'I don't want to look silly' - why people in West Berks don't use the gym

Looking silly, being too busy and not knowing what is on are three reasons why people in West Berkshire don’t try to get fit.

A survey to inform the council’s newly approved leisure strategy also heard from young people who felt they were all treated like they were going to cause trouble.

Not feeling welcome and leisure centre staff tarring every young person with the same brush with assumed bad behaviour was a key take out of the survey, which also heard from young teenage girls that they did not want to go to the gym with young teenage boys. They want their own space.

A range of groups and individuals were asked for their views to inform the leisure strategy approved at last night’s (Thursday) meeting of West Berkshire Council’s executive committee.

“I have many male patients who think that yoga is for women and women who don’t think football is for them,” said one respondent, pointing to a need for more specific activities for older men.

“Many men are ‘taken’ to things by their wives,” they said.

Others feared ‘looking silly’ doing exercise as they felt ‘so far away from a starting point mentally and physically'.

A lack of clear communication and ease of finding information about activities was also highlighted.

The approval of the strategy means a delivery plan will now be drawn up.

Among the key spends are around £5m on the Newbury Lido refurb and £5.5m on the playing pitch strategy.

Redevelopment of Northcroft Leisure Centre will get £4.5m, with a refit of the Kennet Leisure Centre getting £200k, Henwick Worthy getting £175k and Hungerford getting £140k

“Where there is clear evidence of local demand for new facilities we will explore ways to deliver them, whether on our own or in partnership, or with the many volunteers who contribute hugely to the diverse range of sport and leisure opportunities already available in the district,” said Howard Woollaston, (Con, Lambourn), portfolio holder for leisure.

“Equally, where investment would benefit existing facilities, we will work to offer this, ensuring the sustainability of community assets.

“During the lifetime of this strategy, we will scope and deliver projects which enable local people to be more active in the community and engage in a variety of leisure pursuits, adding value to their lives and to the vibrancy of the district.”

A report to the executive said the pandemic has demonstrated that active leisure is undertaken in many ways, often outside a formal leisure facility or programme. Walking appeared top in the survey of activities undertaken.

“We wish to support everyone, particularly those people that are not currently partaking in active leisure, to get involved and enjoy the benefits, and will be seeking ways of improving accessibility and variety of opportunities,” the report said.

When asked about what needed to change to encourage participation, the top three issues, that the council could impact, were cost, confidence and the need for accessible information on what is available.

More flexible booking systems are also identified as a need.

The strategy also points to measurably enhancing access to, and utilisation of green space and blue space, through improving accessibility and awareness of open water, waterways, parks, commons and Public Rights of Way.

So the council plans to invest in improving accessibility to green space through provision of safe routes and facilities for disabled access.

It will also improve the provision of facilities for young people in parks and open spaces.

West Berkshire Council runs seven leisure centres - but they have had little investment for the best part of 20 years.

Most of the West Berkshire health and fitness gyms opened pre-2000, with ten sites in the 1990s and eight sites in the 1980s. Only four of the total 32 West Berkshire sites have opened since 2010.

In 2021 the average age of the 17 sports hall sites was 28 years and the average age of the public leisure centre sites was 29 years. The oldest sports hall site is located at Park House School and opened in 1961.