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Transforming School Gyms: How IndigoFitness Enhanced Student Wellbeing at Woodfield School, Coventry
At IndigoFitness, we understand the profound impact that physical activity can have on mental and emotional well-being, especially for students who face unique challenges. Our recent work in the education sector led local, Woodfield School in Coventry to reach out for our support. Woodfield School is a Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) school with a vision to be the best in the country. Serving 155 students aged 5-16 years, Woodfield is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive both academically and physically. To support this mission, we donated a complete overhaul of their gym facilities, and the impact has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Gym Before: A Space in Need of Revival
When we first arrived at Woodfield School, the gym was a reminder of the challenges the school had faced. Damaged by a previous fire, the space had been left in disrepair, and the remaining equipment was minimal, outdated, and uninspiring. The gym was rarely used, as there was little to entice students to engage in physical activity. The room, once intended to be a vibrant hub for fitness and well-being, had become a neglected space, offering nothing to motivate or inspire the students.
“Our gym space was old and wasn’t being used because of the previous fire damage,” shared Jenny Doherty, Learning Support Assistant from Woodfield School.
The Gym After: Renewed Energy
The moment we unveiled the new gym equipment, staff were excited to finally have the resources needed to plan engaging and effective lessons.
“The reaction from everyone was incredible,” Jenny continued. “Students were happy, thrilled, and thankful. They were excited to get started, and the staff were relieved to be able to plan specific lessons. The new gym has given us all a renewed sense of purpose.”
A Hub of Activity: The Gym’s New Role in Daily Life
Since the arrival of the new gym equipment, the gym at Woodfield School has become a bustling centre of activity. Students from year 7 to year 11 now use the gym daily, not only to improve their fitness but also as a tool to help regulate their nervous systems. For many students, the gym has become a sanctuary where they can manage stress and anxiety through physical activity.
This increased use of the gym has had a ripple effect throughout the school. Students who previously avoided physical activity are now regular visitors, and the overall atmosphere at Woodfield has improved. There has been a noticeable reduction in dysregulated behaviours, and health metrics have shown positive trends, with many students experiencing healthier lifestyles, weight loss, and improved fitness levels.
Success Stories: Building Confidence and Strength
The new gym equipment has already led to several inspiring success stories. For instance, three students recently participated in amateur boxing competitions—a feat that would have been impossible with the old gym setup. The RAZE Air Bike has been particularly effective in increasing their anaerobic capacity through interval training, while the RAZE Air Rower have boosted their aerobic capacity, stamina, and overall fitness levels.
Beyond these physical achievements, the gym has become a social space where students who might not normally interact are building positive relationships with each other and with staff. Staff members are also taking advantage of the new facilities, using the gym before and after school to improve their own fitness and well-being.
Enriching the Curriculum: Fitness Meets Learning
The upgraded gym has also enriched Woodfield’s physical education curriculum, with creative integration into academic subjects. For example, students use the rowing machines to practice converting meters to kilometres and working with decimal places in math lessons. Moreover, the endorphin boost from regular physical activity has had a positive impact on students’ focus and engagement in the classroom, leading to better learning outcomes overall.
Long-Term Impact: Fostering Lifelong Healthy Habits
The variety of equipment now available at Woodfield has made gym sessions more engaging, helping students stay focused for longer periods. This increased engagement is fostering a positive attitude toward physical activity, laying the groundwork for lifelong healthy habits. The gym has become more than just a place to exercise; it’s a space where students can build the physical and mental resilience they’ll need for the future.
A Message to Other Schools: The Value of Investing in Fitness Facilities
As Gareth from Woodfield School aptly put it, “Exercise and healthier lifestyles form the fundamentals of improving mental well-being. By improving our gym facilities, we have undoubtedly reduced barriers to learning, contributing to a healthier, more ready-to-learn cohort.” For any school or organisation considering upgrading their gym space, the impact of a well-designed fitness facility cannot be overstated. It’s an investment in the overall success and happiness of your students.
Why IndigoFitness?
Woodfield School wholeheartedly recommends IndigoFitness to any institution looking to upgrade their gym facilities. “If you are considering updating your school gym space, we would recommend that you contact IndigoFitness,” the Jenny said. “The staff we worked with from IndigoFitness came to visit our school and understood the importance of the work we do and what we needed to achieve to give our young people the best possible opportunities to work on their fitness and, in turn, benefit their mental health. They instantly knew what we needed to provide for our pupils and have helped us to achieve it.”
At IndigoFitness, we’re more than just gym equipment providers—we’re partners in creating training spaces that empower students to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. If you’re ready to transform your school’s fitness facilities, we’d love to help make it happen.
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