Circuit classes help Borderers reach new heights

David Knox • Published 23 May 2010 11:29 0 Comments

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SOME of the Scottish Borders' fastest men have developed a short circuit - for gaining this summer's beach body.

Former sprint champion Bruce Scott, along with a few of his flying colleagues, are taking their time-tested regime to halls across the region.

Dozens of fitness fans are already flocking to take part in the 75-minute circuit classes.

And the sweaty scheme has been so successful it is ready to expand even further in the next few months.

The Earlston-based former Scottish age-group champion has been using the skip, jump and twist routines for almost three decades with many of the Borders' top athletes also benefiting from the programme.

Bruce told the Border Telegraph: "The circuits are something we built into our training programme in the 1980s and it has made a huge difference. Everyone who did circuits always found they ran better.

"We started opening up the circuit classes and took on Borders tennis players. After 10 weeks their fitness levels had improved by 40 per cent and they are all playing better than they have ever done before.

"Since taking the circuit classes out on the road, we now have a really wide range of men and women from teenagers to some in their 50s who are enjoying the benefits."

The new Active Borders session started in Bruce's hometown of Earlston last October before they expanded into Jedburgh and Selkirk.

Negotiations are already underway to start hosting classes in Galashiels and Kelso as well over the next month.

Bruce added: "Circuits work every muscle group and people quickly see results - that's why the classes are so popular.

"People can come along at any time and fit in as each exercise can be suited to different levels of fitness - from beginners all the way up to the finest athletes."

Sprinting prospect Lee Goodfellow was on hand to take Selkirk's class last week in the High School.

Around a dozen ladies were put through their paces with mini-jumps, medicine balls and more well known exercises such as press-ups and squats.

The Active Borders sessions are held at Earlston High School on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7pm to 8.15pm, Selkirk High School on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 7.15pm, Jedburgh's Howdenburn Primary School on Tuesdays between 6.15pm and 7.30pm, and also Jedburgh Grammar School on Thursdays from 7.15pm to 8.30pm.

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