The link between exercise and mental health is well documented and a local school has further proved this is to be the case.  

Twenty students from Alsager School were given gym membership by Everybody Health & Leisure which runs Alsager Leisure Centre.  

The initiative ran between the school year 2023/24 and saw 20 students from year 10 and 11 get involved. 

The results saw improvements in the behaviour of at least a quarter of those taking part and one parent saw how regularly going to the gym helped their child manage exam- related stress.  

But it wasn't just students' mental well-being which improved – one pupil lost three stone in weight.   

Everybody Health & Leisure said Alsager School felt the students selected would benefit from a gym membership and the physical health and mental wellbeing associated with exercise.  

"The main aim was to improve behaviour and attitude and/or engagement with learning and/or attendance using a free gym membership as the incentive," they said. 

Jianne Jardine, assistant headteacher at Alsager School said: "Alsager School is proud to be part of this new Everybody Health and Leisure initiative.  

"The offer of gym membership was gratefully received by Year 10 and 11 pupils and witnessing them achieve their personal goals this year has been truly heartwarming and inspiring.   

"We look forward to seeing the long-term benefits of living a healthier lifestyle, including self-regulation and improved mental and physical health, in the year ahead." 

Alex Challis, General Manager at Alsager Leisure Centre added: "It is great Everybody Health & Leisure can support the local community, in this circumstance, Alsager School to enhance the overall wellbeing.  

This initiative included offering selected school students on free school meals, the chance to improve their activity levels by joining our gym and giving them the space to develop their health and fitness through a free membership. It's been a positive experience and we can't wait to welcome the next cohort." 

There were some real success stories amongst the cohort: 

• 40% of the cohort had school attendance of above 90% 
• We saw improvements in behaviour of at least ¼ of the cohort 
• The biggest impact was on mental health and physical well-being 
• One pupil lost three stone in weight 
• Another used the gym as respite from quite challenging circumstances 
• A parent recognised how going regularly to the gym helped her child manage exam related stress. 

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