Working in partnership with Fife Sports & Leisure Trust, Kingdom Works launched the scheme in January as part of a holistic approach to supporting people looking for work in the area. Recognising that regular exercise can boost confidence, mood and motivation, Kingdom Works offers the free fitness classes to anyone in Fife who is over the age of 19 and unemployed, and can help with gym membership following regular attendance at the fitness classes.

Kingdom Works also offers a range of complimentary support tailored to the people they work with including finding suitable routes into employment and training, careers information, advice and guidance.

A regular attendee of the free social fitness classes said: “I have loved coming to the fitness class every week. I have come to realise that I am much more capable than I originally thought. My confidence has always been a barrier for me joining anything on my own but I’m really glad I stepped out of my comfort zone for this as I now look forward to it every week!”

Lynne Dunn, Kingdom Works manager, said: “Over the past few months Kingdom Works has developed partnerships with a range of community based organisations. This allows us to offer new activities in the areas where we operate to engage with the local unemployed workforce while promoting good mental health. It is really encouraging that so many people are taking advantage of these opportunities that can make a real difference to their health and wellbeing. When people feel happier and more confident it’s a great starting point for our team to support them with employability skills and help them navigate the local job market.”

The social fitness classes have included a variety of activities including Zumba, Vinyasa Flow, Pilates, Strong Nation, 80s Aerobics, Circuits as well as Relaxation and Well-being exercises. Everyone gets a chance to share what activities they would like to do and plan the session for the following week.

Evelyn Crichton, fitness class co-ordinator at Fife Sports & Leisure Trust, said: “I’d encourage any jobseekers to come along. Experience of fitness classes is not necessary and I am confident that participants will get a real boost from getting active. Our experience at the Trust of hosting group fitness classes is that participants get real value from the social aspect – meeting new people and sharing stories is a massive positive that people enjoy.”

The classes are for anyone who is unemployed and over the age of 19 and Kingdom Works encourages as many people as possible to come along to meet new people, get a bit fitter and chat with the Kingdom Works Team for support or employability advice. Everyone is welcome and travel expenses will be reimbursed. The FREE weekly fitness classes take place at Michael Woods Leisure Centre in Glenrothes on Mondays at 1pm.