Alive ‘N’ Kicking

Alive ‘N’ Kicking is a children’s lifestyle and weight management service helping overweight children, young people and their families reach and maintain a healthier weight. The service provides programmes for families with children aged between 2 and 19-years-old.

Each categorised programme is specifically designed to provide age-appropriate messages, activities and behavioural strategies that will benefit the whole family.

The service is run by the sister company of Discovery Learning, which is the United Kingdom’s leading provider of vocational training courses in the health and fitness industry.

Commissioned by the West Sussex County Council, the Broadfield Community Centre in Crawley is one of the many facilities in the UK that run Alive ‘N’ Kicking courses for children and families.

With four multi-component courses designed for the age groups, health professionals cover a range of concerns varying from understanding portion sizes, sleep and dental health to fussy eating, physical health and finally how to prepare healthy snacks.

The core of the programme is to encourage behavioural change and to boost self-esteem using appropriate goals delivered in a supportive and empathetic way. It also promotes healthy habits that will positively affect physical, mental and emotional health.

The programmes engage the whole family and aim to promote a healthier lifestyle for families with overweight children in the UK. The interactive workshops educate parents on the importance of healthy eating, nutrition and increasing physical activity levels.

The team provide support and the guidance that is needed to empower people to make healthier lifestyle choices and to build self-confidence. The Young Persons programme is easily adaptable to suit a group of young people who are attending.

The objectives of this programme is for young people to gain the knowledge and confidence to change current habits and behaviours that are having a negative effect on the body through the education of healthy eating, weight management and personal empowerment.

The participants meet once a week for a nutrition workshop that is held for one hour and where possible, there is a 30 minute exercise session included, making the session a total of an hour and a half.

At some point in the course, the young people are encouraged to take part in a gym circuit-style physical activity organised by an exercise specialist at the nearest gym facility.

Being physically active is essential to helping people reach their weight loss goals. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, increases focus, boosts your immune system and increases
energy levels.

If you are interested in Alive N Kicking courses or want to contact your local team about a referral, visit: www.ank.uk.com

By Georgia Lambert