Fitness 

The Be-YOU-Tiful Project

After noticing a trend among the girls of low physical activity levels and a decline in mental health, a survey was conducted among a cohort of Year 7-10 girls to determine their thoughts and feelings towards Health and Fitness. From the 155 students who completed the survey, a few results spoke volumes:

• 31% of those girls identified that they are only getting up to one hour of moderate- high intensity exercise per week.
• 40% of those girls identified the reason behind why they exercise is for physical appearance and only 12% did it for the health benefits.
• 85% of the girls said they suffered from low-self-esteem or body image concerns.
• 71% identified that social media had a negative effect on their self-confidence.

This is how the Be-You-Tiful Project was created. The project is an all-girls health and fitness program designed to equip young girls with the tools and knowledge to live healthy and fulfilling lives. It provides the girls with a safe and non-judgmental environment to work out in. We aim to build positive self-esteem amongst the girls and a movement of girls supporting girls. 

The girls come together twice a week on a Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon to train together where each session vary giving them the opportunity to participate in various forms of exercise such as, circuit training, strength and conditioning, boxing, water aerobics, Pilates, Xtend Barre and more. Each girl who attends also receives an online e-book/journal to log workouts, track their food and water intake, note sleeping patterns and daily mood. 

Take a look at what some of the girls have to say about the program:

‘I love how the program is a very welcoming, non-judgmental and motivational environment. Everyone is happy to have a laugh together and try new things. Everyone motivates each other. I show up every week knowing that I am going to have a good time and get a great workout out of it.’

_ Paige Hale, Year 10

‘I attend the Be-YOU-Tiful project because it is such a positive environment and no one is made to feel like they are not good enough and everyone is treated equally. We work hard while we are having fun and it is a really good way to build confidence and strength. I really like that Miss Isard and the other teachers always encourage you to do your best and they join in as well.’

_ Bianca Valenti, Year 10

Ms K Isard 

(Health and Physical Education Teacher)