Cherwell District Council (CDC) are offering teenagers the opportunity to work out at reduced rates at Spiceball in Banbury.

Active Teen is a new membership scheme for 11 to 15-year-olds which is available on weekdays and Saturdays. Teenagers who attend the gym six times in eight weeks will be offered a free month of membership, thanks to Cherwell’s investment of Sportivate funding.

Cllr George Reynolds, Cherwell’s deputy leader, said: “The district’s gyms offer a fantastic range of activities including everything from weights to spinning, cardio and tai chi.

“Those who take up regular exercise at a young age are more likely to have healthy, active lifestyles when they grow up. By investing the funding from Sportivate, we are making it easy for the district’s young people to experience everything the gym has to offer and find the exercise that works best for them.

“Regular exercise boosts young people’s confidence and vitality, and I am calling on as many of Cherwell’s teenagers as possible to make the most of these great offers.”

Sportivate is a national scheme which funds local authorities to offer additional sporting opportunities for youngsters. The Active Teen Programme is also supported by not-for-profit organisation Legacy Leisure, which was set up to further the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.

Active Teen membership is offered at Spiceball, Bicester, Kidlington and Gosford; and Woodgreen leisure centres. Classes and casual gym sessions are offered for £3.70 a time and the monthly membership is priced at £21.50 per month, although this is offered for free to those who attend six times in eight weeks.