Fylde coast college team videos the hottest US home fitness workout to boost students' wellbeing

While the college is closed amid the current coronavirus restrictions, the staff were concerned to keep their students active and boost their wellbeing.

When they heard about an 11-minute full body workout that has taken the US by storm after featuring in the New York Times, the team got together to produce a video showing everyone how to do it.

It features one minute sessions of such things as jump squats, burpees and running in place, along with periods of low activity and rest and, because it does not need any equipment, can be done easily at home.

Ross Powell, 24, from Thornton, a fitness instructor at the college's sports centre was filmed doing the routine by college cameraman Andy Robinson.

Ross said: "The workout comes from research done in the States to see how effective routines can be. It works on the principal of periods of high intensity activity followed by low intensity or rest and is a quicker way of getting your cardio-respiratory exercise.

"People might go for a run of around 40 minutes to get a decent rate of exercise but this does the same thing but in less time."

He said while some of the exercises might not be advisable for someone just starting out on the fitness trail, many are less demanding in the session to get people fitter and building up to the whole routine.

He added: "Just now in lockdown it can be hard to get motivated especially if your are stuck at home with no gym equipment. This is a full body movement routine too.

"A lot of the college staff and students have really enjoyed doing it. Some have found it difficult and are now building up to the full session.We don't want people to be put off after all, any exercise is better than none at all."

Dave Thackeray, Blackpool and The Fylde College's digital and communications manager said the college is running lots of different initiatives to help their students and others across the Fylde coast in this difficult time, such as its Students' Union currently running a Nourish to Flourish campaign.

He said: "Staying active is crucial to supporting our wellbeing - especially during lockdown.

"The Mental Health Foundation talks about how young people have been affected by boredom and frustration associated with loss of familiar activities.

"Physical activity is hugely important in all our lives - any kind of exercise makes us feel better - and I knew we had an opportunity to create something special based on an 11-minute, scientifically-researched workout published recently by the New York Times.

"Following social distancing guidelines our video expert Andrew Robinson and fitness instructor Ross Powell brought this workout to life - and we've been delighted with feedback from students and staff saying it's been fun and uplifting to enjoy a fitness routine with a friendly and familiar face."

The workout is available on YouTube and also through the college's virtual learning environment, Canvas.

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