We are still very aware that a high percentage of our young people are not doing enough physical activity for their own health and wellbeing. Research has also shown that those who are active in their younger years are more likely to be active in middle years. Brett Calvert came along to our Young Runners during the summer holidays. He had taken part in sport on and off throughout his 14 years but it was when he experienced a death in the family that he realised how sport can help at such desperate times.
‘That summer I went out on my own running around the block, it took me about 15 minutes. I found this was good when I was angry. I ran a lot when my Granddad died and I felt it helped me think about him without getting sad. By the start of 2012 thinking of the Olympics I began to think about running again. By the last term I had re-joined the school athletics team.
My Auntie suggested I joined SE fitness Young runners during the summer holidays so I did. I really liked it and was slightly competitive. I found the leaders very friendly and the tips useful for making my running faster. I never really bothered with warm ups before but now understand why I should do them. I liked that we did something different every week and I thought I got better at sprinting after we spent some time looking at how I should do this. The advice I found most helpful was body position, arm movements and how to start a sprint. SE fitness has inspired me to want to run more and I have been out a few times after school but I am finding it hard as the darker nights have got earlier’
We live in a stressful world; whether you’re a teenager like Brett or a bit older physical activity can help reduce that stress.