YOUNG people in the Isle of Man are being given the chance to improve their health and fitness during the summer holidays.

Body and Mind Ladies Only Fitness Centre in Douglas has launched a summer bootcamp programme designed for girls between the ages of 11 and 16.

Owner Helen Pope explained: "We have decided the run the camp to give the girls something to do over the summer months so that they don't get bored hanging around.

"Also with schools not being open they may be limited to the number of exercise options available. A lot of the clubs shut down over the summer period so we wanted to give them another option if they want to keep active."

The bootcamp is priced at £29.95 for 20 one hour sessions which take place on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays between 4pm and 5pm. All classes will be run by qualified female staff and are suitable for all levels of fitness.

Helen continued: "We will teach the girls about the importance of exercise and keeping fit. What we teach now will stay with them throughout adulthood. I truly believe that if children participate and enjoy exercise at a young age they will continue to do so for the rest of their lives – it becomes the norm for them and not something they are pushed into doing."

Classes have been designed to be fun and motivating and the fitness instructors will help girls to overcome any areas they feel they have problems with. It is also hoped that they will become a social event.

Helen explained: "I hope the girls enjoy the classes. We have designed them so that the girls can get the most benefit from them while making them fun and motivating. The girls can also use the classes as a social outlet and make new friends while having fun with existing ones."

The summer bootcamp programme will run from Friday, July 23 until Monday, September 6. For more information contact Body and Mind on 01624 616416 or click here.