Break the Cycle: Let's Get Our Youth Moving Again!

The most recent report card from 2022 on physical activity levels in young people and adolescents in Australia shows a consistently low and declining rate of adherence. Less and one quarter of children are meeting the minimum guidelines (Hesketh and colleagues, 2022). This is despite young Australians having some of the best and most available facilities and open spaces to exercise in. We were awarded a dismal grade of D- for overall levels of physical activity. Whilst this is not new information, our overall activity levels have been consistently low, this data is still incredibly alarming and requires immediate action. 

The question remains, how do we engage all children and young people in exercise and physical activity that creates lifelong behaviour change? 

Firstly, we need to address the fear of the unknown. A lack of education amongst parents, teachers and children on the benefits of exercise and resistance training and how to properly structure training is a major barrier leading to low participation rates. 

We’ve all heard the myths that lifting weights when you’re young will stunt your growth. Resistance training is unsafe for youth. Only athletes should train. Girls will get bulky from lifting weights and you need to be a teenager before you lift weights. All of these statements come from a place of concern and care for the child's well being which is perfectly understandable. However, we have the research, evidence and responsibility to confirm that none of the above statements are true. 

Fact: Resistance training can strengthen bones in childhood and adolescence (Faigenbaum et al, 2022). 

Fact: Technique focused and supervised resistance exercise is safe and effective for children (Stricker et al, 2020). 

Fact: Everyone, not just athletes will receive the neuromuscular and cognitive benefits from training (Myers et al, 2017). 

Fact: Most of the adaptations and gains from training are mostly due to changes in our nervous system and learning proper technique and efficiency (Desbrow, 2021). 

Fact: Children are ready for resistance training when they can follow instructions and directions on safety (Faigenbaum et al, 2022). 

We know the benefits, we know the reasons why. So why do participation rates remain so low? 

Unfortunately there is a lack of resources when it comes to structuring physical activity for our youth, leaving parents and kids feeling stuck for a solution ultimately leading to in-action. 

Upon further research, there are very few places that offer a solution to the general population for safe and effective exercise programs for young people. Almost all resources are placed into sporting pathways, talent ID and athletic performance programs. 

So what about the non-athletic pathways? 

What about the kids not involved in sports?

This is the gap we are hoping to fill.

Introducing our Youth Program. 

 We focus on quality and professional coaching as well as building a community of people that train and move together. These are 2 major pillars that have built Science of Fitness from the ground up. Combine this with our industry leading facilities and coaches, we believe we have the answer and ability to make a positive impact on our local community of young people. 

We want them to have the skills, confidence and knowledge on just how important it is to be active, for their physical and mental health as well as establishing connections and friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. 

We currently have two youth classes a week. Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:45 - 4:30 PM. However, watch this space, we will soon be announcing an extra 2 classes per week. 

It’s our goal to help as many young people as possible and if you’re still reading this we hope you feel the same way. If you’re wondering when you should start your child in the program, the answer is yesterday. 

The best way to find out more about who we are and what we do is to come down to the Youth Program Open Day at 9AM on Sunday the 28th of May. Tickets are free and available here. Do not miss out on this opportunity. 

Alternatively you can email info@scienceoffitness.com.au or enquire via our website to get in touch.