A CHESTER gym is offering families the chance to exercise together with the opening of a dedicated area.

Children as young as five are being invited to take part with their parents on a range of suitably designed aerobic equipment in the Total Fitness branch, Liverpool Road.

Equipment includes a rowing machine, exercise bike, treadmill and cross trainer plus Nintendo Wii and Xbox games, air hockey, a soft play area, a pool table and a dance machine.

There are also several fitness classes and activities with a focus on helping children keep fit.

Richard Milne, manager of the Total Fitness branch, said: “We are actively promoting the Change 4 Life initiative in the club with these activities.”

Moving – any kind of moving – is better than sitting around. So why not get the children off the sofa and get them involved in the activities on offer at leisure centres and gyms in the area.

Sessions on offer at Total Fitness include family karate, movement and music classes an splash sessions in the small pool for children aged between four and 14. They are also looking to introduce ballet classes from September.

For more information on the classes, call Total Fitness on 01244 393000.

THE Saab Salomon Trail Running Series is coming to Delamere Forest from July 9 at 7pm.

Perfect for mid-week training sessions or as a starter into the world of off-road running, the Saab Salomon Forest Trail is perfect for anyone moving from tarmac to trail.

There will also be a 3km fun run for beginners and younger runners aged seven upwards. Entry costs £13 and prizes will be given to the fastest runners.

To enter the series and for more information visit www.saabsalomontrails.co.uk.

NORTHGATE Arena and Christleton Sports Centre are giving Chester residents the chance to get fit for 25 days for £25.

The offer, which will run until July 31, is part of the More Active 4 Life campaign which aims to inspire one million people to be more active in their local communities.

THE Tuesday Club, Upton-by-Chester, is holding a Holiday Bible Club to take place over a week in August.

It will incorporate activities including craft activities, team games, indoor and field games to suit boys and girls. Visit www.ubc.org.uk or call 01244 377142 for more information and for dates.

CHESHIRE Cricket Board holds summer cricket courses across Cheshire, including Boughton Hall, Chester. Call 01606 871200 for more details.

SOCCER Funweeks – football courses endorsed by star footballer Danny Murphy – are being held.

They provide children aged five to 13 with training that is not only fun, but also develops their skills and all-round enjoyment of the game.

The courses are run by certified and CRB-checked coaches.

Call 01928 740008 or email info@soccerweeks.com for more details.