and classes will be available on catch up. To take part, visit the East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Facebook page