Thirteen year old Alex Baker started with Active Families in August 2014.  A year ago, Alex was eating a lot of high calorie foods, and his favourite drinks included ‘fizzies’ and cordial.  He and mum Tania enjoyed getting active, however found it difficult to get into a routine of exercise. 

In the months following, Alex, Tania and Ronda - their Active Families support person, had many discussions about healthier eating options and ways to get more active.  They explored options of going to the Whangarei Aquatic Centre, gyms, home exercise routines and getting out to play, walk and ride bikes.  Alex and Tania became very good at making healthier food choices which now sees Alex eating a good breakfast regularly, lots of fruit and vegetables throughout the day, and less junk foods. 

Midway through the programme, Alex and Tania had made some great changes to their eating habits, however they hadn’t yet settled on a preferred exercise option after trialling a number of ideas.  Tania had wanted to get a treadmill for home use for some time, and in early April it arrived.  Ronda, Tania and Alex planned routines of exercise with Alex that now include the treadmill every day after school. 

After more than a month of using the treadmill consistently and continuing to eat well, Alex achieved his best fitness test score yet.  He also lost nearly four kilograms in that time.  The next three months of the programme saw Alex lose another five kilograms, reduce his waist circumference measurement by eleven centimetres, and feel a whole lot fitter and healthier for all his efforts.  Alex graduated in August of this year and with the support of his mum Tania, they feel armed with the learnings about healthy lifestyle choices, and is confident to continue with healthy habits every day.

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).

"A fitter and healthier Alex today"