Introduction
This guidance supports gym and leisure facility operators to safely include children aged 8–17 in gym and group exercise settings. It outlines recommended age-based access, supervision levels, safeguarding duties, staff training, insurance needs and induction processes. The document emphasises safe equipment use, inclusive practice for SEND/ALN participants, and adherence to national physical activity guidelines. Case studies show how operators successfully increase youth participation through structured onboarding, trained staff and adapted programmes.
