One YMCA focuses on improving the wellbeing of young people by providing mental, spiritual and physical support. Mollie’s case study truly shows the benefits our teen gym skills programme – Flex Zone (in partnership with Hatfield Town Council) can bring about.
I ended up participating in the One YMCA gym session by accident, but I’m so glad I did. I came to drop my younger brother off as he had some fitness goals for the summer. I knew I had my own too but I didn’t have a clue where to begin with fulfilling them. I wanted to find something simple and accessible, where I could learn exercises to do at home, all within a non-judgemental, supportive environment. I realised that was exactly what I’d walked into.
I had no idea what to expect at that first session. Sport had never really been a big interest of mine, but I wanted to have the stamina and energy to participate a bit more in school sports. Since joining the gym, I’ve found I’ve developed mentally, emotionally and physically.
Feeling stronger
Physically, I’m now the happiest I’ve ever been with the way I look and feel. I had a really small appetite and wasn’t eating very much, but in the eight weeks that I’ve been attending the gym I’m now eating full meals more often because I’m burning off so much energy. I’m seeing results at school as well, where I’m able to join in with the school sports lessons much more confidently and keep up with some of my class’s fastest runners. I’ve honestly surprised myself with all the things I can now do that I never used to think I’d be able to.
It’s also had a really positive effect on my mental health. I struggle with my self-esteem and managing my time – I found I could never be consistent with exercise due to how busy I was with school work, homework and hobbies. I find that because it’s only an hour session every week I can stick to it more easily, and if you’re stressed beforehand you come out feeling so much better. You also make new friends who are challenging themselves beside you and encouraging you to do your best.
Trying new things
The sessions are really well structured, with different workouts and machines to try every week. If you have any questions the personal trainers are always around to give advice and they are so supportive and encouraging about what you’ve done and how far you’ve come. I’ve been so inspired by them and I’ve learnt lots of exercises that I can try at home (which is exactly what I wanted!).
I’m throwing myself into so many new things now, knowing that one of them could surprise me and that I might enjoy doing it. I thoroughly recommend Flex Zone to anyone my age – it gives you a whole new supportive community that isn’t associated with home life or school and lots of new people to talk to.
