THE Swan Hill Leisure Centre is keen to get young people active, even if the netball court or the football field are not their cup of tea.
Youth program officer Dani Fleming has kicked off a program that offers fitness sessions in the gym three afternoons a week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3.30 to 5pm.
In her new role, Ms Fleming has already seen the program take off with 12 to 15 teenagers regularly attending.
For $5 per child, she shows and teachers students how to use the equipment and about “lifts, sets and reps” so they can easily incorporate fitness into their life.
“Hopefully we can continue to impact every aspect of their health (with this program)- not just physical but mental too – it’s empowering,” Ms Fleming told The Guardian.
“We’re getting the kids moving and thriving.”
“Since COVID-19, we’ve seen a lot of issues like tech-neck (which develops from staring down at a phone or device).
“But I work alongside allied health professionals to get them stretching, using resistance bands to build up that strength.”
Ms Fleming is hoping to particularly focus the program at getting vulnerable young people and those from a lower socio economic group involved, and also those who might otherwise feel excluded from the larger sporting culture in the country.
“I’m trying to break the anxiety that surrounds going into the gym and not knowing how to use the equipment,” she said.
“We’re getting their confidence up and their self-esteem is already growing.
“Especially for young people who don’t fit into tennis, netball, cricket, football, and in Swan Hill there can be a bit of pressure to fit into that.”
The general structure of the program includes 10 to 15 minutes of cardio on machines like the elliptical or the treadmill, followed by free weights – but not before a plank competition to “get a bit of rivalry involved”.
“I don’t want to stereotype, but it’s important for the girls that they can prove that they’re strong and empowered and that they can physically stand up for themselves.”
“There is also so much trouble around body image with social media and they’re seeing things that aren’t real online.
“Here, it doesn’t matter about your size and shape as long as you’re happy or content.”
Ms Fleming is working to get more schools and organisations involved so as many students as possible can benefit. Those interested in participating can contact the Swan Hill Leisure Centre on 5032 5222.
