Exercise goes high-tech

About 300 pupils from seven primary schools in the Newark area sampled a PE lesson with a difference on Wednesday.

The youngsters were split into groups and tried a range of customised exercise programmes, from salsa, tai chi and cheerleading, taught by virtual instructors.

Cyber Coach has a sound system as well as a touch screen, which is used to control exercise videos and games on a big screen.

The sessions took place in the sports hall at The Grove School’s Lilley and Stone site in Newark.

Representatives from the Bolton-based Quick Controls Ltd, which invented Cyber Coach, were at the school with staff from Newark and Sherswood District Council who talked to the youngsters about following a healthy lifestyle.

A PE teacher at the Grove, Mrs Linda Smith, said they hoped to buy a system to be used throughout the school.

She said: “It can be used by all ages and abilities.”