A passionate fitness coach is making it his mission to inspire youngsters to create healthy habits and spend less time on their screens.
Having been interested in athletics from the age of 13, David Bush of Spalding, hopes his training classes can open the doors to new opportunities, for those who may not have access to them.
Targeting rural areas such as Cowbit and Weston Hills, the group sessions provide a fun and educational setting for youngsters to burn off energy and meet new people.
David Bush hosts the classes in his spare time alongside his full time career PHOTO: Submitted
David said: “People had told me there wasn’t anything in terms of fitness for kids in the area, and encouraged me to start something up.
“When I was 13, my mum signed me up for training at The Castle Sports Complex and I never looked back. Unfortunately, they don’t do anything like that anymore.
“There is nothing around Spalding or the surrounding villages for young people and that’s why I wanted to create something for them.
Youngsters getting stuck in PHOTO: Submitted
“I think everyone was scared to start something post covid, but with the support of other people, I decided I needed to be that person to help.”
Nearly two years on from starting Wild Bush Fitness, David has received a positive response from parents – who have been keen to sign their kids up to the classes, to stop them staying on their screens all day.
He hopes to pass on some of his own skills and experience from competing and coaching at Peterborough and Nene Valley Athletics Club, and also feels passionate to encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise and having a balanced diet.
The classes aim to keep kids fit and busy PHOTO: Submitted
“When I first started advertising, parents would get in touch with me to sign their kids up because they’d had enough of seeing them on their phones and Xbox’s all the time,” he added.
“I was fortunate that my parents took me to training when I was younger, but not everyone has that opportunity.
“Most of the kids who attend the groups are from the villages which is something I wanted to prioritise. I wanted to make sure they were easy, accessible and affordable.
Youngsters look forward to the classes PHOTO: Submitted
“I try and encourage healthy habits like nutritional tips and encouraging the kids to do activities at home and not just at my group classes.”
Following the positive feedback from youngsters and parents, David, who runs the classes alongside his full time managerial role at Bakkavor, hopes to expand the weekly sessions to other areas.
He said: “The positive feedback makes you feel good about yourself and to hear children say they look forward to coming is rewarding.”
David hosts the fitness and athletics training classes in local village halls PHOTO: Submitted
Wild Bush Fitness currently hosts training classes for ages 8-15 every Friday at Weston Hills Village Hall from 7pm to 8pm.
David also has a Sunday RunFit Club for adults and children aged 13 years plus at Cowbit Village Hall during various times of the day.
For more information and prices email Wildbushco24@hotmail.com or message 07535 780054.