CHILDREN as young as 12 are being encouraged to pump iron at Orchard Park's popular budget gym.
Volunteers at Thorpes Community Gym say they have received countless calls to allow children to use the equipment.
Now, anyone aged 12 and over can use the facility in Homethorpe, opposite The Orchard Centre.
Maxine Antcliff, a voluntary director of the gym, said younger children would be restricted to the lighter weights.
She said: "They will be allowed to use the lighter dumb-bells, but not the barbells.
"Our cardio equipment, such as the treadmills, can be used by anyone regardless of age.
"Our younger members will be encouraged to work their core body."
Since opening in February, the gym, which is funded by Hull City Council, has grown significantly.
Today, it has about 170 members, with the oldest one an 89-year-old woman.
Four fully-qualified instructors ensure that users exercise safely and help them achieve their targets.
Maxine said: "It started as a six-month pilot, but we are hopeful of gaining extra funding.
"It is a really well-used facility in the area and people seem to enjoy coming here."
Users pay only £2 to use the facility – a fraction of the cost charged by some gyms in the city.
Maxine said: "It's affordable for people.
"We do not charge an induction fee like some gyms and tailor-made programmes can be worked out, which are also free of charge."
Women-only sessions are also held and some families are already choosing to work-out together.
"We have a few machines especially made for children," said Maxine.
"We're seeing whole families exercising here.
"A man started off coming here by himself. Now, his wife and children are coming. It's great.
"They told us they used to eat a lot of takeaways and rarely do exercise. Now, they're watching what they eat and exercise regularly here."
Barbara Fox, another volunteer director at the gym, said it was important to get children away from games consoles.
She said: "The idea is to get more kids away from their Xboxes and PlayStations and encourage them to lead more active lives."
For session times and further information about joining the gym, call 01482 801551.
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