In recent years there has been a shift in acceptance, a growing trend in young people attending gym facilities to exercise. For the modern adolescent ‘hitting the gym’ has become a very popular activity option. It encapsulates the ‘flashy’, fast pace, individual focused, user pays environment our young people are growing up in.

The fears parents may have around their children growing up too fast, building self-worth off appearance, and whether gym exercises/routines are safe, are wholly outweighed by the benefits. Gyms and trainers are much more adept at working with young people and their families, and structured activity in a safe environment may be just what the doctor ordered if we’re to make inroads on the growing trend of our heavier, less active generation.

In Bronson Fred’s case, the gym stopped him from giving up on physical activities because of injury, instead enabling him to improve his strength and fitness with the aim of returning to playing sport.  After a serious knee injury, 15 year old Bronson was left with few options. With the support of his doctor and his family, Bronson was referred to the Green Prescription Active Families programme. 

Active Families is a programme for five to 18 year olds and their families to support them to get more active and improve their nutrition. The emphasis of the support programme addresses a number of health impacting factors in addition to exercise and nutrition. These include goal setting and planning, and participation as a family.

Active Families Coordinator Mark Burkill, helped Bronson get started at the gym with a routine at Kensington Fitness.  He was assessed and instructed on suitable exercises for his ability, prior experience and in working with his injury.  With a solid plan in place, Bronson quickly became a regular at the gym, attending three or four times a week after school. He met with Mark each month and made some very positive changes on the nutrition front also.  “Over this year, Bronson has made a raft of nutritional changes; choosing lower sugar cereals, eating breakfast more regularly, replacing sugary fizzy drinks with water, and eating more fruit” says Mark.

Bronson has now graduated from the Active Families programme and intends to continue his exercise at the gym in the long term.  His final fitness score illustrated a 44% increase on his initial test and is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his exercise.  Well done Bronson.

If you or anyone you know would benefit from a Green Prescription and would like to know more, please contact the Green Prescription Team at Sport Northland on 0800 ACTIVE (0800 22 8483)

Pictured - Gym regular Bronson Fred - fitter, stronger, healthier