Fitness For A Lifetime – Learn About Bill’s Story

Bill Brooks Jr is your typical 12 year old who loves to hang out with friends, spend time with his family, and having fun. Like many young people in our community, he has also struggled with his weight. Bill didn’t enjoy working out, and he especially despised running. His parents could tell that he did not feel comfortable in his own skin and wanted to help. After attending a few family group fitness classes, they discovered TEEN Start.

The TEEN Start Youth Weight Management Program provides an innovative approach to weight management that incorporates physical activity with healthy cooking and nutrition sessions for the family. The instructors help each child develop their fitness knowledge, skills, and confidence so they feel comfortable exercising on their own. This inspires a lifelong love of living a healthy lifestyle both for the participants and their families.

Bill participated in his first session of TEEN Start to improve his stamina and overall fitness. His least favorite part of the workout routine was running and he felt that there was room for improvement. Bill said “I thought I’d give it a try, and I’m really glad I did!” During TEEN Start, they meet for 7 fun fitness sessions that exposed the participants to new activities that included cardio and strength training.

Soon Bill would come to find that he enjoyed exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. Both staff and Bill’s mother noticed that Bill was more confident. Bill no longer hates working out and his mother Emily says “it’s nice to see his new found confidence and (see him) own it!” Not only did he improve his TEEN Start Pre testing scores, but he also improved his time running the mile at school. Bill enjoyed seeing his improvement so much that he decided to participate in TEEN Start for a second time.

TEEN Start was so much more than a fitness program to the Brooks family; it was a kick start to living a healthy lifestyle. The Brooks’ now spend quality family time together at Family Wellness encouraging and motivating each other to stay active. Bill’s Mom shared the family’s new outlook on life is “Fitness is for a lifetime, (it’s) not just to get in shape.” The Brooks’ healthy lifestyle not only happens at the gym but also at home. Healthy Cooking Classes have inspired them to put a healthy twist on family favorite meals, like pizza, in their own kitchen.

Bill is just one of many young people at Family Wellness with a story about developing a healthier lifestyle for himself and his family. The Inspire Wellness Initiative, which helps our community cook well and move well for life, supports this program and others like it. Through the generous gifts and support of our members, volunteers, and community we are able to grow the initiative and impact more families like the Brooks. Thank you for your help in making positive lifestyle change a reality for families in our community. For more information about the Inspire Wellness Initiative, click here!