A GYM owner in Abercarn wants to tackle obesity among youngsters and has used Hallowe’en-themed activities this week to kick-start engagement with local children.

Oblivion CrossFit owner Matthew Hughes, 31, used pumpkins to inspire the children at a class for five to 11-year-olds. The kids used the pumpkins to do squats, among other body-weight exercise routines, and were later allowed to take them home along with a nutrition sheet.

Mr Hughes said: “Our kids’ classes have only been running for a few weeks and we’re trying to spread the word.

“The Little Fire Breathers scheme is for five to 11-year-olds but we’re looking to start classes for 11 to 16-year-olds from the middle of November.

“We’re trying to tackle obesity because it’s a big problem, and we’re trying to do it by showing people there are fun ways to do exercise.”

The gym is centred, as the name suggests, around crossfit exercises – a mixture of body weight exercises, distance movements and movements with weights. But now the gym wants to expand and include youngsters to try and tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity.

Based at Unit 22 on Abercarn Industrial Estate, the gym opened in October last year.

If you or your children want to get involved with the Little Fire Breathers scheme, visit oblivioncrossfit.com.