Youngsters and grown-ups in West Lothian break new ground with family fitness event

Ten-year-old Harris Wernham developed the idea of classes based on his own passion for sports and training
Primary school-aged children teamed up with grown-ups as families were put through their paces at a first of its kind event at Xcite in Bathgate.
Xcite Mini Rocks, Scotland's first ever family functional fitness event, was launched at the West Lothian Leisure venue on Sunday, May 18.
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Designed specifically for children aged eight to 11 years old accompanied by adults, Xcite Mini Rocks broke new ground in the Scottish fitness scene by putting families through their paces across eight interactive fitness stations.
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Challenges including the Weighted Ball Thruster, Slam Balls, Rowing Machine, Ski Machine and Shuttle Run were crafted to test strength, stamina, and teamwork, and proved that fitness really is more fun together.
Aimed at helping families to keep fit and have fun together, the event was designed as a challenge and celebration for all the families that take part in Family Fitness classes at West Lothian Leisure, an idea that came from a 10-year-old member of West Lothian Leisure.
Harris Wernham developed the idea of Family Fitness classes based on his own passion for sports and training with his family.
Encouraged by his mum Karen, who works for Xcite, he envisioned classes that would bring parents and children together for fun, engaging and dynamic workouts. Harris was awarded West Lothian Leisure's Young Person Rising Star Award in March as a result of his innovative thinking, and his enthusiasm for empowering families to get active side by side.
This new move by West Lothian Leisure marks an increased enthusiasm for keeping fit from young people, with the leisure trust receiving a 52 per cent uplift in the number of teen gym sessions in 2023/24 since the introduction of another pioneering initiative, the Fitness Factory, a structured programme designed to introduce 12 to 15-year-olds to a gym environment safely and effectively.
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Lorraine Pollock, Sports Development Manager at West Lothian Leisure, said: 'Xcite Mini Rocks is the first event of its kind to take place anywhere in Scotland. It's bold, it's family-focused, and it represents exactly what we stand for, bringing people together through health, movement and fun.
"Harris approached us with a vision, to create fitness experiences that kids and parents could do together. His creativity, passion and community spirit made this event and many other family fitness classes possible.'
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With over 50 participants, the success of Xcite Mini Rocks, which took place at the end of Mental Health Awareness week, signals a major step forward for community-led, inclusive fitness experiences. Keeping the event accessible was a key goal, with tickets kept at an affordable price, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Workflo Solutions, Regal Radio, RWD Joiner and Builder, Technogym, Ben Building Services, Smile Counselling, Livingston FC, and Lothian Country.
Lorraine added: 'This is what social impact looks like in real time. Families came together, kids got inspired, and our whole community showed what can happen when we think differently about fitness.'

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