U7 is Exeter's largest independent gym, and we proudly stand as a leading hub of physical, social, and mental support in the community.

At the heart of our offerings is a vibrant youth section, flourishing under the expert guidance of Matt Handford, a qualified strength and conditioning coach with extensive experience, and who is passionate about working with young populations to inspire healthy and active lives. Matt is also close to the completion of his Ph.D., and this highlights his specialism in this area.

The youth section to the overall business of U7 reflects our deep commitment to fostering the next generation's health and wellbeing. We provide an array of weekly classes specifically designed for children, catering to their unique developmental needs. Further to this, we also provide outreach support for local schools and organisations to educate, and lead individualised coaching sessions with the simple focus of getting everyone moving and enjoying physical activity.

Strategically located near to the centre of Exeter in Marsh Barton, and within the local communities of St Thomas, Alphington, Exwick, and St Leonards; U7 is in a prime location to provide external and internal outreach to those that require our support.

Our youth program seamlessly integrates with the Learn. Move. Grow. initiative, embodying a shared vision of nurturing healthier, more active lifestyles among the young population. Our commitment extends beyond fitness; it's about shaping a robust, informed, and engaged community, starting with its youngest members.

Our Vision:

Learn. Move. Grow. stands as a market leader for youth health and education in Exeter. This initiative is designed to support local community groups by transforming the wellbeing of our community through physical activity and educational support. Founded by Matthew Handford, a passionate and visionary leader nearing the completion of his Ph.D., this initiative is more than a fitness programme; it's a comprehensive movement towards a healthier, more informed community.

Community Collaboration:

Our strength lies in our collaboration with Exeter's local communities. We partner with grassroots sports organisations, local schools, and other community groups, to create a network that supports and promotes active lifestyles. By working together, we're able to reach a broader audience and make a significant impact on the health and happiness of our community.

Educational Outreach:

Education is at the core of our Learn. Move. Grow. initiative. We believe in empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthier lives. This carefully designed programme shares invaluable insights and practical experiences, extending learning beyond the traditional confines of a gym. This approach fosters a culture of lifelong learning and personal growth.

Youth Empowerment:

The Learn. Move. Grow. initiative, places special emphasis on youth engagement. Our youth programme provides a variety of classes tailored to children's developmental needs. These youth classes, and the wider scope of the initiative focuses on teaching movement skills, reducing the risk of injury, and understanding the importance of physical activity in growth and development. Through these programmes, we aim to develop a love for fitness and well-being from an early age, setting the foundation for a healthier future.

Community Impact:

Our initiative extends its impact beyond physical training. We strive to create a supportive environment where every member of the community, regardless of age, can learn, move, and grow together. By fostering a sense of collective development, we not only improve individual health but also strengthen the social fabric of Exeter.

A Brighter Future:

Learn Move Grow is more than an initiative; it's a commitment to the future of Exeter. By investing in the health and education of our community today, we believe we are paving the way for a positive, more healthy tomorrow.

The Move Learn Grow initiative is dedicated to enhancing youth physical training, with a focus on encouraging children to be active and understand the significance of physical exercise.

A key element of this initiative involves supporting coaches and teachers in key areas like injury prevention, movement competency, and adapting training methods to match the various stages of a child's growth and development.

The Vital Role of Physical Training and Conditioning in Children:

Physical activity is crucial for children, not just for immediate health benefits like reducing the risk of type II diabetes, heart disease, or injuries, but also for their overall growth and development.

As children grow, their bodies undergo significant changes in size and stature, a process known as growth maturation. It's essential to understand how these changes impact a child's movement and coordination.

During growth, especially in the ages of 10-15, children often experience what's termed 'adolescent awkwardness'. This phase, marked by changes in movement and occasional clumsiness, is due to their bodies adapting to new physical dimensions. Strength training plays a crucial role here, not only in reducing the risk of injury but also in enhancing muscle and tendon strength, making children more adept at various movements.

Modern Perspectives on Strength Training for Children:

Gone are the outdated beliefs that strength training is harmful or stunts the growth of children. Contemporary scientific research has confirmed that physical and strength training are safe and effective exercises for children, particularly when conducted in a controlled environment under the guidance of qualified coaches. These coaches are adept at tailoring training to a child's specific stage of growth and choosing appropriate exercises. The objective is to instill correct movement patterns that last a lifetime, thereby making children stronger and more injury-resistant. This approach leads to increased physical activity, reduces the likelihood of sports-related injuries, and lowers the risk of certain inactivity-related diseases.

Understanding Growth Maturation:

Children grow at varying rates, and some may experience significant growth spurts earlier or later than their peers. This is a natural and scientific process. A critical phase in this process is known as peak height velocity, where children experience a rapid rate of growth. During this time, it's crucial to tailor training methods to avoid overuse injuries, which can lead to decreased activity levels and potentially limit their ability to engage in sports.

By focusing on correct techniques and ensuring that exercise workloads are appropriate for a child's capacity, we can support their healthy development while allowing them to continue their daily activities.

In conclusion, the Learn. Move. Grow. initiative meticulously ensures that all these critical aspects are taken into account, providing a holistic approach to youth physical development.

We place a strong emphasis on carefully planning and implementing strategies that cater not only to the children’s unique stages of growth and development, but also to the education of coaches and teachers.

Our initiative is dedicated to creating a well-rounded, safe, and effective environment for learning and physical activity, ensuring that both the young participants and their mentors are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for a healthier, more active future.

Coaching Services: Tailored for Excellence

Our coaching services offer bespoke packages designed to maximize the potential of both you and your organisation. We aim to impart extensive knowledge and create a positive impact on the children you work with. Whether it's individual sessions or multiple, our approach is flexible and tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.

Therapy and Rehabilitation: Restoring Confidence and Activity

Injuries, though unfortunate, are a part of sports. Recognising this, our therapy team specialises in aiding the recovery and rehabilitation process for injured children. We focus on restoring their health and re-engaging them in sports.

Working in close collaboration with Matthew Handford, our team provides comprehensive support, from the acute stage of an injury through to complete recovery and return to full fitness.

Consultation Services: Enhancing Your Coaching Skills

Our consultation services are designed to empower you with specific, targeted knowledge. We provide the tools and insights needed to upgrade your coaching skills, with a focus on areas like effective warm-up routines, injury prevention programmes, and adapting training methods for children at different stages of growth maturation.

Testing Equipment: Informed Training Decisions

We utilise advanced testing equipment to gather crucial growth and maturation data, such as height and body weight. This information helps us identify stages of growth and potential injury risks. We then share this knowledge with parents, coaches, and teachers, providing specific training advice to assist in this developmental phase.

Athletic Physical Testing: Understanding and Improving Performance

Our athletic physical testing service offers valuable insights into the athletic performance of children. This helps in identifying areas for development, setting targeted goals, and motivating children towards continuous improvement in their athletic endeavors.