RUNNING tracks may be off limits for now but Pitreavie AAC are keeping the athletics community running – from the comfort of home.

The start line may be void of athletes up and down the country but, to make up for it, club president Paul Allan and daughter Faye have been leading members in a series of live, virtual workouts.

They held the first of their twice-weekly sessions last month following the lockdown restrictions announced by the Government and, such has been its success, it has attracted attention from a variety of other clubs, as well as British Athletics.

Paul and 10-year-old Faye, who trains with Pitreavie's under-11 age group, make use of household items, from DVD boxes to cans of food, as part of their routines, which aim to be suitable for all age groups and work on core, cardio, agility and movement skills.

Paul, who himself competes for the club in the masters' V45 category, explained: "Initially, we were thinking that we needed to keep our athletes active, and encouraging them to work as a group. It's easier with others than on your own.

"We thought, why not use our Facebook page to do sessions?

"The idea is to make it by using household items; for example, jumping over DVDs or using food tins to weave in and out. We pick up core positions and it means anyone can get involved; it covers all ages.

"It's working really well, so much so that Scottish Athletics promoted it. We've had athletes from Aberdeen, Giffnock North and a couple from Ireland join in, and British Athletics even caught on to it and promoted it as well.

"I've been quite impressed with how well it's taken off. At the highest peak of live viewing, we had 2,000 people watching.

"We're trying to keep everyone fit and healthy, and if it benefits others, then that's great."

Anyone is free to take part in a session, which take place at 7pm on a Tuesday and Thursday, and last for around 45 minutes.

Paul, who said the online training was helping to maintain a routine for club members, continued: "It shows you can do a lot in a living room.

"We try to keep it simple and utilise what we would do normally, for a lot longer in a big space, and think about how we can fit that into a living room, bedroom or different spaces.

"Most people seem to say that they enjoy it and are able to do it. We've had encouraging feedback; a few parents have said they will give it a shot, and a couple of them have!

"We'll keep going for as long as we need to. The club community has a real togetherness; we're all in this together."

Prior to each session, Paul provides an outline of equipment needed for each, and if you wish to join in, check out the club's Facebook page.

 

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